Saria Island

Saria

Native name: Σαρία
Location within Greece
Geography
Coordinates	35°52′N 27°13′E / 35.87°N 27.22°E / 35.87; 27.22
Archipelago	Dodecanese
Area	20.429 km^2 (7.888 sq mi)
Highest elevation	631 m (2070 ft)
Highest point	Mt. Saria
Administration
Greece
Region	South Aegean
Regional unit	Karpathos-Kasos
Municipality	Karpathos
Capital city	Argos
Demographics
Population	45 (2011)
Additional information
Postal code	857 00
Area code	22450
Vehicle registration	ΚΧ, ΡΟ, ΡΚ

The Saria Strait

Argos, the seasonally inhabited traditional settlement on the island of Saria

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]

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.^{[citation needed]} Greek legends say she was as beautiful as Helen of Troy and so they named an island after her.^{[citation needed]} On the island of Saria, it is recorded history that a kingdom existed named Mikri Nisyros.^{[citation needed]}

References

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