Lamia

Lamia Λαμία
A panoramic view of Lamia, taken from the castle
Location
Lamia (city)
Coordinates	38°54′N 22°26′E / 38.9°N 22.433°E / 38.9; 22.433Coordinates: 38°54′N 22°26′E / 38.9°N 22.433°E / 38.9; 22.433
Government
Country:	Greece
Periphery:	Central Greece
Prefecture:	Phthiotis
Population statistics (as of 2001[1])
City
- Population:	58,601
- Area:	413.5 km² (160 sq mi)
- Density:	142 /km² (367 /sq mi)
Other
Time zone:	EET/EEST (UTC+2/3)
Elevation (center):	50 m (164 ft)
Postal:	351 00
Telephone:	22310
Auto:	ΜΙ
Website
www.lamia.gr

Lamia (Greek: Λαμία, Lamía) 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).

Name

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). 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.

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 were drawn at a site known as "Taratsa" just north of Lamia).

Landmarks

The statue of Achilles in Lamia

Aerial view of Lamia

• 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

Historical population

Famous people

Athanasios Diakos

• Niki Bakoyianni (1968-) high jumper
• Athanasios Diakos (1788–1821) Greek military commander during the Greek War of Independence, died in Lamia
• Thanos Leivaditis (1935–2005) actor and screenwriter
• Ilias Tsirimokos (1907–1968) politician, former Prime Minister of Greece
• Aris Velouchiotis (1905–1945) leader of the World War II guerrilla resistance

Monuments

• Athanasios Diakos
• Aris Velouchiotis
• Monument of the "Unknown Hero"

Sister city

• Rzeszów, Poland

Sporting teams

• Lamia FC
• Lamia Skiing & Climbing Club (XOOL)
• Ionikos Lamias BC
• GS Lamia
• Nireas Lamias
• Ionikos Neas Magnisias
• Pamfthiotikos Syllogos Rythmikis Gymnastikis Niki(Rhythmic Gymnastics Club)

See also

• University of Central Greece
• Communities of Fthiotis
• List of traditional Greek place names

References

External links

• Municipality of Lamia (Greek) (English)

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