CEPHALONIA, the largest of the Ionian Islands on the west side of the Greek mainland (Ital. Ce f alonia, ancient and modern official Greek Cephallenia, KE4aXArlvia). Pop. (192o) 71,186. Its length is 31 m. and its breadth varies from about 20 m. in the southern portion to less than 3 m. in the promontory opposite Ithaca. The whole island is mountainous, the main range running from north-west to south-east. The ancient Mount Aenos, now Elato or Monte Negro (5,315 ft.), frequently has snow for several months. There are few permanent streams except the Rakli, and springs are apt to fail in dry summers. In the west a gulf runs up from the south, a distance of about 7 m. ; on its east side stands the chief town Argostoli (q.v.), and on its west side the rival city of Lixouri. About a mile west of Argostoli, a stream of sea water running into a chasm in the shore is made to operate "sea-mills." About 5 m. from Argostoli is the Venetian castle of St. George. The ruins of Crane are close to Argostoli ; those of Pale to Lixouri. On the other side of the island the remains of Same are on the bay of the same name, those of Proni or Pronni, farther south above the vale of Rakli. All these have impressive walls, Cyclopean and Hellenic. Near the village of Scala is a nameless site with Roman baths and tessellated pave ments, a brick temple and rock-tombs. The inhabitants of Cepha lonia have always been industrious in the construction of cultiva tion terraces. But only a small proportion of the soil is under cultivation, and the grain production meagre. The chief crop is the currant, in which Cephalonia surpasses Zante. The fruit is smaller than that of the Morea, and has a peculiar flavour ; it finds a market mainly in Holland, Belgium and Germany. The grape vine also is grown, for wine. The olive crop is of importance, and cotton is now grown in the low grounds. Manufactures are few: lace from aloe-fibre, Turkey carpets, and basket-work in the villages; and boat-building at both the principal towns. Of all the seven "Ionian Islands" Cephalonia and Zante (q.v.) are most purely Greek.
For some time it was administered for the French government, but in 1809 it was taken by the British. Under vigorous governors, like Major de Bosset (1809-13) and Sir Charles Napier (1818 1827), the island advanced in material prosperity, but was several times the scene of political disturbances. It retained longer than the sister islands traces of feudal influence exerted by the landed proprietors, but has been gradually becoming more democratic. Under the Venetians it was divided into eight districts, and an elaborate system of police was in force; since its annexation to Greece it has been broken up into twenty demarchies, each with its separate jurisdiction and revenues, and the police system has been abolished.