Skyros

Skyros, or SCYRO, an island of the Grecian Archipelago, the largest of the northern Sporades, 24 miles NE. of Eubœa. Length, 17 miles; area, 79 sq. m. Skyros is very mountainous in the south, the mountains being covered with forests of oaks, firs, and beeches; but the northern part, though also hilly, has several fertile plains, which produce fine wheat and grapes for wine. The only town is Skyro, or St George, on the east coast. This island is associated with the legends of Achilles and Theseus. In 469 B.C. Cimon the Athenian conquered it and carried off to his native city the bones of the hero Theseus. It was likewise celebrated for its goats and its variegated marble. Pop. 3250.