PATMOS (lIcirgos), a rocky and bare island of the zEgean Sea, about fifteen miles in circumfer ence, and reckoned as one of the Sporades (Plin. Hist. Nat. iv. 23 ; Strabo x. 480). On account of its stern and desolate character, the island was used, under the Roman empire, as a place of banishment, which accounts for the exile of John thither for the testimony of Jesus' (Rev. i. 9) [Jos-IN]. He was here favoured with those visions which are contained in the Apocalypse, and to which the place owes its Scriptural interest. The external aspect of the island, as viewed from the sea, and the associations connected with it, are neatly indicated by the Scottish Deputation (Nar rative, p. 326) We saw the peaks of its two prominent hills, but our course did not lie very near it. Still it was intensely interesting to get even a glance of that memorable spot where the beloved disciple saw the visions of God ; the spot, too, where the Saviour was seen, and his voice heard, for the last time till he comes again. John's eye often rested on the mountains and the islands among which we were passing, and on the shores and waves of this great sea ; and often, after the visiun was passed, these natural features of his place of exile would refresh his spirit, recalling to his mind how he stood on the sand of the sea' (Rev. xiii. and how he had seen that `every island fled away, and the mountains were not found' (Rev. xvi. zo).
On approaching the island the coast is found to be high, and to consist of a succession of capes, which form so many ports, some of which are 'excellent. The only one in use is, however, a deep bay, sheltered by high mountains on every side but one, where it is protected by a projecting cape. The town attached to this port is situated upon a high rocky mountain, rising immediately from the sea ; and this, with the Scala below upon the shore, consisting, of some shops and houses, forms the only inhabited site of the island.
The best and most recent account of this island is that of Schubert in his Re/re nach Morgenland, 424-442.
Patmos is deficient in trees, but abounds in flowering plants and shrubs. Walnuts and other fruit trees are grown in the orchards ; and the wine of Patmos is the strongest and best-flavoured of any in the Greek islands. Maize and barley are cultivated, but not in a quantity sufficient for the use of the inhabitants, and for the supply of their own vessels and others which often put in at the great harbour for provisions. The island now bears the names of Patino and Palmosa, and the inhabitants do not exceed 400o or s000, many of whom are immigrants from the neighbouring con tinent. About half way up the hill on which the town is built, is shown a natural grotto in the rock, where St. John is supposed to have seen his visions, and to have written the Revelation. In and around it is a small church, connected with which is a school or college, where the ancient Greek literature is said to be well taught and understood. On the top of the mountain, and consequently in the middle of the town, is a monastery, which, from its situation, has a very majestic appearance. It was built by Alexius Comnenus, and in the library are a great many printed books and manuscripts. The latter have been examined and described by Dr. Clarke and Professor Carlisle. See also Turner, journal of a Tour, iii. 98-101, and Schubert, Reise ins 'Worsen. land, iii. 424-434.—J. K.