ASTROPALIA, an Aegean island (classical Astypalaea, mediaeval Stampalia), with good harbours, situated in 36.5° N. and immediately west of 26.5° E. It was colonized by Megara, and its constitution and buildings are known from numerous inscrip tions. The Roman empire recognized it as a free state, and in the middle ages it belonged to the noble Venetian family of Quirini. It was taken by the Turks in the 16th century, and is now noted for its sponges. The dialect, customs and dress of the people are interesting, and the fortified town picturesque.