SALAMIS ISLAND (island in Salamis)
Island in the Saronic Gulf near Piraeus, Greece
- Also called
- Salamis
- Kind of place
- Island
- Region
- Salamis
- People of myth here
- Ajax, Cychreides, Cychreus, Hesione, Scirus of Salamis, Telamon, Teucer
- Where
- 37.94° N, 23.49° E
The island is described as eternally conspicuous to the eyes of all men. Sophocles, Ajax 596-608 The island's shore is described as a haunt of the god Pan. Aeschylus, Persians 433-471 The island is characterized as a feeding-ground for bees. Euripides, The Trojan Women 799-808
Described in the sources
A naval battle against the Persians took place near Salamis, where the Greeks defeated the enemy and sank the majority of their ships on the same day as a battle in Sicily. Herodotus 7.166.1 +4 Aias was born and raised on Salamis, which he described as the sacred soil of his own land and the firm seat of his father's hearth. Euripides, Iphigenia in Aulis 288-302 +3 Salamis is described as a sacred location where the speaker might be taken by the Achaeans. Athenaeus 4.13 part 2 +2 The Athenian fleet anchored at Salamis, and the Athenians moved their household members and possessions there for safety from the invader. Herodotus 8.40.2 +2 The island's location in the strait protects the Peloponnese as effectively as the Isthmus, and a defeat there would trap Peloponnesian forces on the island. Herodotus 8.60B.1 +2 Telamon, son of Aeacus, is identified as the king who has his home on Salamis after arriving there following his condemnation for involvement in Phocus's murder. Apollodorus 1.8.2 +2 Salamis is the city and ruling seat of Ajax. Pindar, Isthmian 4 ¶10 +1 A small, dangerous island lies directly in front of Salamis. Aeschylus, Persians 433-471 +1 The island is referred to with the divine epithet in the quoted oracle. Herodotus 7.141.4 +1 Salamis is located within the Saronic Sea near the open sea and is described as wave-washed. Sophocles, Ajax 134-171 +1
Gods and worship
A Phoenician trireme was dedicated at Salamis for Ajax. Herodotus 8.121.1
Stories and history
The Athenians won the war and recovered the island. Pausanias 1.40.5 Ducks from Salamis were brought to the feast by a cook. Athenaeus 4.13 part 2 Death struck the enemy hosts as densely as falling hail. Pindar, Isthmian 4 ¶10 The rescue occurred during a violent storm sent by Zeus. Pindar, Isthmian 4 ¶10 A trophy was erected there to commemorate the naval victory. Athenaeus 1.37 Salamis was saved from destruction by the sailors of Aigina. Pindar, Isthmian 4 ¶10 Persian forces landed on the islet of Psyttalea near Salamis. Herodotus 8.76.1 The Persians stationed on the island were killed by the Greeks. Aeschylus, Persians 433-471 The western wing of the fleet moved in a circle towards Salamis. Herodotus 8.76.1 The island is prophesied to cause the death of the sons of women. Herodotus 7.141.4
Myths set at Salamis Island
- The Founding of Salamis in Cyprus. Teucer, exiled from his fatherland, is directed by Apollo to settle in Cyprus. He founds a new city named Salamis and brings Trojan captives to live there. Aeneid 1.613 +5 Teucer
- Ajax's Farewell to His Son. hook: Ajax, having taken Tecmessa as a concubine after ravaging her country, requests to see their son. goal: Ajax aims to pass on his legacy, shield, and harsh character to his son before sending him to his father. outcome: Ajax gives his shield to the boy, orders him raised in his own image, and commands Teucer to take the child to Salamon. Sophocles, Ajax 481-524 +2
- Apollo's Oracle to Neoptolemus and the Founding of Salamis. Neoptolemus seeks atonement for his father's murder at Apollo's oracle, where the god intervenes to protect Teucer. Apollo declares Teucer's destiny on Cyprus and renames the island Salamis to honor his heritage. Euripides, Andromache 1085-1165 +2 Apollo
- The Olive Tree of Salamis. Athena causes a grey olive branch to appear on the holy hills near Salamis. The branch becomes a source of glory for Athens and serves as a crown for heavenly heads. Euripides, The Trojan Women 799-808 Athena