Ceraunian Mountains
The Ceraunian Mountains (, "Thunderbolt mountains"; , "Keravnia ori"; ), also commonly Akroceraunian Mountains (, ), are a coastal mountain range in southwestern Albania, within the county of Vlorë. The range rises on the northeastern bank of the Ionian Sea. It extends for approximately in a southeast-northwest direction near Sarandë along the Albanian Riviera nearby to Orikum. Geologically, the Karaburun Peninsula belongs to the mountain range, forming the eastern Akroceraunian Mountains. The mountains are about long and about wide. The highest peak is Maja e Çikës with an elevation of . The Llogara Pass () divides the mountains into a western and the Akroceraunian  Mountains within the Karaburun Peninsula. Name. The name "Ceraunia" is derived from Ancient Greek Κεραύνια ὄρη, meaning "thunder-split peaks" and illustrates the bad weather and the danger found there by ancient seafarers and travellers. History. The Ceraunian mountain range is located in the northernmost part of the wider historical and geographical region of Epirus. According to Greek mythology, the Abantes from Euboea who had previously joined the Ancient Greek army in the Trojan War settled in the Ceraunian Mountains. They were later expelled by the forces of the Ancient Greek city-state of Apollonia. The Ceraunian Mountains have been  described by ancient writers such as Ptolemy, Strabo and Pausanias. Consequently, the mountains are still known under its classical name. Julius Caesar first set foot on Llogara Pass and rested his legion at Palasë on the Ionian coast during his pursuit of Pompey.