Salamis

Salamis is located in the northern section of the Saronic Gulf and is the closest island to Attica, as the strait of Pachi to the north-west and the strait of Perama to the east have a minimum width of only 500 metres and 1,200 metres respectively . Salamis is the largest island of the Saronic Sea and understandably has a fishing tradition, moreover it is inseparably and in various ways connected with the centuries-old history of Greek war and commercial shipping .

The oldest evidence of human presence dates back to the third quarter of the 6th millennium BC, while the island flourished during the Late Bronze Age . At about the end of the 7th century BC Salamis came under the rule of the Megarians, while in the middle of the next century, it was annexed to Athens . Among the rich archaeological finds from various periods that have come to light from time to time in Salamis and its nearby islets, e .g . Peranisi and Talantonisi, fishing tools are included .

On September 22, 480 BC the history-changing day-long naval battle between the Greek and Persian fleets took place in the straits of Salamis . Information from ancient sources about the opposing forces varies, but the Greeks must have had about 370 ships, while the Persians at least twice as many . What is certain is that the Greek victory stopped the Persian spread in Europe, saving democracy and Western civilization by extension, while it was a source of inspiration for many artists throughout the centuries . Nowadays, various events are organized on the island to celebrate the anniversary of the naval battle with the name “Salaminia” .

During the Byzantine era, Salamis suffered several enemy raids and seems to have been partially abandoned, while in the 12th century the island became notorious as a den of local and Italian pirates who plied the Argosaronic Sea . During the Turkish rule, the Salaminians were obliged to supply the Ottoman fleet with tar and timber . In 1771, after the Greek rebellion instigated by the Russians (Orlov Revolt) in the Peloponnese failed, the commander Dimitris Lekkas, better known as Mitromaras, formed

Seaside view of Perdika, a lively fishing village

a light flotilla in Salamis and carried out raids in Attica, the Megarid and Euboea; however, his rebellion was soon suppressed by the Turks .

In 1878, a large part of the facilities and activities of the Greek State’s naval station was transferred from Poros to the monastery of Faneromeni in Salamis, but in 1881 the construction of a new station began at the location Arapi, near Paloukia . Since then, Salamis Naval Station is the largest naval base of the country and has, thus, played a pivotal role in the wars in which Greece participated . Nowadays, the naval station includes three areas in Salamis and one on the opposite coast, in Amfiali, while it is staffed by approximately 10,000 people, of which at least 2,000 are Salaminians . Its main mission has always been to support warships in logistical matters such as safe berthing and supply, maintenance, and repairs . In addition to its strategic role, then naval station contributes to the local economy, to health, to dealing with emergencies, but also to vocational training, through the technical schools that operate in it .

Modern view An interesting example of maritime tradition is of the Salamis the lighthouse located in the southernmost part of naval station the island, namely Konchi, between the settlements of Peristeria and Kolones; it was built in 1901, while in 2002 it was classified as a listed monument . The building takes up an area of almost 135 square metres, the height of the circular tower is 13 metres, and its focal height 34 metres . After World War II, the small traditional shipyards of Salamis gradually gave way to large and modern shipbuilding facilities, which contributed the most to the further development of Greek shipping and Greek economy but also caused environmental problems and irreparable archaeological damage; a shipyard of traditional wooden boats still operates on the island . Finally, nautical groups, as well as professional and amateur fishermen’s associations are active in Salamis, while every August the “Festival of the Fisherman” is organized in collaboration with the Municipality . Four professional fishing associations and 106 vessels are active on the island, while there exist two fishing harbors (Paloukia, Vourkari) and the main port is used for unloading catches . [DK]