A natural boundary, historical observer of the Battle of Salamis, and witness to urban evolution.
A natural boundary, historical observer of the Battle of Salamis, and witness to urban evolution.
Mount Egaleo, beyond its natural beauty and biodiversity, also has a rich history. In ancient times, it was an important landmark, as it defined the natural boundary between the Athens Basin and the Thriasian Plain with Eleusis. On its northern side, at the pass towards Poikilo Oros, lay the Sacred Way, leading to important sanctuaries such as the Sanctuary of Aphrodite and the Sanctuary of Daphnaean Apollo. This pass was fortified for the protection of Athens. A significant moment in Egaleo's history was the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC, where the Persian king Xerxes watched the progress of the battle from the top of the mountain. Later, during Byzantine times, the Daphni Monastery was founded on the ruins of the ancient temple of Daphnaean Apollo, serving as an important religious center.
Mount Egaleo has experienced significant changes over time. Until the Second World War, it was covered by dense forests. The settlement of refugees in 1923 and logging during the occupation, particularly in the harsh winter of 1941, led to the deforestation of its southern side. Overgrazing prevented the forest's regeneration, resulting in trees being present mainly on the northern side today.
Since the 1960s, urbanization began to expand into the foothills of the mountain, covering a large part of the southern side. The eastern side was transformed into an industrial zone, culminating in the creation of the Schisto Industrial Area and the cemetery.
Despite ecological degradation, Egaleo retains elements of its natural beauty. The reduction in grazing has allowed the recovery of flora, with pine trees, wild olives, Kermes oaks, and heather making their appearance. Foxes, hedgehogs, and snakes form part of the fauna, while partridges and other birds find refuge on the mountain, despite illegal hunting.
Human presence on Egaleo dates back to the Neolithic period. In antiquity, it was known as Poikilo Oros and played a role in various historical events.
Today, one can find traces of ancient fortifications and other important archaeological sites.