Polygyros

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Polygyros (Greek: Πολύγυρος) is a town and municipality in Central Macedonia, Greece, the capital of the Prefecture of Chalkidiki. Polygyros is south of GR-16 (Thessaloniki - Arnaia). Polygyros is located SE of Thessaloniki, NE of Nea Moudania, NW of Sithonia and SW of Arnaia. The town (pop. 5,040 at the 2001 census) is built in the shape of an amphitheatre on a plateau on the south west side of the mountain Holomontas. The municipality, of which it is administrative center, has a population of 10,721 inhabitants and a land area of 470.933 km². Other large villages in the municipality are Kalývai Polygýrou (1,136), Ólynthos (1,131), Taxiárkhis (1,070), and Vrástama (793).

Name

There are different speculations about the origin of Polygyros' name. Some claim that it comes from the combination of poly (much) and geros (strong), because of the healthy climate. Others believe that the words poly and ieros (sacred) have given the present name, because of an ancient temple in the area. Also an old landowner, named Polyaros, offers a possible etymology.

History

Antiquity

Some situate in the broader area of modern Polygyros the ancient city of Apollonia. Apollonia was one of the 32 cities, which, under the leadership of the Olynthus, constituted the Koinon ton Chalkideon (community of Chalcideans). The Koinon was destroyed in 379 BCE by the Spartans, while in 348 BCE Philippus the Macedonian embodies the whole Chalcidice in the Macedonian Kingdom. In 168 BCE Chalcidice was subjected by the Romans.

Byzantine and Ottoman Era

The town of Polygyros is first mentioned in a medieval imperial document, chryssovoulon (with golden stamp), of Eastern Roman Emperor Nikephoros III Botaneiates about 1080 CE. In 1430, as the rest of the Eastern Roman Empire, Polygyros was conquered by the Ottomans and belonged to the Sanjak of Thessaloniki. On 17th May 1821 the people of Polygyros rose against the Ottoman authority and managed, temporarily, to expel the ottoman guard. Many residents of Polygyros took part in the 1854's unsuccessful revolutionary movement against the Ottomans.

Modern Era

Finally, on November 2nd 1912 the Greek army, as one of the winners of the First Balkan War, entered Polygyros and incorporated the town in the Greek State.

Culture

Polygyros is famous for its carnival celebrations, which attracts visitors from around Greece. A nearby location called Panagia (Virgin Mary) is the setting of a famous religious celebration on August 15th. Also, cultural societies are active in the fields of folk music and dance. Classic and modern music is cultivated in the municipal conservatory.

Sports

Niki (victory) is the name of Polygyros' football club, which participates in the Greek National Forth Division Professional League. AOP (Athletic Club of Polygyros) is the local basketball team, participant in the Third National Basketball Division.

Landmarks

The Polygyros Archaeological Museum has exhibits containing findings from all over Halkidiki and referring to paleolithical and neolithical age, geometric, archaic, classic, hellenistic and Roman period.