Polyaigos

Polyaigos
Native name:
Πολύαιγος
Picture of Polyaigos
Polyaigos is located in Greece
Polyaigos
Polyaigos
Geography
Coordinates36°45′5″N 24°38′11″E / 36.75139°N 24.63639°E / 36.75139; 24.63639
ArchipelagoCyclades
Area18.146 km2 (7.006 sq mi)
Highest elevation370 m (1210 ft)
Highest pointPsilo Vouno
Administration
Greece
RegionSouth Aegean
Regional unitMilos
Demographics
Population0 (2001)
Additional information
Postal code840 00
Area code(s)228x0
Vehicle registrationEM
Polyaigos, east of Milos and Kimolos.

Polýaigos (Greek: Πολύαιγος; Latin: Polyaegus[1]) is an uninhabited Greek island in the Cyclades near Milos and Kimolos. It is part of the community of Kimolos (Κοινότητα Κιμώλου). Its name means "many goats", since it is inhabited only by goats. It was mentioned by several ancient geographers: Ptolemy,[2] Pliny the Elder,[3] and Pomponius Mela.[4]

Along its longest axis, it is 6 kilometres (4 mi) and among its shortest 4.3 kilometres (3 mi) wide. It has a surface area of approx. 18 km2 (7 sq mi) and a coastal length of 22 to 27 kilometres (14 to 17 mi). It is very close to the island of Kimolos (2 km (1 mi) north west from Polyaigos) and to the island of Milos (6.2 km (4 mi) west from Polyaigos). There are two mounts, Stroggylo which rises to 330 metres (1,083 ft) and Psilo Vouno (370 metres (1,214 ft)).

The island is to a great extent privately owned by the Greek Orthodox church, which sublets parts of it to local herdsmen from the nearby islands of Milos and Kimolos.

Its goat population maintains Polyaigos as a barren island. It has, however, some magnificent beaches, mainly on the southern part of the island, as well as many sea-surface caves, which serve as a refuge to a dwindling population of Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus).

References

  1. ^ Public Domain Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "Polyaegus". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.
  2. ^ Ptolemy. The Geography. Vol. 3.15.28.
  3. ^ Pliny. Naturalis Historia. Vol. 4.12.23.
  4. ^ Pomponius Mela. De situ orbis. Vol. 2.7.


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