called by the Turks Ak deyniz, the white sea, to distinguish it from Cara deyniz, the black sea, is generally applied to that part of the Mediterranean extending from European Turkey and Greece on the west, to Asia Minor on the east, and stretching southward to the island of Candia.

The name Archipelago was unknown to the ancients, and is generally supposed to be a corruption of Αβύσσος της λαγος, by which name, the derivation of which is uncertain, it was known to the Greeks. (See AEgean Sea.) The ancients divided it into (1.) Mare Thracium, the northern part, extending southward to the northern coast of Euboea; (2.) Mare Myrtoum, the south-western part, washing the shores of Attica and Argolis; (3.) Mare Icarium, the south-eastern part, extending along the coasts of Caria and Ionia.

The navigation of this sea is rendered difficult by the many islands and rocks with which it abounds, and by the frequent occurrence of sudden squalls, especially about the equinoxes; but it has a great number of safe and commodious gulfs and bays. Besides the Cyclades and Sporades, which are the two principal groups of smaller islands, it contains Euboea, Samos, Chios, Lesbos, Lemnos, Imbros, Samothrace, &c. All these islands are mountainous, and many of them are of volcanic formation; while others are almost entirely composed of pure white marble, for which Paros, one of the Cyclades, in particular, is so celebrated. The larger islands have some very fertile and well-watered valleys and plains. The principal productions are wheat, wine, oil, mastic, figs, raisins, honey, wax, cotton, and silk. The inhabitants are much engaged in fishing; and the coral and sponge fishery are actively prosecuted among the Sporades. Manufactures are at a very low ebb; almost the only branch carried on being that of cotton-weaving. The climate is mild and salubrious; the heats of summer being tempered by the sea breezes, while the winters are less severe than on the neighbouring mainland. The men are hardy, well-built, and handsome; and the women are noted for their beauty. The islands of the archipelago are considered to belong partly to Europe and partly to Asia. At present the Cyclades form a portion of the Greek kingdom, while most of the other islands are subject to Turkey.

The name Archipelago, which was primarily given to the AEgean Sea, is now applied to various other seas which contain numerous islands, as the Eastern Archipelago, Caribbean Archipelago, &c.