Saria Island (Greek: Σαρία), anciently known as Sarus or Saros (Ancient Greek: Σάρος),[1][2] is an island in Greece. It is a rocky, volcanic island just to the north of Karpathos, separated from it by a 100 m (330 ft) wide strait. It is part of the Dodecanese archipelago. In ancient times, a city-state called Saros was situated on the island.[1][3] It was a member of the Delian League.[4]

Saria
Native name:
Σaρία
Saria is located in Greece
Saria
Saria
Geography
Coordinates35°52′N 27°13′E / 35.87°N 27.22°E / 35.87; 27.22
ArchipelagoDodecanese
Area20.429 km2 (7.888 sq mi)
Highest elevation631 m (2070 ft)
Highest pointMt. Saria
Administration
Greece
RegionSouth Aegean
Regional unitKarpathos-Kasos
MunicipalityKarpathos
Capital cityArgos
Demographics
Population45 (2011)
Additional information
Postal code857 00
Area code(s)22450
Vehicle registrationΚΧ, ΡΟ, ΡΚ
The Saria Strait.
Argos, the seasonally inhabited traditional settlement on the island of Saria.

Administratively, it is part of the municipal unit of Olympos. The 2011 census reported a population of 45 residents. It has little plant or animal life, and has a number of steep cliffs. Although only shepherds live on Saria now, the ruins of the ancient city of Nisyros can be found here. It is also a breeding area for Eleonora's falcons.

Although the name is subject to dispute, scholars link it with the name of an ancient Greek princess named Katherine from a line of Saria royalty. Greek legends say she was as beautiful as Helen of Troy and so they named an island after her. On the island of Saria, it is recorded history that a kingdom existed named Mikri Nisyros.

References

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  1. ^ a b Richard Talbert, ed. (2000). Barrington Atlas of the Greek and Roman World. Princeton University Press. p. 60, and directory notes accompanying. ISBN 978-0-691-03169-9.
  2. ^ Lund University. Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire.
  3. ^ Lund University. Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire.
  4. ^ Athenian Tribute Lists
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