ASTROPALIA (classical Astypalaea)  , an island, with good harbours, in. the south part: of the Aegean, 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 inscriptions . The Roman emperors recognized it as a free state; and in the middle ages it was called Stampalia, and 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 customs and dress of the people, who speak a patois of romaic origin, are interesting .