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Lamia.
Lamia (Greek: Λαμία) is a city in central Greece. The city has a continuous history since Antiquity, and is today the capital of the prefecture of Phthiotis and periphery of Central Greece (comprising 5 prefectures).
One account says that the city was named after the mythological figure of Lamia, the daughter of Poseidon, and queen of the Trachineans. Another holds that it is named after the Malians, the inhabitants of the surrounding area. In the Middle Ages Lamia was called Zetounion (Ζητούνιον), a name first encountered in the 8th Ecumenical synod in 869, and which remained in use until the early 19th century (as Zitouni, Ζητούνι). One of a number of theories on the name's origin suggest that it may derive from the Arabic term Zeitun (=olive), or from the Slavic word sitonion (=land over the river). Conquered by the Latins after 1204, the city was known as Zirtounion, Zitonion, Girton (under Frankish rule), El Cito (under Catalan rule), and called Iztin by the Ottoman Turks. The name Zitounion is , and a wide variety of possibilities have been suggested as to its origin.
[edit] History
Although inhabited since the 5th millennium BC, the city was first mentioned after the earthquake of 424 BC, when it was an important Spartan military base. It was occupied by Alexander of Macedon. After Alexander's death, the Athenians and other Greeks rebelled against Macedonian overlordship. Antipatros, the regent of Macedon, took refuge behind the substantial walls of the city (Lamian War 323 BC–322 BC). The war ended with the death of the Athenian general Leosthenes, and the arrival of a 20,000-strong Macedonian army. Lamia prospered afterwards, especially in the third century BC under Aetolian hegemony, which came to an end when Manius Acilius Glabrio sacked the city in 190 BC. Lamia became part of the modern Greek state in 1829 becoming a border city (the borders where drawn at a site known as "Taratsa" just north of Lamia).
[edit] Landmarks
- The "Kastro", the city's fortified acropolis
- Platia Eleftherias (Freedom Square) - site of the towns independence day parade, and main cathedral. Also has many cafes with outdoor seating.
- Platia Diakou (Diakos Square) - square containing the statue of Athanasios Diakos
- Platia Parkou (Park Square)
- Platia Laou (People's Square) - square featuring the statue of Aris Velouchiotis
[edit] Historical population
| Year |
Population |
Change |
| 1981 |
41,846 |
- |
| 1991 |
55,445 |
+13,599/+32.50% |
| 2001 |
58,601 |
+3,156/+5.69% |
[edit] Famous people
A panoramic view of Lamia and the castle.
[edit] Sister city
[edit] Sporting teams
[edit] See also
[edit] References
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Municipalities and communities of the Phthiotis Prefecture |
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