EURIPUS

Modern Greek Euripos, Evrpos, or Porthms Evrpou, narrow strait in the Aegean Sea (an arm of the Mediterranean Sea), between the Greek island of Euboea (vvoia) and the mainland of central Greece. It is 5 miles (8 km) long and varies from 130 feet (40 m) to 1 mile (1.6 km) in width. It has strong tidal currents (often reaching velocities of 12 knots) that reverse directions seven or more times a day. According to popular tradition, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, in despair at his inability to solve the problem of their cause, drowned here; their cause is not fully understood today. The main port on the strait is Chalcis, or Khalks (Euboea), an important trading centre since the times of ancient Greece. A 130-foot (40-metre) movable bridge spans the strait at Chalcis, replacing earlier structures that dated back to 411 BC.