Lamia (city)

For other uses, see Lamia (disambiguation).

Lamia Λαμία
A panoramic view of Lamia, taken from the castle
Location
Lamia
Coordinates	38°54′N 22°26′E
Location within the region
Government
Country:	Greece
Region:	Central Greece
Regional unit:	Phthiotis
Population statistics (as of 2001)
Municipality
- Population:	73,574
- Area:	942.9 km2 (364 sq mi)
- Density:	78 /km2 (202 /sq mi)
Municipal unit
- Population:	58,601
- Area:	413.5 km2 (160 sq mi)
- Density:	142 /km2 (367 /sq mi)
Community
- Population:	46,406
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, pronounced [laˈmia]) is a city in central Greece. The city has a continuous history since antiquity, and is today the capital of the regional unit of Phthiotis and of the Central Greece region (comprising five regional units).

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. It was known as Girton under Frankish rule following the Fourth Crusade and later El Cito when it was controlled by the Catalan Company of mercenaries. In Turkish, it was sometimes called Izdin or İzzeddin. The city was also known as Zeitoun, Ζητούνι (Zitouni), Zirtounion, and Zitonion.

History

Aerial view of Lamia.

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 3rd 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 Fortress.

• 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

Municipality

The municipality Lamia was formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of the following 5 former municipalities, that became municipal units:

• Gorgopotamos
• Lamia
• Leianokladi
• Pavliani
• Ypati

Historical population

Year	Population
1981	41,846
1991	55,445
2001	58,601

Notable people

The statue of Achilles.

• Niki Bakoyianni (1968-) high jumper
• Athanasios Diakos (1788–1821) Greek military commander during the Greek War of Independence, died in Lamia
• Thanos Leivaditis (1934–2005) 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"

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Greece

Lamia is twinned with:

• Rzeszów, Poland

Sporting teams

• Panellinios B.C.
• Lamia F.C.
• 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

Notes

External links

• Municipality of Lamia (Greek) (English)