Lesbos

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Lesbos (Lesvos or Mylini) Third-largest Greek island, 10km (6mi) off the nw coast of Turkey, in the Aegean Sea; the capital is Mitilíni. Aeolians settled Lesbos in c.1000 bc. In the 7th and 6th centuries bc, it was a cultural centre. It was held at various times by Persia, the Greek city-states, Macedonia, Rome, and Byzantium. The Ottoman Turks occupied the island from 1462 to 1913, when it passed to Greece. Products include olives, wheat, grapes and citrus fruits. Industries: fishing and tourism. Area: c.1630sq km (630sq mi). Pop. (2001) 103,800.

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