Egaleo Mountain stretches from Ano Liosia to the Salamis Strait and essentially constitutes an extension of the Parnitha mountain range. This mountainous barrier delineates Athens from the Thriasian Plain and Eleusis, spanning 20 kilometres in length and approximately five kilometres in width. Bisected by the Sacred Way, it forms two separate ranges: the eastern section, known as “Corydalis”, sits along the edge of the historic deme Korydallos of the Hippothontis tribe; while the western section, “Aigaleos”, derives its name from a combination of “aegis” (referring to storm) and “laas” (meaning reef or rock). The area near the Daphni monastery where the two parts connected, historically referred to as Mount Poikilon, takes its name from “poikilon”, a spotty bird known for preying on the eggs of larks (“korydallos” in Greek). Characterised by a chronic water shortage, Mount Egaleo is marked by relatively scant vegetation.
