Aegina | The Island-Kingdom Named After a Nymph

Aegina is a stunning island in Greece’s Saronic Gulf, located just 27 kilometers from Athens. Aegina is known for its beautiful landscapes and rich historical background, and it has a special place in Greek mythology and history. It is also associated with the goddess Athena, as Aphaia, and the mythological hero Aeacus. Aegina was a powerful trading and naval force throughout Archaic and Classical Greece.

Aegina Key Facts

Overview

Aegina is an island with both natural beauty and historical significance. During the summer, you will see many sandy beaches with clear waters, traditional houses, and the rolling hill of the famous pistachio trees. Aegina is a popular summer vacation destination for both Athenians and tourists. However, Aegina is more than just an easy escape from the bustling cities; it is a historical and mythological island that serves as both a place to relax and a place to learn about Ancient Greek history.

Practical Travel Tips

Getting There

Aegina is easily accessible via ferries from the port of Piraeus, which take between 40 minutes and 1 hour. The ferry runs regularly.

Accessibility

The island is relatively walkable, with flat paths along the waterfront and in the town areas. However, some of the archaeological sites may require mild hikes.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Aegina is during the summer, so as the sea is warmer. Anytime between May and September is ideal.

Duration of Visit

A trip of one to two days is generally sufficient to explore Aegina’s main attractions, including its beaches, temples, and charming villages.

Budgeting

Aegina can be a bit pricier than Athens, as most islands in Greece, but it is still relatively budget-friendly.

Local Amenities

Aegina Town offers numerous restaurants, cafes, shops, and markets to cater to visitors’ needs, alongside historical sites, local artisan workshops, and museums.

Aegina in Greek Mythology

While Aegina played a larger role in Greek history, its significance in Greek mythology cannot be overstated. Let’s look at a few but important myths about Aegina.

Nymph Aegina

Aegina was a nymph, the offspring of the river god Asopus and the naiad nymph Metope. She was the mother of two notable figures: Menoetius, son of Actor, and Aeacus, son of Zeus. When Zeus kidnapped Aegina, he transported her to the island of Oenone, near Attica. She gave birth to Aeacus, who would later become King of Oenone. Following this event, the island was named Aegina in her honor.

Aegina and the Myrmidons

According to legend, Oenone or Aegina was originally uninhabited. Zeus, eager to populate the island, transformed the ants into men. The Ancient Greek name for the ant was “Myrmex” (μύρμηξ). Thus, the men who emerged from the transformation of these ants were known as Myrmidons. Aeacus took on the Myrmidons as his subjects. 

According to another story, the Myrmidons were originally from Thessaly but gathered and trained in Aegina. Zeus wanted to form an elite army, and the previously uninhabited island of Aegina was the ideal location. Later, the Myrmidons would become one of Ancient Greece’ most fearsome fighting units, led by Achilles himself.

Goddess Aphaia

Aphaia was a little-known Greek goddess who was almost exclusively worshipped on the island of Aegina. The first mention of Aphaia dates back to the 14th century BC, when she was a local deity associated with agriculture and fertility. 

When Athens gained control over its surroundings, Aphaia became associated with Athena, or occasionally with Artemis or the oread Britomartis. Regardless of how she is worshipped, the Temple of Aphaia is one of the most prominent temples in Ancient Greece and is still in excellent condition.

Aegina in Ancient Greek History

Aegina may not have been a “hotspot” in Greek mythology, but this was not the case in Greek history. Aegina was a powerful island near Athens, with a strong naval force and extensive trade.

From the Creation to the Archaic Period

Historically, Aegina was an Epidaurus colony, and its strategic location between Attica and the Peloponnese made it an important trading hub as early as the Neolithic period, with evidence of continuous habitation dating back to 3000 BC. 

Aegina was most likely Doricised before the 9^th century BC, and by the 8^th century BC, it had joined the Amphictyony. The island rose to prominence in the 7^th century BC, when it became known for coinage, producing the first known coins in Europe, each bearing the island’s symbol, a small turtle.

Aegina thrived as a maritime power and trade center in the 6^th and early 5^th centuries BC, competing with Athens. Its naval strength was critical during the Persian Wars, particularly at the famous Battle of Salamis in 480 BC, when it contributed ships to the Greek fleet that eventually defeated the Persians.

Aegina and Athens

Athens had long been wary of Aegina’s naval power, which became particularly apparent in the fifth century BC. As Athens became more powerful, competition between the two city-states grew. Solon, an Athenian leader, enacted laws restricting Aeginetan trade in Athens, heightening tensions. A major incident involved Aegina allegedly stealing sacred statues from Epidaurus, exacerbating tensions between the two states.

The conflict escalated in the early fifth century, when Thebes sought assistance from Aegina following their defeat by Athens. The Aeginetans sided with Thebes and began raiding Athenian territory. In response, Athens decided to retaliate, despite the Delphic oracle’s warning against attacking Aegina. By 491 BCE, Aegina had made a serious mistake by submitting to Persian control, prompting additional intervention from Athens, including the capture of Aeginetan leaders as hostages.

This ongoing conflict resulted in several military engagements, indicating a significant period of tension that lasted until the congress at the Isthmus of Corinth in 481 BCE. According to ancient historian Herodotus, Athens intended to weaken Aegina’s power and disrupt its thriving trade routes. Aegina eventually lost its independence, falling under Athenian control and weakening its naval strength.

The Decline of Aegina

Aegina’s role in the conflict against Xerxes I may have been more important than Herodotus suggests. According to historical accounts, Aegina, not Athens, received the prize for bravery at the Battle of Salamis. 

Following the victory at Salamis, Aegina’s power began to wane. For twenty years, it was part of the Spartan League and received some protection. However, after a change of leadership in 461 BC, Athens became more aggressive, resulting in the First Peloponnesian War. Aegina fought in this war but was eventually besieged and forced to surrender to Athens around 456 BC, becoming a subject ally who had to pay tribute.

The situation deteriorated following the Thirty Years’ Peace in 445 BC, which was supposed to restore Aegina’s independence but was not enforced. When the Peloponnesian War began in 431 BC, Athens drove many Aeginetans off the island. By the end of the war, Aegina had lost much of its wealth and naval power, which had been critical to its previous success. The island’s economy struggled, especially because it relied heavily on slave labor, which contributed to its decline.

Aegina in Recent History

Throughout the Hellenistic period, the island was ruled by various powers, including the Macedonians, Romans, and later Byzantine and Venetian. Despite declines and shifts in power, Aegina retained cultural significance. During the Greek War of Independence in the early nineteenth century, the island served as a temporary capital for liberated Greece from 1827 to 1829.

Nowadays, the island has no significant military or political importance. However, its economy is thriving thanks to tourism and the production of pistachios, which made the island famous and are now protected by PDO.

Exploring the Location: Aegina

Despite its small size, Aegina is home to some impressive archaeological sites and structures. So, in addition to visiting Aegina’s picturesque stores and beaches, let us learn about the historical sites on this beautiful island.

Temple of Aphaia

The Temple of Aphaia is one of Greece’s most well-preserved ancient temples, dedicated to the goddess Aphaia. Built around 500 BCE, its structure has beautiful doric columns and rich sculptures depicting mythological battles. The Temple of Aphaia was also part of the “holy triangle” of temples, which included the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion.

Aside from providing breathtaking views of the sea, the Temple is a must-see for history and architecture buffs alike.

Sanctuary of Apollo

The ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo at Kolona are noteworthy for their historical significance. It includes the last column from the ancient Temple of Apollo, which dates back to the sixth century BCE. The name “Kolona” was given by sailors from Venice who used the remaining columns (kolones in Greek) as a point of reference in navigation.

Monastery of Agios Nectarios

While it is not an archaeological site, the monastery of Saint Nectarius is one of the largest in the Balkans. It is wonderfully decorated and located among tranquil surroundings.

Archaeological Museum of Aegina

The Archaeological Museum of Aegina is a must-see for anyone visiting this stunning island. The museum, located near the Temple of Aphaia, houses a large collection of artifacts discovered on the island that depict Aegina’s history from antiquity to the Byzantine period. Sculptures, pottery, and coins are among the items on display, all of which are important for understanding Aegina’s cultural and economic history.

Last Thoughts

Aegina was and still is a very important and beautiful island in Greece. From the powerful myths of Aeacus and the Myrmidons to Aegina’s important role in ancient maritime trade and architectural wonders, the island will captivate any visitor. Its picturesque landscapes and traditional towns encourage both relaxation and exploration, making it an ideal destination for anyone interested in Greek culture and history.  

FAQs about Aegina

Featured Image Credit: Xocolatl, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons