Ithaca

Ithaca, now THIAKI, one of the Ionian Islands (q.v.), the smallest of them except Paxo, is a long, narrow strip of land off the north-east of Cephalonia, and lies 20 miles west of the mainland of Greece. The surface is mountainous (2648 feet), and the coast steep and rocky. Area, 37 sq. m. Wine, currants, and olive-oil are largely grown. Goats are kept. Sponges and coral are fished for. The island is celebrated as the principality and home of Ulysses. Pop. 10,650. Chief town, Vathy. See Schliemann's Ithaka (1869).