LISSA (ancient Iessa), an island in the Adriatic, off the Dalmatian coast, about 10 miles in length by 5 miles broad, in N. Lat. 43. 5., E. Long. 16. 10. Its shores are generally steep and rocky, and it is only accessible at a few bays. The soil is barren; wine and anchovies form the chief products. Issa was long known to the ancients, and is said by Seylax to have been peopled at an early period by Greeks. During the ascendancy of Rome, the inhabitants had the privileges of Roman citizens, and often assisted that power in its maritime expeditions. In modern times it is famous for the victory gained by the British under Sir W. Hoste over a French squadron, in 1811, after which it was occupied for some time by British troops. The chief town and seaport is San Giorgio, or Lissa, situate on the N.E. shore, with a pop. of 2800. Pop. of island, 5200.