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Coordinates: 36°51′N 25°54′E / 36.850°N 25.900°E / 36.850; 25.900
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m Name was labeled as "Amongos" in article, so I changed it back to Amorgos
 
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{{Short description|Greek island of the Cyclades in the Aegean}}
{{Short description|Greek island of the Cyclades in the Aegean}}
{{About||the poem published by the Greek poet Nikos Gatsos|Nikos Gatsos#Select bibliography}}
{{About||the poem published by the Greek poet Nikos Gatsos|Nikos Gatsos#Select bibliography}}
{{Infobox islands
{{Infobox Greece place
| name = Amorgos
|name = Amorgos
| local_name = Αμοργός
|name_local = Αμοργός
|type = municipality
| native_name_link =
|image_map = 2011 Dimos Amorgou.png
| native_name_lang =
|image_skyline = Chora Amorgos 7231.JPG
| sobriquet = <!-- or |nickname= -->
| image_name = Chora Amorgos 7231.JPG
|caption_skyline = View of Chora (Amorgos)
|coordinates = {{coord|36|51|N|25|54|E|type:isle_region:GR_dim:50000|display=inline,title}}
| image_size =
|elevation_min = 0
| image_caption = Chora (Amorgos)
|elevation_max = 823
| image_alt =
|georegion = [[Cyclades]]
| image_map =
|periph = [[South Aegean]]
| map_alt =
|periphunit = [[Naxos (regional unit)|Naxos]]
| map_size =
|pop_municipality = 1961
| map_caption =
|area_municipality = 126.35
| pushpin_map = Greece
|pop_community = 446
| pushpin_label =
|mayor =
| pushpin_label_position = left
|party =
| pushpin_map_alt =
|since =
| pushpin_relief =
|population_as_of = 2021
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Greece
|postal_code = 840 08
| coordinates = {{coord|36|51|N|25|54|E|type:isle_region:GR_dim:50000|display=inline,title}}
|area_code = 22850
| etymology =
|licence = EM
| location = [[Aegean Sea]]
|website =
| archipelago = [[Cyclades]]
| area_km2 = <!-- or |area_m2= or |area_ha= -->
| area_footnotes =
| rank =
| length_km = <!-- or |length_m= -->
| length_footnotes =
| width_km = <!-- or |width_m= -->
| width_footnotes =
| coastline_km = <!-- or |coastline_m= -->
| coastline_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 823
| elevation_footnotes =
| highest_mount =
| country = Greece
| country_admin_divisions_title = [[Administrative regions of Greece|Administrative region]]
| country_admin_divisions = [[South Aegean]]
| country_admin_divisions_title_1 = [[Regional units of Greece|Regional unit]]
| country_admin_divisions_1 = [[Naxos (regional unit)|Naxos]]
| country_admin_divisions_title_2 =
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}}
'''Amorgos''' ({{langx|el|Αμοργός}}, {{lang|el-Latn|Amorgós}}; {{IPA-el|amorˈɣos|pron}}) is the easternmost island of the [[Cyclades]] island group and the nearest island to the neighboring [[Dodecanese]] island group in [[Greece]]. Along with 16 neighbouring islets, the largest of which (by land area) is Nikouria Island, it comprises the [[Communities and Municipalities of Greece|municipality]] of Amorgos, which has a land area of {{convert|126.346|km²|3|abbr=off}}<ref name=stat01>{{cite web|url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf |publisher=National Statistical Service of Greece |title=Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation) |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921212047/http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf |archive-date=2015-09-21 }}</ref> and at the 2021 census had a population of 1,961.

'''Amorgos''' ({{lang-el|Αμοργός}}, {{lang|el-Latn|Amorgós}}; {{IPA-el|amorˈɣos|pron}}) is the easternmost island of the [[Cyclades]] island group and the nearest island to the neighboring [[Dodecanese]] island group in [[Greece]]. Along with 16 neighboring islets, the largest of which (by land area) is Nikouria Island, it comprises the [[Communities and Municipalities of Greece|municipality]] of Amorgos, which has a land area of {{convert|126.346|km²|3|abbr=off}}<ref name=stat01>{{cite web|url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf |publisher=National Statistical Service of Greece |title=Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation) |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921212047/http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf |archive-date=2015-09-21 }}</ref> and a population of 1,973 (2011 census).


==Geography==
==Geography==
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Due to its position near the ancient [[Ionia]]n towns, such as [[Miletus]], [[Halicarnassus]] and [[Ephesus]], Amorgos became one of the first places from which the [[Ionians]] passed through to the [[Cyclades|Cycladic Islands]] and onto the [[Geography of Greece#Mainland Greece|Greek mainland]].
Due to its position near the ancient [[Ionia]]n towns, such as [[Miletus]], [[Halicarnassus]] and [[Ephesus]], Amorgos became one of the first places from which the [[Ionians]] passed through to the [[Cyclades|Cycladic Islands]] and onto the [[Geography of Greece#Mainland Greece|Greek mainland]].


{{clear}}
{{clear left}}

==History==
==History==
[[File:Acropole Arkesini Amorgos.JPG|thumb|Acropolis of Arkessini]]
[[File:Acropole Arkesini Amorgos.JPG|thumb|Acropolis of Arkesini]]
Throughout history, Amorgos was also known as Yperia, or Platagy, Pagali, Psichia, and Karkisia.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} Amorgos features many remnants of ancient civilizations. At the time of [[Archaic Greece]], there were three independent city-states there. They are believed to have featured autonomous constitutions but the same currency. Amorgos is distinguished by the size and quality of the walls surrounding the city of Arkesini, the ancient towers whose remains are scattered around the island, ancient tombs, stone tools, inscriptions, vases and by other antiquities.
Throughout history, Amorgos was also known as Yperia, or Platagy, Pagali, Psichia, and Karkisia.<ref name=":0" /> Amorgos features many remnants of ancient civilizations. At the time of [[Archaic Greece]], there were three independent city-states there. They are believed to have featured autonomous constitutions but the same currency. Amorgos is distinguished by the size and quality of the walls surrounding the city of Arkesini, the ancient towers whose remains are scattered around the island, ancient tombs, stone tools, inscriptions, vases and by other antiquities. [[Arcesine]] or Arkesine ({{langx|grc|Ἀρκεσίνη}}) was an ancient town on the island of Amorgos in the eastern [[Cyclades]]. It was one of the three main settlements on the island in antiquity.<ref>[[Stephanus of Byzantium]], ''Ethnica'' s.v.v. Ἀρκεσίνη, Ἀμοργός.</ref>


Due to the name Minoa, it is suspected that Amorgos had been colonized by the [[Minoan Civilization|Cretans]] from ancient times,{{citation needed|date=May 2011}} but there is no archeological evidence supporting this view.<ref>[http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/gh351.jsp?obj_id=2568 Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Tourism (in Greek)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713122200/http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/gh351.jsp?obj_id=2568 |date=July 13, 2010 }}</ref>
Due to the name Minoa, it is suspected that Amorgos had been colonized by the [[Minoan Civilization|Cretans]] from ancient times,<ref name=":0" /> but there is no archeological evidence supporting this view.<ref>[http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/gh351.jsp?obj_id=2568 Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Tourism (in Greek)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713122200/http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/gh351.jsp?obj_id=2568 |date=July 13, 2010 }}</ref>

The island was visited by the British explorers [[James Theodore Bent|Theodore]] and [[Mabel Bent]] in 1883/4.<ref>Theodore Bent, “The Cyclades, of Life Among the Insular Greeks” (London, 1885).</ref>


===Early Cycladic period===
===Early Cycladic period===
[[File:Museum of Cycladic Art - Female Figurine3.jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|Dokathismata figurine, Early Cycladic II, Syros phase (2800–2300 BC)]]
[[File:Maestro dell'ashmolean museum, figurina femminile n. 206, forse incinta, tipo canonico, varietà dokathismata, periodo EC II, 2800-2300 ac ca.jpg|thumb|upright=0.5|Dokathismata figurine, Early Cycladic II, Syros phase (2800–2300 BC)]]
Excavations and findings, especially burial tombs, prove the intense presence of Amorgos during the [[prehistoric]] years, particularly during the first period of [[Cycladic civilization]] (3200 to 2000 BC).
Almost a dozen separate inhabited centres are known in this period. Amorgos is the origin of many famous Cycladic figurines. ‘Dokathismata style’ figurines were originally found here. Cycladic sculptures had been discovered from the cemeteries at Aghia Paraskevi, Aghios Pavlos, Dokathismata, Kapros, Kapsala, Nikouria and Stavros.<ref>[http://www.amorgos-island-magazine.com/about-amorgos/history-of-amorgos/ History of Amorgos] www.amorgos-island-magazine.com</ref>

Almost a dozen separate inhabited centres are known in this period. Amorgos is the origin of many famous Cycladic figurines. ‘Dokathismata style’ figurines were originally found here. Cycladic sculptures had been discovered from the cemeteries at Aghia Paraskevi, Aghios Pavlos, Dokathismata, Kapros, Kapsala, Nikouria and Stavros.<ref name=":0">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20140826161135/http://www.amorgos-island-magazine.com/about-amorgos/history-of-amorgos/ History of Amorgos]}} www.amorgos-island-magazine.com</ref>


'Kapsala Cycladic figurines', dating around 2700 B.C., are named after a find place in Amorgos. This is the earliest of the 'canonical types' – a reclining female with folded arms. They tend to have slender and elongated proportions. At this time, anatomical features such as arms are modeled three-dimensionally. With the later types, sculptors tended to render this feature with incised lines.<ref>[http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=15052 The Getty Museum]</ref>
'Kapsala Cycladic figurines', dating around 2700 B.C., are named after a find place in Amorgos. This is the earliest of the 'canonical types' – a reclining female with folded arms. They tend to have slender and elongated proportions. At this time, anatomical features such as arms are modeled three-dimensionally. With the later types, sculptors tended to render this feature with incised lines.<ref>[http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=15052 The Getty Museum]</ref>
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In approximately 630 BC, the poet [[Semonides]] led the foundation of a [[Samos|Samian]] colony on Amorgos. The ''[[Periplus of Pseudo-Scylax]]'' mentions it as ''Tripolis''. It was a member of the [[Delian League]].<ref>[https://topostext.org/work/32#278 Athenian Tribute Lists]</ref> It participated in the [[Second Athenian League]].<ref>[https://topostext.org/place/368259IAmo Amorgos]</ref>
In approximately 630 BC, the poet [[Semonides]] led the foundation of a [[Samos|Samian]] colony on Amorgos. The ''[[Periplus of Pseudo-Scylax]]'' mentions it as ''Tripolis''. It was a member of the [[Delian League]].<ref>[https://topostext.org/work/32#278 Athenian Tribute Lists]</ref> It participated in the [[Second Athenian League]].<ref>[https://topostext.org/place/368259IAmo Amorgos]</ref>

The names of the three cities given by [[Stephanus Byzantinus]] are Arkesini, Minoa, Aigiali or Melania which, according to inscriptions, are the most correct. The three towns are on the island's west coast because that is where bays and natural ports that could provide the proper positioning for seaside towns and forts exist. Aigiali was on the north East Side of the island close to the present day locations of Tholaria and Stroumvos. Minoa was situated at the center of the northern side near the present day village of [[Katapola]] and Arkesini close to the present-day location Kastri.

In 322 BC, [[Classical Athens|Athens]] and [[Macedonia (ancient kingdom)|Macedonia]] fought the naval [[Battle of Amorgos]].
In 322 BC, [[Classical Athens|Athens]] and [[Macedonia (ancient kingdom)|Macedonia]] fought the naval [[Battle of Amorgos]].


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===Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern===
===Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern===
[[File:Amurgo - Cristoforo Buondelmonti - 1420.jpg|thumb|Fifteenth century map by [[Cristoforo Buondelmonti]]]]

In the 5th century, Bishop Theodore, who attended a [[synod]] in [[Constantinople]], signed as Bishop of the Parians, Sifnians, and Amoulgians. It was known as ''Yamurgi'' during [[Ottoman Greece|Ottoman rule]] between 1566 and 1829.
In the 5th century, Bishop Theodore, who attended a [[synod]] in [[Constantinople]], signed as Bishop of the Parians, Sifnians, and Amoulgians. It was known as ''Yamurgi'' during [[Ottoman Greece|Ottoman rule]] between 1566 and 1829.


On [[1956 Amorgos earthquake|9 July 1956]], a large earthquake occurred that generated a local [[tsunami]] of up to {{convert|30|m|abbr=on}}. The shock had a [[Moment magnitude scale|moment magnitude]] of 7.7 and had a maximum [[Mercalli intensity scale|Mercalli intensity]] of IX (''Violent''). Fifty-three people were killed and 100 were injured.
On [[1956 Amorgos earthquake|9 July 1956]], a large earthquake occurred that generated a local [[tsunami]] of up to {{convert|30|m|abbr=on}}. The shock had a [[Moment magnitude scale|moment magnitude]] of 7.7 and had a maximum [[Mercalli intensity scale|Mercalli intensity]] of IX (''Violent''). Fifty-three people were killed and 100 were injured.

==Government==
[[File:Amorgos-15.jpg|thumb|View of Tholaria village]]
[[File:Amorgos-12.jpg|thumb|upright|Street of Langada village]]

The names of the three cities given by [[Stephanus Byzantinus]] are Arkesini, Minoa, Aigiali or Melania which, according to inscriptions, are the most correct. The three towns are on the island's west coast because that is where bays and natural ports that could provide the proper positioning for seaside towns and forts exist.

Aigiali was on the north East Side of the island close to the present day locations of Tholaria and Stroumvos and to this day can still be found there. Minoa is situated at the center of the northern side near the present day village of [[Katapola]] and Arkesini close to the present-day lowland location Kastri.

Excavations and findings, especially burial tombs, prove the intense presence of Amorgos during the [[prehistoric]] years, particularly during the first period of [[Cycladic civilization]] (3200 to 2000 BC).


== Cinema and popular culture ==
== Cinema and popular culture ==
The island was featured in [[Luc Besson]]'s film ''[[The Big Blue]]'' (1988), in which Agia Anna and the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa can be seen. The island was also featured in Giorgos Kordelas' film ''Ariadni'' (2002).{{citation needed|date=November 2018}} Amorgos has been referenced online due to the similarity of its name to the video game ''[[Among Us]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wichmann |first1=Anna |title=The Unexpected Reason the Greek Island of Amorgos was Trending |url=https://greekreporter.com/2021/09/25/the-unexpected-reason-the-greek-island-of-amorgos-is-trending-online/|website=Greek Reporter |access-date=March 20, 2022 |date=September 25, 2021}}</ref>
The island was featured in [[Luc Besson]]'s film ''[[The Big Blue]]'' (1988) and "Two tickets to Greece", France, 2023 in which Agia Anna and the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa can be seen. The island was also featured in Giorgos Kordelas' film ''Ariadni'' (2002).<ref>{{Citation |title=Ariadni (2002) |url=https://letterboxd.com/film/ariadni/ |access-date=2024-03-27 |language=en}}</ref> Amorgos has been referenced online due to the similarity of its name to that of the video game ''[[Among Us]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wichmann |first1=Anna |title=The Unexpected Reason the Greek Island of Amorgos was Trending |url=https://greekreporter.com/2021/09/25/the-unexpected-reason-the-greek-island-of-amorgos-is-trending-online/|website=Greek Reporter |access-date=March 20, 2022 |date=September 25, 2021}}</ref>


== Municipal districts ==
== Municipal districts ==
[[File:Amorgos-15.jpg|thumb|View of Tholaria village]]
The municipality of Amorgos is subdivided into the following communities (population at 2011 census and constituent villages within brackets):
[[File:Amorgos-12.jpg|thumb|upright|Street of Langada village]]
*[[Aegiale (Amorgos)|Aigiali]] (514, Aigiali, Agios Pavlos, [[Ormos Egialis]], Potamos)
The municipality of Amorgos is subdivided into the following communities (population at 2021 census and constituent villages within brackets):<ref name="census21" />
*[[Aegiale (Amorgos)|Aigiali]] (536, Aigiali, Agios Pavlos, [[Ormos Egialis]], Potamos)
*'''Amorgos''' (409, Chora, Kastelopetra)
*'''Amorgos''' (409, Chora, Kastelopetra)
*[[Arkesini]] (179, Arkesini, [[Kalotaritissa]], Kalofana, Mavri Myti, Rachoula)
*[[Arkesini]] (182, Arkesini, [[Kalotaritissa]], Kalofana, Mavri Myti, Rachoula)
*[[Katapola]] (595, Katapola, Lefkes, Nera, Xylokeratidi, Pera Rachidi, Rachidi, Christoulaki)
*[[Katapola]] (568, Katapola, Lefkes, Nera, Xylokeratidi, Pera Rachidi, Rachidi, Christoulaki)
*[[Tholaria]] (189, Tholaria, Paralia Tholarion)
*[[Tholaria]] (154, Tholaria, Paralia Tholarion)
*[[Vroutsis]] (87, Vroutsis, Kamari)
*[[Vroutsis]] (75, Vroutsis, Kamari)


==Historical population==
==Historical population==
{| class=wikitable
{| class=wikitable
! Year !! Village population !! Municipality population
! Year !! Community population !! Municipality population
|-
|-
| 1981 || 353 || –
| 1981 || 353 || –
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| 1991 || 330 || 1,632
| 1991 || 330 || 1,632
|-
|-
| 2001 || 398 || 1,859
| 2001 || 427 || 1,852
|-
| 2011 || 409 || 1,973
|-
|-
| 2011 || 397 || 1,973
| 2021 || 446 || 1,961
|}
|}


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==Landmarks==
==Landmarks==
[[File:Amorgosmonastere.JPG|thumb|The monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa.]]
[[File:Amorgosmonastere.JPG|thumb|The monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa.]]
{{Further|topic=the ancient town|Arcesine}}

The [[monastery]] of Panagia Hozoviotissa is situated on the cliffside, northeast of Chora. It was built early in the second millennium in order to protect a religious icon, dating from the year 812, from intruders. The icon is on public display inside the monastery. Opening time for visitors every day from 8:00&nbsp;a.m. to 1:00 p.m and 5:00&nbsp;p.m. to 7:00&nbsp;p.m. Visitors have to be dressed in a specific way in order to enter. Men have to wear long trousers and women a skirt or a wrap around shift down to the knee, not trousers. The shift may, however, be worn over trousers. As of July 2012, the monastery is active and houses three practicing monks.
The [[monastery]] of Panagia Hozoviotissa is situated on the cliffside, northeast of Chora. It was built early in the second millennium in order to protect a religious icon, dating from the year 812, from intruders. The icon is on public display inside the monastery. Opening time for visitors every day from 8:00&nbsp;a.m. to 1:00 p.m and 5:00&nbsp;p.m. to 7:00&nbsp;p.m. Visitors have to be dressed in a specific way in order to enter. Men have to wear long trousers and women a skirt or a wrap around shift down to the knee, not trousers. The shift may, however, be worn over trousers. As of July 2012, the monastery is active and houses three practicing monks.


Tourism is increasing slowly, although the island's geographical features prevent mass tourism. It is accessible only by boat. The three main tourist accommodations are located in Katapola, Aegiali and Chora. Hiking paths are relatively well maintained. Other activities include scuba diving, free-diving, and visiting the island's beaches (although this isn't its main attraction, like other Greek islands).
Tourism is increasing slowly, although the island's geographical features prevent mass tourism. It is accessible only by boat. The three main tourist accommodations are located in Katapola, Aegiali and Chora. Hiking paths are relatively well maintained. Other activities include scuba diving, free-diving, and visiting the island's beaches (although this isn't its main attraction, like other Greek islands).


Another landmark in the area is a group of [[Windmill|windmills]] that can be seen on a hill above Chora. A couple of them can be visited, while others are either locked or in ruins. It's easy to reach the location either by car or on foot, going through Chora. There is no admission to enter the area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taskos |first=Nikolaos |date=4 April 2022 |title=A visit to the iconic Windmills of Amorgos |url=https://www.mileswithvibes.com/amorgos/windmills-of-chora/ |url-status=live |website=Miles With Vibes}}</ref>
Another landmark in the area is a group of [[windmill]]s that can be seen on a hill above Chora. A couple of them can be visited, while others are either locked or in ruins. It's easy to reach the location either by car or on foot, going through Chora. There is no admission to enter the area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taskos |first=Nikolaos |date=4 April 2022 |title=A visit to the iconic Windmills of Amorgos |url=https://www.mileswithvibes.com/amorgos/windmills-of-chora/ |website=Miles With Vibes}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
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==Sources==
==Sources==
* {{cite journal | last = Saint-Guillain | first = Guillaume | title = AMORGOS AU XIVe SIÈCLE. Une seigneurie insulaire entre Cyclades féodales et Crèle vénitienne | language = French | journal = [[Byzantinische Zeitschrift]] | year = 2001 | volume = 94 | issue = 1 | pages = 62–189 | issn = 0007-7704 | doi = 10.1515/byzs.2001.94.1.62 | s2cid = 191576963 }}
* {{cite journal | last = Saint-Guillain | first = Guillaume | title = AMORGOS AU XIVe SIÈCLE. Une seigneurie insulaire entre Cyclades féodales et Crète vénitienne | language = French | journal = [[Byzantinische Zeitschrift]] | year = 2001 | volume = 94 | issue = 1 | pages = 62–189 | issn = 0007-7704 | doi = 10.1515/byzs.2001.94.1.62 | s2cid = 191576963 }}


==External links==
==External links==
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{{commons category|Amorgos}}
{{commons category|Amorgos}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120603140955/http://www.amorgos.gov.gr/ The official Amorgos web site at Amorgos.gov.gr]: Amorgos Portal by the Municipality of Amorgos {{in lang|el|en}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120603140955/http://www.amorgos.gov.gr/ The official Amorgos web site at Amorgos.gov.gr]: Amorgos Portal by the Municipality of Amorgos {{in lang|el|en}}
*{{cite book|url=http://www.amorgos-island-magazine.com/contact/sitemap/ |title=Amorgos Island Magazine}} {{in lang|en}}
*{{cite book |url=http://www.amorgos-island-magazine.com/contact/sitemap/ |title=Amorgos Island Magazine |access-date=2011-07-03 |archive-date=2013-01-16 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116193702/http://www.amorgos-island-magazine.com/contact/sitemap/ |url-status=usurped }} {{in lang|en}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.travel-zone-greece.com/blog/best-amorgos-beaches/ |title=Best Beaches In Amorgos Island|website=Travel-one-Greece.com|date=28 February 2017}} {{in lang|en}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.travel-zone-greece.com/blog/best-amorgos-beaches/ |title=Best Beaches In Amorgos Island|website=Travel-one-Greece.com|date=28 February 2017}} {{in lang|en}}
{{The Cyclades}}
{{The Cyclades}}

Latest revision as of 17:29, 3 January 2025

For the poem published by the Greek poet Nikos Gatsos, see Nikos Gatsos § Select bibliography.
Amorgos
Αμοργός
Municipality
View of Chora (Amorgos)
View of Chora (Amorgos)
Amorgos is located in Greece
Amorgos
Amorgos
Location within the region
Coordinates: 36°51′N 25°54′E / 36.850°N 25.900°E / 36.850; 25.900
CountryGreece
Geographic regionCyclades
Administrative regionSouth Aegean
Regional unitNaxos
Area
 • Municipality
126.35 km2 (48.78 sq mi)
Highest elevation
823 m (2,700 ft)
Lowest elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Population
 (2021)[1]
 • Municipality
1,961
 • Density16/km2 (40/sq mi)
 • Community
446
Time zoneUTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+3 (EEST)
Postal code
840 08
Area code(s)22850
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Amorgos (Greek: Αμοργός, Amorgós; pronounced [amorˈɣos]) is the easternmost island of the Cyclades island group and the nearest island to the neighboring Dodecanese island group in Greece. Along with 16 neighbouring islets, the largest of which (by land area) is Nikouria Island, it comprises the municipality of Amorgos, which has a land area of 126.346 square kilometres (48.782 square miles)[2] and at the 2021 census had a population of 1,961.

Geography

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Satellite image of Amorgos

Due to its position near the ancient Ionian towns, such as Miletus, Halicarnassus and Ephesus, Amorgos became one of the first places from which the Ionians passed through to the Cycladic Islands and onto the Greek mainland.

History

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Acropolis of Arkesini

Throughout history, Amorgos was also known as Yperia, or Platagy, Pagali, Psichia, and Karkisia.[3] Amorgos features many remnants of ancient civilizations. At the time of Archaic Greece, there were three independent city-states there. They are believed to have featured autonomous constitutions but the same currency. Amorgos is distinguished by the size and quality of the walls surrounding the city of Arkesini, the ancient towers whose remains are scattered around the island, ancient tombs, stone tools, inscriptions, vases and by other antiquities. Arcesine or Arkesine (Ancient Greek: Ἀρκεσίνη) was an ancient town on the island of Amorgos in the eastern Cyclades. It was one of the three main settlements on the island in antiquity.[4]

Due to the name Minoa, it is suspected that Amorgos had been colonized by the Cretans from ancient times,[3] but there is no archeological evidence supporting this view.[5]

The island was visited by the British explorers Theodore and Mabel Bent in 1883/4.[6]

Early Cycladic period

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Dokathismata figurine, Early Cycladic II, Syros phase (2800–2300 BC)

Excavations and findings, especially burial tombs, prove the intense presence of Amorgos during the prehistoric years, particularly during the first period of Cycladic civilization (3200 to 2000 BC).

Almost a dozen separate inhabited centres are known in this period. Amorgos is the origin of many famous Cycladic figurines. ‘Dokathismata style’ figurines were originally found here. Cycladic sculptures had been discovered from the cemeteries at Aghia Paraskevi, Aghios Pavlos, Dokathismata, Kapros, Kapsala, Nikouria and Stavros.[3]

'Kapsala Cycladic figurines', dating around 2700 B.C., are named after a find place in Amorgos. This is the earliest of the 'canonical types' – a reclining female with folded arms. They tend to have slender and elongated proportions. At this time, anatomical features such as arms are modeled three-dimensionally. With the later types, sculptors tended to render this feature with incised lines.[7]

'Dokathismata Cycladic figurines' date from a somewhat later period of 2400–2100 BC. Compared to the statuettes of the Spedos type—the most common and renowned type of figurines featuring finely modeled and somewhat rounded shapes—the statuettes of the Dokathismata type tend to have a more slender and sometimes angular silhouette.

Classical period

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Part of the island is named Aspis, where the ancient temple of the goddess Aphrodite stood.

In approximately 630 BC, the poet Semonides led the foundation of a Samian colony on Amorgos. The Periplus of Pseudo-Scylax mentions it as Tripolis. It was a member of the Delian League.[8] It participated in the Second Athenian League.[9]

The names of the three cities given by Stephanus Byzantinus are Arkesini, Minoa, Aigiali or Melania which, according to inscriptions, are the most correct. The three towns are on the island's west coast because that is where bays and natural ports that could provide the proper positioning for seaside towns and forts exist. Aigiali was on the north East Side of the island close to the present day locations of Tholaria and Stroumvos. Minoa was situated at the center of the northern side near the present day village of Katapola and Arkesini close to the present-day location Kastri.

In 322 BC, Athens and Macedonia fought the naval Battle of Amorgos.

Heraclides Lembus wrote that the island produced much wine, as well as olive oil and fruits.[10]

With the passing of time, the island's name changed to Amolgon and Amourgon.

Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern

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Fifteenth century map by Cristoforo Buondelmonti

In the 5th century, Bishop Theodore, who attended a synod in Constantinople, signed as Bishop of the Parians, Sifnians, and Amoulgians. It was known as Yamurgi during Ottoman rule between 1566 and 1829.

On 9 July 1956, a large earthquake occurred that generated a local tsunami of up to 30 m (98 ft). The shock had a moment magnitude of 7.7 and had a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). Fifty-three people were killed and 100 were injured.

[edit]

The island was featured in Luc Besson's film The Big Blue (1988) and "Two tickets to Greece", France, 2023 in which Agia Anna and the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa can be seen. The island was also featured in Giorgos Kordelas' film Ariadni (2002).[11] Amorgos has been referenced online due to the similarity of its name to that of the video game Among Us.[12]

Municipal districts

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View of Tholaria village
Street of Langada village

The municipality of Amorgos is subdivided into the following communities (population at 2021 census and constituent villages within brackets):[1]

  • Aigiali (536, Aigiali, Agios Pavlos, Ormos Egialis, Potamos)
  • Amorgos (409, Chora, Kastelopetra)
  • Arkesini (182, Arkesini, Kalotaritissa, Kalofana, Mavri Myti, Rachoula)
  • Katapola (568, Katapola, Lefkes, Nera, Xylokeratidi, Pera Rachidi, Rachidi, Christoulaki)
  • Tholaria (154, Tholaria, Paralia Tholarion)
  • Vroutsis (75, Vroutsis, Kamari)

Historical population

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Year Community population Municipality population
1981 353 –
1991 330 1,632
2001 427 1,852
2011 409 1,973
2021 446 1,961

Climate

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Amorgos has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures all year.

Climate data for Aigiali, Amorgos (3m)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 14.9
(58.8) 		15.7
(60.3) 		17.4
(63.3) 		19
(66) 		23.7
(74.7) 		27
(81) 		27.9
(82.2) 		28.3
(82.9) 		26.4
(79.5) 		24.6
(76.3) 		20.9
(69.6) 		17.8
(64.0) 		22.0
(71.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 10.8
(51.4) 		11.5
(52.7) 		12.9
(55.2) 		14.4
(57.9) 		17.6
(63.7) 		22
(72) 		23.1
(73.6) 		23.6
(74.5) 		22.2
(72.0) 		20.3
(68.5) 		17.3
(63.1) 		14.2
(57.6) 		17.5
(63.5)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 179.2
(7.06) 		146.6
(5.77) 		79.4
(3.13) 		54
(2.1) 		7
(0.3) 		1
(0.0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		8.3
(0.33) 		16.5
(0.65) 		46.6
(1.83) 		86.1
(3.39) 		624.7
(24.56)
Source: http://penteli.meteo.gr/stations/amorgos/ (2019 - 2020 averages)

Landmarks

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The monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa.
Further information on the ancient town: Arcesine

The monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa is situated on the cliffside, northeast of Chora. It was built early in the second millennium in order to protect a religious icon, dating from the year 812, from intruders. The icon is on public display inside the monastery. Opening time for visitors every day from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visitors have to be dressed in a specific way in order to enter. Men have to wear long trousers and women a skirt or a wrap around shift down to the knee, not trousers. The shift may, however, be worn over trousers. As of July 2012, the monastery is active and houses three practicing monks.

Tourism is increasing slowly, although the island's geographical features prevent mass tourism. It is accessible only by boat. The three main tourist accommodations are located in Katapola, Aegiali and Chora. Hiking paths are relatively well maintained. Other activities include scuba diving, free-diving, and visiting the island's beaches (although this isn't its main attraction, like other Greek islands).

Another landmark in the area is a group of windmills that can be seen on a hill above Chora. A couple of them can be visited, while others are either locked or in ruins. It's easy to reach the location either by car or on foot, going through Chora. There is no admission to enter the area.[13]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Αποτελέσματα Απογραφής Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2021, Μόνιμος Πληθυσμός κατά οικισμό" [Results of the 2021 Population - Housing Census, Permanent population by settlement] (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority. 29 March 2024.
  2. ^ "Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)" (PDF) (in Greek). National Statistical Service of Greece. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-21.
  3. ^ a b c History of Amorgos[usurped] www.amorgos-island-magazine.com
  4. ^ Stephanus of Byzantium, Ethnica s.v.v. Ἀρκεσίνη, Ἀμοργός.
  5. ^ Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Tourism (in Greek) Archived July 13, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ Theodore Bent, “The Cyclades, of Life Among the Insular Greeks” (London, 1885).
  7. ^ The Getty Museum
  8. ^ Athenian Tribute Lists
  9. ^ Amorgos
  10. ^ Heraclides Lembus, On Constitutions, 47
  11. ^ Ariadni (2002), retrieved 2024-03-27
  12. ^ Wichmann, Anna (September 25, 2021). "The Unexpected Reason the Greek Island of Amorgos was Trending". Greek Reporter. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  13. ^ Taskos, Nikolaos (4 April 2022). "A visit to the iconic Windmills of Amorgos". Miles With Vibes.

Sources

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Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Amorgos.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Amorgos.
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