Cambridge Encyclopedia :: Cambridge Encyclopedia Vol. 24

Eretria - Ancient History, Modern Revival, Historical population

In antiquity, a Greek city-state situated on the island of Euboea off the coast of Attica. It was sacked in the first Persian War for the help it had given to the Ionian cities of Asia Minor in their revolt (499 BC) against Persia.

Coordinates: 38°23′N 23°47′E

Eretria (Ερέτρια)
Coordinates 38°23′ N 23°47′ E
Country Greece
Periphery Central Greece
Prefecture Euboea
Population 5,969 source (2001)
Elevation 8 m
Postal code 340 08
Area code 22290
Licence plate code ΧΑ

Eretria (Greek Ερέτρια;

Ancient History

The earliest surviving mention of Eretria was by Homer (Iliad 2.537), who listed Eretria as one of the Greek cities which sent ships to the Trojan War.

The Battle of Chaeronea in 338, in which Philip defeated the combined armies of the Greeks, marked the end of the Greek cities as independent states, and Eretria dwindled to become a provincial town.

Modern Revival

The modern town of Eretria was established in 1824, after Greek independence, and is now a popular beachside resort.

Historical population

Year Dystos population Change Municipal population
1981 3,711 - -
1991 3,022 -689/-18.57% 4,987

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