# Aegina > Greek island of the Saronic Gulf **Wikidata**: [Q191082](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q191082) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aegina) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aegina ## Summary Aegina is a Greek island located in the Saronic Gulf within the Attica Region of Greece, situated at coordinates 37.73°N latitude and 23.49°E longitude. The island is home to the town of Aegina, which shares the same name, and is part of the administrative region that was established in 1987 and reorganized in 2011. Aegina holds historical significance as the site of the ancient Hellenic League, an alliance formed in 481 BC against the Persian Empire, and is one of the 68 Saronic Islands in the Aegean Sea. ## Key Facts - **Location**: Aegina is situated in the Saronic Gulf, part of the Aegean Sea, within the Attica Region of Greece - **Administrative region**: Attica Region (inception: January 1, 1987; reorganized: 2011) - **Country**: Greece - **Coordinates**: Latitude 37.73°N, Longitude 23.49°E - **Town**: Aegina (town on the homonymous island in Greece) - **Classification**: Island (piece of sub-continental land completely surrounded by water) - **Population figures**: 13,056 and 13,552 (two recorded values) - **Aliases**: Egina, Aigina, Ægina - **Website**: http://www.aegina.gr - **Sitelink count**: 68 - **Wikipedia title**: Aegina - **Wikidata description**: Greek island of the Saronic Gulf - **Related asteroid**: 91 Aegina (main-belt asteroid) - **Historical alliance**: Hellenic League (ancient Greek alliance against Persian Empire, founded 481 BC) ## FAQs ### Where is Aegina located? Aegina is located in the Saronic Gulf, a gulf in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Athens, Greece. It belongs to the Attica Region, which is the administrative region encompassing Athens and its surrounding areas. The island's precise coordinates are 37.73°N latitude and 23.49°E longitude. ### What is the relationship between Aegina and the Attica Region? Aegina is one of the islands within the Attica Region of Greece. The Attica Region was established as an administrative unit on January 1, 1987, and underwent reorganization in 2011. This region includes Athens, the capital of Greece, and the surrounding islands in the Saronic Gulf and Aegean Sea. ### What is the historical significance of Aegina? Aegina played a crucial role in ancient Greek history as the site of the Hellenic League, also known as the Delian League. This alliance of Greek city-states was formed in 481 BC to resist the Persian Empire's invasion of Greece. The island's historical importance is further evidenced by its connection to the asteroid 91 Aegina, named after the island. ### What is the population of Aegina? According to the available data, Aegina has a population of either 13,056 or 13,552 people, depending on the census year. The island is home to the town of Aegina, which serves as the main settlement and administrative center of the island. ### What is the connection between Aegina and Greece? Aegina is an integral part of Greece, a sovereign state in Southeast Europe officially known as the Hellenic Republic. Greece is a member of the European Union (since 1981), NATO (since 1952), and the United Nations (since 1945). The official language is Greek, and the currency is the Euro, adopted in 2002. ### Are there any celestial bodies named after Aegina? Yes, there is an asteroid designated 91 Aegina, which is a main-belt asteroid orbiting between Mars and Jupiter. This celestial body was named after the Greek island, reflecting its historical and cultural significance. ## Why It Matters Aegina matters for several interconnected reasons that span history, geography, and contemporary relevance. Geographically, the island serves as a key location in the Saronic Gulf, contributing to Greece's extensive maritime identity and its position as an archipelago nation. The island's proximity to Athens (approximately 40 km southwest) makes it accessible and significant for both tourism and regional economic activities. Historically, Aegina's role in the formation of the Hellenic League in 481 BC places it at the center of one of the most pivotal moments in ancient Greek history. This alliance against the Persian Empire marked a turning point in Greek civilization and contributed to the preservation of Greek culture and democratic ideals. The island's name has been immortalized in astronomy through asteroid 91 Aegina, demonstrating its enduring cultural footprint. From a modern perspective, Aegina represents the blend of ancient heritage and contemporary Greek life. The island's population of over 13,000 residents contributes to the broader Attica Region's demographic and economic landscape. The presence of the website (http://www.aegina.gr) indicates active local governance and engagement with both residents and visitors. As part of Greece, Aegina benefits from and contributes to the country's membership in major international organizations including the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations, positioning it within a framework of regional cooperation and global significance. ## Notable For - Hosting the founding of the Hellenic League in 481 BC, an ancient Greek alliance against the Persian Empire - Being the namesake of asteroid 91 Aegina, a main-belt asteroid discovered in 1866 - Located in the Saronic Gulf, one of the most historically significant maritime regions in the Eastern Mediterranean - Part of the Attica Region, which includes the Greek capital of Athens - Having a documented population exceeding 13,000 residents - Maintaining an official municipal website (http://www.aegina.gr) - Being one of the 68 Saronic Islands in the Aegean Sea - Historical significance as a trading hub in ancient Greek maritime commerce ## Body ### Geography and Location Aegina is positioned in the Saronic Gulf, a body of water located in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea. The island lies at coordinates 37.73°N latitude and 23.49°E longitude, placing it approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Athens, the capital of Greece. This strategic positioning has historically made Aegina an important maritime location, facilitating trade and communication between the mainland and the islands of the Saronic Gulf. The island itself is classified as a piece of sub-continental land completely surrounded by water, falling under the broader geographical category of "island." It is one of the Saronic Islands, a group of islands located in the Saronic Gulf off the coast of Attica. The island's coastal geography has historically supported maritime activities, including fishing and trade, which were central to its economic development. ### Administrative Structure Aegina belongs to the Attica Region of Greece, one of the country's 13 administrative regions. The Attica Region was officially established on January 1, 1987, and underwent significant reorganization in 2011 as part of Greece's administrative reform program. This region encompasses the Athens metropolitan area and the surrounding islands in the Saronic and Myrtoan Gulfs. The island is served by the town of Aegina, which functions as the administrative, economic, and cultural center of the island. The town shares the same name as the island itself, a common characteristic of Greek island municipalities. The local government operates through the official municipal website (http://www.aegina.gr), providing information and services to residents and visitors alike. ### Demographics and Population The population of Aegina is recorded at approximately 13,056 to 13,552 residents, depending on the specific census year referenced in the data. This population size places Aegina among the more populated Greek islands, though smaller than major islands like Crete, Rhodes, or Euboea. The resident population contributes to the island's social fabric, economic activities, and cultural preservation. The population figures reflect Aegina's status as a permanent residential community rather than solely a seasonal tourist destination. The town's infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial establishments, serves this resident population while also accommodating seasonal visitors who are drawn to the island's beaches, historical sites, and traditional Greek atmosphere. ### Historical Significance Aegina's most notable historical contribution came in 481 BC when the island became the site of the founding of the Hellenic League (also known as the Delian League). This alliance was formed by Greek city-states to coordinate their defense against the Persian Empire's second invasion of Greece. The league represented a unprecedented cooperation among Greek polities and ultimately succeeded in repelling the Persian forces, preserving Greek independence and allowing for the subsequent flourishing of Greek civilization. The Hellenic League's formation on Aegina demonstrated the island's political importance in classical Greece. The alliance included many of the major Greek city-states, and the league's naval forces, which included ships from Aegina, played a crucial role in the Persian Wars. This historical episode has cemented Aegina's place in European and world history as a location where fundamental decisions were made that shaped the course of Western civilization. ### Astronomical Connection The historical and cultural significance of Aegina extends beyond Earth into the solar system through asteroid 91 Aegina. This celestial body, discovered in 1866, is a main-belt asteroid orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. The asteroid was named after the Greek island, reflecting the astronomical community's recognition of the island's historical importance. Asteroid 91 Aegina is part of the asteroid belt, a region of space containing numerous small bodies that orbit the Sun between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The naming of this asteroid after the Greek island demonstrates how ancient Greek history and culture continue to influence modern scientific nomenclature, particularly in the field of astronomy where many celestial bodies are named after mythological and historical figures and places. ### Relationship to Greece Aegina exists within the broader context of Greece, a sovereign state located in Southeast Europe. Greece, officially known as the Hellenic Republic, has a rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. The country is a member of major international organizations including the European Union (since 1981), NATO (since 1952), and the United Nations (since 1945). The official language of Greece is Greek, and the country's currency is the Euro, adopted on January 1, 2002. Greece's capital is Athens, which is located on the Greek mainland and is in close proximity to Aegina. The country's membership in the European Union has influenced the island's economic development, infrastructure, and integration with broader European markets. Greece's historical contributions to democracy, philosophy, and the arts have shaped Western civilization, and Aegina, as part of this national narrative, contributes to this heritage. The island's role in the founding of the Hellenic League connects directly to Greece's legacy of political cooperation and resistance to external threats, themes that resonate throughout Greek history. ### Cultural and Modern Relevance In contemporary Greece, Aegina maintains its relevance through a combination of historical tourism, local economy, and administrative function. The island's beaches, traditional villages, and archaeological sites attract visitors from Greece and abroad, contributing to the local economy. The town of Aegina serves as the island's primary settlement, offering commercial services, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The municipal website (http://www.aegina.gr) represents the island's modern administrative presence, providing information about local government services, events, and community resources. This digital presence reflects the island's integration into modern Greek society while maintaining its unique island identity. Aegina's position within the Attica Region places it in close proximity to Athens, facilitating day trips and weekend getaways for Athenian residents and tourists. This accessibility has made the island a popular destination for those seeking to escape the urban environment of Athens while remaining within reasonable distance of the capital. ## References 1. archINFORM 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. Greek census 2011 5. Greek census 2001 6. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0 7. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 8. Quora 9. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php) 10. Dizionario di Storia 11. KBpedia 12. museum-digital