Ithaca facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ithaca
Περιφερειακή ενότητα / Δήμος
Ιθάκης |
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Regional unit
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View of Vathy
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Ithaca within the Ionian Islands
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| Country | Greece |
| Region | Ionian Islands |
| Capital | Vathy |
| Area | |
| • Total | 117.8 km2 (45.5 sq mi) |
| Population
(2011)
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| • Total | 3,231 |
| • Density | 27.428/km2 (71.04/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal codes |
283 0x
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| Area codes | 26740 |
| Car plates | ΚΕ |
Ithaca is a beautiful island in Greece. It is one of the Ionian Islands, found on the west coast of the country. The main island of Ithaca is about 96 square kilometres (37 sq mi) in size. In 2011, about 3,231 people lived there.
The capital city of Ithaca is Vathy. It has one of the biggest natural harbors in the world. Since 2002, Ithaca has become a popular place for tourists. Many people visit for day trips from other Ionian Islands.
Contents
Ithaca: Home of Odysseus
Ithaca is famous for being the home of Odysseus. He was a legendary king in the ancient epic poem, the Odyssey. This famous poem was written in the Ancient Greek language. Some people think the island described in the poem might be different from the modern island we know today.
However, the island has been called Ithaca for a very long time. Old coins and writings show this name. Coins from Ithaca often show pictures of Odysseus. An ancient writing from the 3rd century BC talks about a special shrine for Odysseus. It also mentions games called the Odysseia.
Archaeologists found something exciting at a place called "School of Homer" on modern Ithaca. They discovered ancient writings called Linear B inscriptions. These were found near royal remains. In 2010, Greek archaeologists found parts of an 8th-century BC palace. This discovery made people wonder if it could be the site of Odysseus's palace.
First People on Ithaca
We don't know exactly where the first people on Ithaca came from. They arrived during the last years of the Neolithic period (around 4000–3000 BC). Traces of old buildings, walls, and a road from this time show that people lived here. Life continued through the Early Hellenic era (3000–2000 BC).
Between 2000 and 1500 BC, some people moved to different parts of the island. The buildings and walls found from this time show a simple way of life. Sadly, much of the island's old buildings were destroyed. This happened during a big earthquake in 1953.
Geography of Ithaca
Ithaca is located east of the island of Cephalonia. A narrow body of water called the Strait of Ithaca separates them. The regional unit of Ithaca covers an area of about 117.812 square kilometres (45.5 sq mi). It has about 100 kilometres (62 miles) of coastline.
The main island stretches from north to south. It is about 23 km (14 miles) long and up to 6 km (4 miles) wide. The island has two main parts, almost equal in size. They are connected by a narrow strip of land called the isthmus of Aetos (Eagle). This strip is only about 600 metres (1,969 feet) wide.
These two parts of the island form the bay of Molos. The southern part of this bay is the harbor of Vathy. Vathy is the capital and largest town on the island. The second largest village is Stavros, located in the northern part of Ithaca.
Lazaretto Islet (also called Island of The Saviour) protects the harbor. On this small island, you can find the church of The Saviour. There are also remains of an old prison there.
Ithaca has several capes, which are points of land sticking out into the sea. These include Exogi, Melissa, Mavronos, Agios Ilias, Schinous, Sarakiniko, Agios Ioannis, and Agiou Andreou. The island also has many beautiful bays. Some of these are Afales Bay, Frikes, Kioni Bay, Molos Gulf, Ormos Gulf, and Sarakiniko Bay.
The tallest mountain on Ithaca is Nirito, in the northern part, standing at 806 meters. Another high point is Merovigli, in the south, at 669 meters.
Images for kids
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View of northern Ithaca across the isthmus of Aethos.
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Beach of Petanoi.
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Head of Odysseus wearing a pileus depicted on a 3rd-century BC coin from Ithaca.
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Olive tree of Ithaca that is claimed to be at least 1500 years old.
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Leonardo III Tocco, count of Cephalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos
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Ithaca by Edward Dodwell (1821).
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Odysseus at the court of Alcinous by Francesco Hayez (1813–1815).
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Odysseus' statue in Vathy.
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View of Kioni bay.
See also
In Spanish: Ithaca para niños
