ARGOSTLION

also spelled Argostli, chief port and capital, noms (department) of Cephalonia, which is the largest of the Ionian Islands of Greece. The town is the seat of a bishop of the Greek Orthodox church. It was founded in 1757 by the Venetians when an earthquake destroyed the former capital. The port's well-protected harbour is situated on the eastern prong of a large inlet. The island produces olive oil, wine, currants, and vegetables. Argostlion and its sister port, Smi, on the east coast were completely devastated by an earthquake in 1953 and were subsequently rebuilt. Pop. (1981) 7,164.