AEgean Sea

AEgean Sea, the classical name of that portion of the Mediterranean which lies between Greece and Asia Minor, now known as the Grecian Archipelago (q.v.). The influence which this narrow gulf, with its numberless islands and bays, exercised upon the Greek character can hardly be overestimated. The origin of the name is lost in antiquity; some trace it to the town AEgae, others to AEgea, a doubtful Amazonian queen, others to King AEgeus.