Aegina
Ancient rival of Athens and early European coinage issuer.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Aegina is a Greek island in the Saronic Gulf, about 27 kilometers from Athens. Its name, according to tradition, comes from Aegina, the mother of the mythological hero Aeacus, who was born there and later became its king. In ancient times, Aegina was a strong city-state and, for a period, a competitor of Athens. Today, it is known for the Temple of Aphaia, pistachio production, and the pilgrimage site of Saint Nektarios. Many Athenians own vacation homes on the island.
The municipality of Aegina includes the main island and several small nearby islets. It belongs to the Islands regional unit in the Attica region. The municipality is divided into five communities: Aegina (population 6,976 in 2021), Kypseli (2,166), Mesagros (1,473), Perdika (847), and Vathy (1,449). The regional capital is the town of Aegina, located at the island’s northwestern end. Because it is close to Athens, it is a popular summer destination, and many Athenians have second homes there. The island’s buildings, mostly from the 19th century, show Neoclassical architecture with a strong folk influence.
The province of Aegina was one of the provinces of the Attica Prefecture. It was created in 1833 as part of the Attica and Boeotia Prefecture. Its territory matched that of the current municipalities of Aegina and Agkistri, and it was abolished in 2006.
Geographically, Aegina is roughly triangular, about 15 kilometers from east to west and 10 kilometers from north to south, covering an area of 87.41 square kilometers. An extinct volcano makes up about two-thirds of the island. The northern and western sides have stony but fertile plains, well cultivated with grain, some cotton, vines, almonds, olives, and figs, but the most characteristic crop today is pistachio. Sponge fisheries are economically important. The southern volcanic part is rugged, mountainous, and largely barren. The highest point is Mount Oros (531 meters) in the south, and the Panhellenian ridge runs northward with narrow fertile valleys on either side. Beaches are a popular tourist attraction. Hydrofoil ferries from Piraeus take about forty minutes, while regular ferries take about an hour. Regular bus services run from Aegina town to destinations like Agia Marina. Portes is a fishing village on the east coast.
The island has a hot semi-arid climate, with an average annual temperature around 20.0°C and average annual pre
- location
- Saronic Gulf, Greece
- area
- 87.41 km²
- population (2021)
- 14,911 (municipality total)
- capital
- Town of Aegina
- known_for
- Temple of Aphaia, pistachio production, pilgrimage site of St. Nektarios, early coinage
- climate
- Hot semi-arid (Köppen BSh)
Lore & Background
It is probable that the island was not Doricised before the 9th century BC. One of the earliest historical facts is its membership in the Amphictyony or League of Calauria, attested around the 8th century BC. Aegina seems to have belonged to the Eretrian league during the Lelantine War. Its early history reveals that the maritime importance of the island dates back to pre-Dorian times. It is usually stated on the authority of Ephorus that Pheidon of Argos established a mint in Aegina, the first city-state to issue coins in Europe, the Aeginetic stater. An electrum stater of a turtle struck at Aegina dates from 700 BC. The Aeginetic standard of weights and measures was one of the two standards in general use in the Greek world.
Reader's Guide
Aegina's significance lies in its early adoption of coinage, likely introducing it to the Western world within 30 or 40 years of its invention in Asia Minor. Its Aeginetic weight standard of about 12.2 grams was widely adopted during the 7th century BC. The island was a major maritime power during the Archaic Period, trading at Naucratis in Egypt and serving as an entrepôt for the Pontic grain trade. Its rivalry with Athens defined much of its classical history, beginning around the 6th century BC with Solon's laws limiting Aeginetan commerce in Attica. The legendary feud, recorded by Herodotus, involved disputes over cult images and involved critical problems of some difficulty and interest. In modern times, Aegina is known for its neoclassical architecture, pistachio production, the temple of Aphaia, and the pilgrimage site of St. Nektarios. Many Athenians have established vacation homes there, and it remains a popular summer destination due to its proximity to Athens.
Did You Know?
- Aegina was the first city-state to issue coins in Europe, the Aeginetic stater.
- An electrum stater of a turtle struck at Aegina dates from 700 BC.
- The Aegina Treasure, now in the British Museum, is estimated to date between 1700 and 1500 BC.
- A purple dye workshop dating back to the 16th century BC was discovered at Cape Kolonna.
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