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Administrative Region : Central Greece
Regional unit : Fthiotida

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 peripheral unit of Phthiotis and of the Central Greece Periphery (comprising five peripheral units).

Name

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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.[1] The city was also known as Zeitoun,[2] 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:[3]

Gorgopotamos
Lamia
Leianokladi
Pavliani
Ypati

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

Notable people
The statue of Achilles.

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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:

Poland Rzeszów, Poland[4]

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)