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Modern Description: Sixteen nautical miles southeast of Astypalaia lies the uninhabited island of Syrna, ancient Syrnos, which was long used by the people of Astypalaia for seasonal pasturage and cultivation. The principal bay of Aghios Ioannis, which cuts into the south coast is overlooked by the remains of an ancient fort. Recent finds, which include a Minoan artefact and a Cycladic figurine, point to the island's position as a maritime ‘stepping-stone' in the empty waters between the Cyclades, Crete and Rhodes in prehistoric times. At least four ancient shipwrecks have also been identified in the area. The most recently found dates from the 3rd century AD, and has yielded domestic pottery and a hoard of coins of the reign of Diocletian. In December 1946, HMS Providence and HMS Chevron went to the rescue of an overloaded cargo ship carrying over 700 Jewish refugees on their way to Haifa which had been wrecked in a storm off the island of Syrna. At the time it was reported that the island had eight inhabitants – a farmer (known as the ‘King of Syrna'), his wife and their married children.
Wikidata ID: Q829499

Info: McGilchrist's Greek Islands

(From McGilchrist’s Greek Islands, © Nigel McGilchrist 2010, excerpted with his gracious permission. Click for the books)

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