Dodecanese

The Dodecanese, meaning "twelve islands," is a group of Greek islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea, near the coast of Asia Minor. The archipelago stretches from Kastellorizo in the east to Astypalaia and Halki in the west, with Rhodes being the largest and most populous island. The core twelve islands traditionally cited are Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Leros, Nisyros, Symi, Tilos, Kastellorizo (Megisti), Astypalaia, and Halki, though the group includes numerous smaller islets.

Administrative status

The Dodecanese form a regional unit within the South Aegean region of Greece. The capital is Rhodes, and major towns include Rhodes City, Kos Town, and Patmos.

History

In antiquity the Dodecanese supported important Greek settlements and maritime activity. Rhodes emerged as a powerful city-state, and the Knights Hospitaller established a medieval state on the island, leaving the fortified city of Rhodes as a prominent feature. After centuries of Ottoman rule, the islands were occupied by Italy in the early 20th century and were unified with Greece in 1947 under the Treaty of Paris.

Geography and culture

The archipelago features a varied coastline, mountainous interiors, and a warm Mediterranean climate. It is known for medieval architecture, Orthodox monasteries, and archaeological sites such as the Acropolis of Lindos on Rhodes and the Asclepeion on Kos. The economy relies on tourism, shipping, and agriculture, with ferry and air connections to Athens and other islands.