Ancient Greek Mathematical Formula Reveals Cutest Dog Breeds

Greek formula dogs
How does he score according to the ancient Greek formula? Public Domain

An ancient Greek formula, known as the Golden Ratio, that was used to identify “physical perfection” was recently adopted by pet experts to identify the cutest dog breeds.

The mathematical equation, that compares the measurements, ratios, and symmetry of facial features, has been adapted by scientists to determine the Greek definition of perfect beauty with celebrities like actor George Clooney and supermodel Bella Hadid scoring high according to the formula.

The ancient Greek formula was used by Leonardo Da Vinci for the perfect human male body in his famous work, the Vitruvian Man. Some 20th-century artists and architects, including Le Corbusier and Salvador Dalí, have proportioned their works to approximate the golden ratio, believing this to be aesthetically pleasing.

US website MoneyBeach, which compares pet insurance, looked at face-on photos of each canine. It then calculated their level of attractiveness based on the distance between the breed’s eyes, ears and nostrils.

Ancient Greek formula and dog breeds

The top ten cutest dog breeds according to the ancient Greek formula are (in reverse order):

10: Golden Retriever – 62.52%

The Golden Retriever’s name comes from its ability to bring back fowl and birds unharmed due to its soft mouth. Its retrieving ability has made it a popular hunting dog for hunting parties over the centuries. Golden Retrievers are also now well known disability assistance dogs, as they are intelligent and highly trainable.

9: Saint Bernard – 62.94%

Famous for its large size and its role in search and rescue operations, the Saint Bernard breed is a working dog originally from the Alps in Switzerland. Its name comes from the traveler’s hospice on the treacherous Great Saint Bernard Pass between Switzerland and Italy named after an Italian monk from the eleventh century. The collective name for a large group of Saint Bernards is a ‘floof.’

8. Rottweiler – 63.65%:

Best known as a guard dog in modern times, Rottweilers were originally bred to drive cattle to market and were later used to pull carts for butchers, according to Dog Time. They are considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds with origins dating back to Roman times. Although still used to herd stock in many parts of the world, Rottweilers are now also used as search and rescue or police dogs.

7. Jack Russell Terrier – 63.86%:

The second terrier to feature in the top 10, Jack Russells were also originally bred to hunt foxes but were increasingly used as family and companion dogs after World War II. They are an energetic breed that require a high level of exercise.

6. Samoyed – 63.86%:

Samoyeds take their name from the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia, nomadic reindeer herders who bred the fluffy white dogs to help guard and round up their flock. The dogs were also used for hunting and hauling sledges in the cold winter climate. The Samoyed’s tail is one of the breed’s distinguishing features, as it is carried curled over the back, and they often have brown tints on the tips of their ears.

5. Basset Hound – 64.43%:

The Basset Hound has an excellent sense of smell and so was bred for hunting small game such as rabbits. The short-legged breed of dog has loose face skin and large drooping ears like other hounds, which gives it a sad look.

4. Labrador Retriever – 64.67%:

The Labrador Retriever, often abbreviated to Labrador, is one of the most popular dog breeds in the western world. The breed originated from ‘fishing dogs’ imported from Canada, where they take their name from a region in the country. They would help fishermen haul nets, fetch ropes, and retrieve fish. It was then bred into a retriever-gun dog by pet owners in the UK. Their friendly nature means Labradors now have lots of different roles, including assistance and search and rescue dogs.

3. Wire-Haired Fox Terrier – 65.53%:

The Wire-Haired Fox Terrier breed was part of a much wider breed of terriers bred to chase small game from their dens. Once a mainstay of traditional British foxhunts, this type of terrier was taught to chase foxes. The breed was made popular when Wire-Haired Fox Terrier Caesar was revealed as the favorite dog of King Edward VII.

2. Irish Water Spaniel – 66.26%:

The Irish Water Spaniel is the largest of the spaniel breeds and can often be mistaken for a brown poodle because of its top knot and the tight curls that cover its body. The dogs of this breed typically have high intelligence and learn easily, but experts warn they also have a stubborn side that does not make them ideal pets for first-time dog owners.

1. Dalmatian – 67.03%:

Greek formula dogs
Dalmatian. Credit: Томасина, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 , Wikipedia

So-named because its origins can be traced back to the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, this breed originated as a hunting dog in Eastern Europe. The large-sized dog has a white coat covered with black or liver-colored spots, and they are active, muscular, strong animals that require a lot of exercise.

The Ten Oldest Inhabited Cities in Greece

Temple of Hephaestus, Ancient Agora of Athens, Greece
The temple of Hephaestus, as seen from the Ancient Agora, Athens, Greece. Credit: public domain from Wikimedia Commons

Many of the oldest inhabited cities in Greece are still standing against all odds. They have survived to this day to narrate the history of Ancient Greece and confirm its influence in Western civilization. In these cities, one finds remarkable architecture that is beautiful beyond words.

The 10 oldest inhabited cities in Greece:

No: 10. Thessaloniki: one of the oldest inhabited in Greece

thessaloniki, Greece, ancient roman agora
Thessaloniki ancient roman Agora. Credit: Marco Verch / Flickr CC BY 2.0

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece. It is on the Thermaic Gulf at the northwestern part of Aegean Sea. There are over one million inhabitants in its metropolitan area. The city has a rich history stretching from antiquity to the modern era.

It was founded in 315 BC by Cassander of Macedon, who named it after his wife Thessalonike, daughter of Philip II of Macedon and sister of Alexander the Great. It was an important metropolis by the Roman period and the second largest, wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire. During that time, in terms of its wealth and influence, Thessaloniki competed with the great city of Constantinople.

The Ottomans conquered it in 1430. Nevertheless, it remained an important seaport and multi-ethnic metropolis during the almost five centuries of Turkish rule. It became part of the Kingdom of Greece on November 8, 1912.

No 9: Corfu Town: a great 5th century Naval power

Corfu old fortress, Greece
Corfu Old Fortress. Credit: Thierry / Flickr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Corfu Town is on the island of Corfu in the Ionian Sea. It is the capital of the municipality and regional unit of Corfu. The township serves as a capital for the region of the Ionian Islands. In 2011, the city numbered around 39,674 residents.

Corfu Town is a major tourist attraction and Greek regional center. It has also played an important role in Greek history since antiquity. Its old town in particular has a rich background of Ancient Greek, Venetian, French, and British conquest.

The ancient city, known as Korkyra, was founded around 700 BC, as a colony of the Ancient Greek city of Corinth, therefore making it another of the oldest inhabited cities in Greece. It took part in the Battle of Sybota, which was a catalyst for the Peloponnesian War. According to Thucydides, it was the largest naval conflict between Greek city-states until that time.

Thucydides reports that Korkyra was one of the three great naval powers of fifth century BC Greece, along with Athens and Corinth. Under the Venetians, who remained on Corfu for nearly four hundred years from 1386 to 1797, Corfu Town was a thriving economic center within the northern Adriatic area.

When the Republic of Venice fell in 1797, France took control. French rule did not last for long, however, as, during the complex events of the Napoleonic Wars, Corfu became capital of the newly instituted State of the Ionian Islands (1799-1807). The island then faced yet another French conquest (1807-1814) before the British subsequently took control of the island. The British ruled Corfu up until 1864 when the island was ceded to the Kingdom of Greece.

No 8: Patras: from the 3rd millennium B.C.

Castle of Patra, Greece
Castle of Patra. credit: C messier/ wikimedia commons CC BY-SA 4.0

Patras is Greece’s third-largest city and the regional capital of Western Greece in the northern Peloponnese. It is 215 kilometers west of Athens. Today, Patras—apart from being a vibrant student center—is busy due to its port which serves ferries to the Ionian islands and Italy all year long. As of 2011, its population was 167,446.

The first traces of a settlement in Patras date to as early as the third millennium BC in the area of modern Aroi. Ancient Patras was formed by the unification of three villages in modern Aroi, namely ancient Aroe, Antheia, and Mesatis.

According to a version by Greek mythology, after the Dorian invasion, a group of Achaeans from Laconia led by the eponymous Patreus established the colony of Patras. It flourished later on during the post-Helladic, or Mycenean, period (1580–1100 BC).

In antiquity, it remained a farming city. After the Battle of Actium (31 BCE), the Roman emperor Augustus colonized it. As such, it prospered commercially until around the 3rd century CE. In 1205, it became a Frankish barony and the seat of an autonomous Latin archbishop, who later sold it to Venice (1408). This was long contested by Venetians and Turks.

Finally, Patras was the seat of Bishop Germanos, who, in 1821, raised the standard of the Greek War of Independence at Kalávrita. The Turks burned the city (which was not freed until 1828) before retreating, and the current grid plan of Patras dates back to the reconstruction.

No 7: Chalcis: a 3,000-year-old city

Temple of Avlidia Artemis, Greece
Temple of Avlidia Artemis, between Chalcis and Aulis. Credit: oedipusculturalroute

Chalcis, or Chalkida, is the chief town of the island of Euboea—otherwise known as Evia—in Greece. The city has preserved its name, which comes from the Greek word “χαλκός,” meaning “copper,” from antiquity. It numbers around 102,223 residents as of the 2011 census.

Its influence in antiquity was far-reaching, and it had colonies in Sicily and Italy. Much like other areas in Greece, it later fell to a succession of rulers, including the Franks, Venetians, Ottomans, and Germans.

The earliest recorded mention of Chalcis is in the Iliad, where it is mentioned in the same line as its rival Eretria. In ancient times, Chalcis was settled by Ionian Greeks from Attica as an important trade post. It was founded sometime before 1200 BC.

In the Hellenistic period, it gained importance as a fortress by which Macedonian rulers controlled central Greece. It was used by kings Antiochus III of Syria (192 BC) and Mithradates VI of Pontus (88 BC) as a base for invading Greece.

Under Roman rule, Chalcis retained a measure of commercial prosperity within the province of Achaea (the north half of Greece). The Ottomans captured Chalcis in 1470. Yet, the city became part of independent Greece in 1833.

No 6: Trikala: inhabited since prehistoric times

ancient Asclepeion of Trikala, greece
Ancient Asclepeion (healing temple) of Trikala, Greece. Credit: GNantin / wikimedia commons CC BY-SA 4.0

Trikala is a city in northwestern Thessaly. It is the capital of the Trikala regional unit. The city is in central Greece and located around 330 kilometers north of Athens.

The region of Trikala exhibits signs of habitation since prehistoric times. The first indications of permanent settlement were discovered in the cave of Theopetra and date back to approximately 49,000 BC. Neolithic settlements dating back to 6,000 BC have been discovered in Megalo Kefalovriso and other locations.

The city of Trikala is built on the Ancient Greek town of Trikki, which was founded around 3,000 BC. It adopted its name either from the nymph Trikki, daughter of the Pinios River or, according to others, from the mythical hero Asopos. During the prehistoric ages, this town was an important cultural center since it is the birthplace of Asclepius, god of medicine.

Throughout its history, Trikala saw many invaders including the Persians, Goths, Huns, Slavs, Bulgarians, Normans, and Franks. In 1393, it was conquered by the Ottomans, who developed the city into an important center with emphasis on wool weaving and production of leather products.

On August 23, 1881, with the signing of the Treaty of Constantinople, Trikala was reunited with the rest of Greece. Present day Trikala has a population of about sixty-one thousand inhabitants.

No 5: Nafplio: the first capital of the Greek State

Palamidi fortress view from akronafplia, nafplio, greece
Palamidi view from Akronafplia, Nafplio, Greece. credit: George E. Koronaios / wikimedia commons CC0 1.0

Nafplio (Greek: Ναύπλιο) is a coastal city located in the Peloponnese in Greece. It is the capital of the regional unit of Argolis. According to the 2011 census, the city numbers around 14,203 residents.

The area surrounding Nafplio has been inhabited since ancient times, but there are few signs of this aside from the walls of the Acronauplia that remain visible. According to the ancient geographer Strabo, the ancient city’s walls were built by the massive Cyclops, who came from the region of Lycia in Anatolia.

For a great deal of its ancient history, Nafplio played the role of a port city to the neighboring city of Argos. Popular beliefs claim that the area adopted its name from Nauplius, the son of Poseidon and Queen Amymone. Poseidon was the god of the sea.

Nafplio saw numerous rulers throughout the ages. From the Argives and Romans to the Byzantines and Franks, Venetians, and Turks, Nafplio was always at the center of attention due to its critical location as a port in the Eastern Peloponnese. It became the base for the revolutionary Greek government on January 18, 1823 less than two years after the revolution against Turkish occupation broke out.

Four years later, in 1827, the third National Assembly of Trizina designated the city of Nafplio as ”the Cathedral of the Government,” officially making the ancient port Greece’s first-ever capital city.

No 4: Thebes: a Bronze Age city

Kadmeion. Mycenaean palace complex of Thebes., Greece
Kadmeion. Mycenaean palace complex of Thebes. Credit: Zde / wikimedia commons CC BY-SA 4.0

Another of the oldest inhabited cities in Greece is Thebes in Beotia, Central Greece. The city has a history that dates back to the Bronze Age. The ancient Greek township played a crucial role throughout Greek history, appearing in many of the age-old legends of Greek mythology. It was part of the Mycenaean civilization during the Bronze Age.

Thebes was once the setting for the exploits of Cadmus, Oedipus, Dionysus, Heracles, and other figures from Greek mythology. The Greeks attributed its foundation to Cadmus, the  Greek king of Phoenician Tyre (now in Lebanon) and the brother of Queen Europa. Cadmus was famous for teaching the alphabet and building Thebes’ Acropolis.

Archaeological digs in Thebes and its vicinity have revealed evidence of a Mycenaean-era settlement, as well as clay tablets with the Linear B script, indicating the importance of the site in the Bronze Age. Prior to its destruction by Alexander the Great in 335 BC, Thebes was such a major force in Greek history that it was the most dominant city-state at the time of the Macedonian conquest.

During the early Byzantine period, Thebes served as a refuge against foreign invaders and as a center of the silk trade. By the middle of the 12th century, the city had become the biggest producer of silk in the entire Byzantine Empire, surpassing even Constantinople.

Notable people who hailed from Thebes in ancient times include: the poet Pindar (c. 518–443 BC), the painters Aristides of Thebes (4th century BC) and Nicomachus of Thebes (4th century BC); and the Cynic philosopher Crates of Thebes (c. 365 – c. 285 BC).

No 3: Chania: an ancient Minoan settlement named Kydonia

Excavations of Minoan city of Kydonia in the in Kastelli-quarter in Chania, Crete, Greece.
Excavations of Minoan city of Kydonia in the in Kastelli-quarter in Chania, Crete, Greece. Credit: Moonik / wikimedia commons CC BY-SA 3.0

Chania is a city in Greece and the capital of the Chania regional unit. It lies along the northwest coast of the island of Crete about seventy kilometers west of Rethymno and 145 kilometers west of Heraklion. As of 2011, the city numbers 108,642. The town has had signs of habitation since the end of the Stone Age, or the Neolithic period.

It is on the list of the oldest and longest inhabited Greek cities as archaeologists have been able to find evidence of the city’s Minoan history (3500 BC – c. 1100 BC) as well as its more distant past. The modern city lies on the site of the Minoan settlement named Kydonia in Linear B, which acted as a namesake for the quince fruit (Greek: kydoni). Later, in 69 BC, the island was taken over by the Romans, who granted Chania the status of an independent city-state.

The first era of Byzantine rule lasted from 395 AD to 824 AD, and the city was briefly ruled by the Arabs for around a century. They renamed the city “Al Hanim” (meaning “the inn”) before it was retaken by the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine Empire then reverted back to calling the city by its Greek name, Chania. After the Fourth Crusade (1204) and the fall of Byzantium, Venice ruled over Chania. They renamed the town “La Canea” and strengthened its fortifications.

Finally, the Ottoman Empire defeated the Venetians during the beginning of the Cretan War, taking over Chania. During the 19th and early 20th centuries after the island was liberated from Ottoman occupation, much of the island’s local Muslim population moved to other Mediterranean islands or coastal cities.

No 2: Athens: the birthplace of Western Civilization

The Acropolis of Athes, Greece
The Acropolis of Athens. credit: Christophe Meneboeuf / wikimedia commons CC BY-SA 3.0

Athens is one of the world’s oldest and longest inhabited cities. Its recorded history spans over 3,400 years. The oldest known human presence in Athens is the Cave of Schist, which scientists have dated to between the 11th and 7th millennia BC. Indeed, people have lived in Athens for at least five thousand years since around 3000 BC.

By 1400 BC, Athens had become an important center of the Mycenaean civilization. The Acropolis was the site of a major Mycenaean fortress, whose remains can be recognized from sections of the characteristic Cyclopean walls.

It is the ancient home of philosophy and the birthplace of Western civilization and democracy. It is also the original home of the most ideal system of government. According to Greek mythology, Athens was once one of the most powerful city-states. As a result, two gods fought to become its patrons—the Goddess of Wisdom, Athena, and Poseidon, the God of the Sea.

At the top of the Acropolis, each God offered the citizens of Athens a gift. Poseidon promised safety at sea while Athena created the first olive tree. The gods proclaimed Athena the winner and thus gave her name to the city of Athens. Some of Athens’ most famous citizens include Socrates, Plato, Solon, and Pericles.

Following the Greek War of Independence and the establishment of the Greek Kingdom, Athens was chosen as the capital of the newly independent Greek state in 1834, largely for historical and sentimental reasons.

No 1: Argos: Europe’s oldest inhabited dwellings

Lion Gate , Mycenae , Greece
Lion Gate , Mycenae, located just 9 miles away from Argos. Credit: Discover Peloponnese / Flickr CC BY 2.0

Argos is a city in Argolis in the Peloponnese. It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and the oldest of all in Europe. There is evidence of continuous settlement in the area starting with a village about seven thousand years ago during the late Neolithic period.

The city was created by Phoroneus. Its initial name was Phoronicon Asty, or the city of Phoroneus, in other words. The first king of Argos was Inachos, son of Oceanus and Tethys, who came from Egypt in 1876 BC. He was the leader of a large group of fugitives.

Homer has frequent references in his epics about the Argives. The Iliad-like lost epics named Thebes and Epigones that Homer perhaps wrote mention the glory of ancient Argos. In addition, two of the greatest heroes of Greek mythology, Perseus and Hercules, come from the city.

Argos was always an important center for Greek civilization. This is obvious in its vast theater with a capacity of twenty thousand spectators. It is even more sizeable than the famous Ancient Theatre at the Asclepieion of Epidaurus. The one in Argos was built in the 3rd century BCE and connected to an ancient Agora.

Meteoroid Captured Exploding Over Northern Greece

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Meteoroid Greece
Video screenshot of the meteoroid burning in the atmosphere. Credit: National Observatory of Athens

A meteoroid was captured exploding over Metsovo in northern Greece recently by the cameras of the National Observatory of Athens (NOA).

The initial assessment from the combination of data is that “the meteoroid entered the Greek airspace in the wider area between Ioannina and the municipality of Kalambaka, south of Metsovo and at an altitude of approximately 80 km (50 mi) from the ground, NOA said.

“Due to the brightness of the flare it is possible that a piece of the original body has managed to survive the combustion and has reached the ground becoming a meteorite,” it added.

As the scientists explained, they refer approximately to the point of entry of the meteoroid into the Earth’s atmosphere and not to the area of possible impact.

The video shows the recordings from the three cameras. The video is in slow motion (0.5x) and clearly shows that the body broke up as it entered the atmosphere into at least two pieces, then a third is seen and towards the end the explosion is seen before it disappears.

The duration of the phenomenon is about 2.5 seconds and the entry speed is between 17-24 km/s.

Meteoroid and meteor: What’s the difference?

Meteoroids, which are space rocks, which range in size from dust grains to small asteroids burn up very frequently in Earth’s atmosphere. Between 90 and 95 percent of them meet this fiery fate, never reaching the ground as meteorites.

When meteoroids enter Earth’s atmosphere, or that of another planet, at high speed and burn up, they’re called meteors. This is also when we refer to them as “shooting stars.” Sometimes meteors can even appear brighter than Venus – that’s when we call them “fireballs.”

Scientists at NASA estimate that about 48.5 tons (44,000 kilograms) of meteoritic material falls on Earth each day.

Most are pieces of other, larger bodies that have been broken or blasted off. Some come from comets, others from asteroids, and some even come from the Moon and other planets. Some meteoroids are rocky, while others are metallic, or combinations of rock and metal.

This means that the vast majority of the “shooting stars” we see streaking across the night sky are actually meteoroids disintegrating due to the immense friction they experience upon entering our atmosphere at high speeds.

Earlier in February a meteoroid, struck Earth’s atmosphere over northern France creating a stunning shooting star effect.

The 1m (3ft) meteoroid. which has been dubbed Sar2667 “lit up the sky with a pink flash which was spectacular,” an eyewitness said.

Battle of Marathon: The Helmet With the Soldier’s Skull Still Inside

Battle of Marathon
At the Battle of Marathon, a vastly outnumbered force of Greek hoplites saved Athenian democracy and protected the course of Western civilization. Credit: Royal Ontario Museum

This remarkable Corinthian-style helmet from the Battle of Marathon was reputedly found in 1834 with a human skull still inside.

It now forms part of the Royal Ontario Museum’s collections, but originally it was discovered by George Nugent-Grenville, who was the British High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands between 1832-35.

A keen antiquarian, Nugent-Grenville carried out a number of rudimentary archaeological excavations in Greece, one of which took place on the Plains of Marathon, where the helmet was uncovered.

Battle of Marathon
Credit: Royal Ontario Museum

A pivotal moment in Ancient Greek history, the battle of Marathon saw a smaller Greek force, mainly made up of Athenian troops, defeat an invading Persian army.

There were numerous casualties, and it appears that this helmet belonged to a Greek hoplite (soldier) who died during the fighting of the fierce and bloody battle.

The Athenian army under General Miltiades consisted almost entirely of hoplites in bronze armor, using primarily spears and large bronze shields. They fought in tight formations called phalanxes and literally slaughtered the lightly-clad Persian infantry in close combat.

The hoplite style of fighting would go on to epitomize ancient Greek warfare.

Today the helmet and associated skull can be viewed at the Royal Ontario Museum’s Gallery of Greece.

Battle of Marathon saved Western Civilization

It was in September of the year 490 BC when, just 42 kilometers (26 miles) outside of Athens, a vastly outnumbered army of brave soldiers saved their city from the invading Persian army in the Battle of Marathon.

But as the course of history shows, in the Battle of Marathon, they saved more than just their own city: they saved Athenian democracy itself, and consequently, protected the course of Western civilization.

According to historian Richard Billows and his well-researched book Marathon: How One Battle Changed Western Civilization, in one single day in 490 BC, the Athenian army under General Miltiades changed the course of civilization.

It is very unlikely that world civilization would be the same today if the Persians had defeated the Athenians at Marathon. The mighty army of Darius I would have conquered Athens and established Persian rule there, putting an end to the newborn Athenian democracy of Pericles.

In effect, this would certainly have destroyed the idea of democracy as it had developed in Athens at the time.

The Battle of Marathon lasted only two hours, ending with the Persian army breaking in panic toward their ships with the Athenians continuing to slay them as they fled.

In his book, however, Billows calls the Battle of Marathon a “miraculous victory” for the Greeks. The victory was not as easy as it is often portrayed by many historians. After all, the Persian army had never before been defeated.

Sweden Set to Join NATO After Hungary Approves Bid

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NATO Sweden
Sweden has cleared the last obstacle to become the 32nd member of NATO. Credit: Facebook/NATO

Sweden is poised to join NATO on Monday after Hungary, the last remaining stumbling block, voted to approve its bid.

Sweden’s prime minister called it a “historic day”, while other alliance members expressed relief at the move spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Sweden would make the alliance “stronger and safer” while the United State, Britain, and Germany welcomed Sweden’s now imminent accession.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that having Sweden in NATO “strengthens our defense alliance and with it the security of Europe and the world”.

Greece also hailed the end of the ratification process.

However, every NATO member has to approve a new country, and Hungary’s vote ended more than a year of delays that frustrated the other 31 nations as Ukraine battled Russian troops.

Turkey and Hungary stalled Sweden’s accession to NATO

Finland joined in April last year, but Sweden’s bid was stalled by both Hungary and Turkey, with Ankara approving Stockholm’s candidacy only last month.

Turkey objected to Sweden and Finland’s 2022 membership request, accusing the countries of being too lenient toward groups that Ankara regards as threats to its security, including terrorist organizations of the PKK and FETÖ members that Ankara blames for a failed coup in 2016. It endorsed Finland’s membership in April last year but, along with Hungary, had kept Sweden waiting, until January 2024.

Hungary then followed on Monday, with 188 parliament members voting in favor and six far-right deputies against. In Hungary’s delay, some experts saw a strategy to wring concessions from the European Union, which has frozen billions of euros in funds because of the nationalist government’s policies.

Sweden to become NATO’s 32nd member

“Today is a historic day… Sweden stands ready to shoulder its responsibility for Euro-Atlantic security,” Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on X.

Speaking about Russia‘s potential reaction, Kristersson told a press conference: “The only thing we can expect with any certainty is that they don’t like Sweden becoming a member of NATO, nor Finland”.

Going forward, “Nordic countries will have a common defense for the first time in 500 years… we remain friends, and we become allies,” he said.

Hungary’s president is expected to sign the law within days. Sweden, which has been militarily neutral for two centuries, will then be invited to accede to the Washington Treaty and officially become NATO’s 32nd member.

All Baltic nations except Russia will now be part of the alliance.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, which currently presides over the G7 group of industrialized democracies, said Sweden’s entry “reinforced NATO for the defense of peace and freedom on the European continent”.

Alongside its move into NATO, Sweden signed an accord in December that gives the United States access to 17 Swedish military bases.

Greek Frigate Sails to the Red Sea to Aid EU Mission

Greek frigate Red Sea
The participation of Hydra “involves risks, significant risks,” the Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias warned. Credit: Greek Navy

Greek frigate Hydra sailed toward the Red Sea on Monday after Greece assumed command of the EU’s maritime security operation which would aim to prevent attacks against ships and ensure freedom of navigation.

Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, emphasized during his visit to the Hydra frigate before sailing, that the participation of Hydra “involves risks, significant risks.”

He added, however, that Greece is compelled to take part: “Greece, as a maritime power with a leading role in world shipping, attaches great importance to the need to ensure free navigation, as well as the lives of Greek sailors.”

With a crew of two hundred, the frigate is designed in Germany and is part of the MEKO group of modular warships.

Earlier on Monday, a security committee headed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis ordered the participation of a Greek frigate in the Aspides operation, named after the Greek word for “shield,” that was launched last week.

The mission will be run from a military base in Larissa in central Greece under the command of Greek navy Cdre. Vasilios Griparis.

Greek frigate to contribute to maritime security in the Red Sea

The EU announced that “Aspides,” meaning “shields” or “protector” in Greek, will contribute to maritime security along the main sea lanes in an area including the Straits of Bab el-Madab, the Straits of Hormuz, and the international waters in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf.

The strategic objective will be to escort ships in the area of operation, provide situational awareness, and protect ships from multi-dimensional attacks at sea “in full respect of international law, including the principles of necessity and proportionality” in a sub-area of the region of operations.

Greece, a major commercial shipping power, has been directly affected by the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The port of Piraeus near Athens reported a drop of 12.7 percent in activity at its container terminal in January.

Germany, Italy, and France will also provide warships for the mission, joining the Hydra, while Italy will assume tactical command, according to Greek officials.

Officials in Athens have described the Aspides mission as defensive, adding that Greece would not take part in US-led attacks against Houthi military targets in Yemen.

In recent months, the dangers for shipping in the Red Sea region have increased dramatically, as Iranian-backed Houthi fighters have targeted commercial shipping with drone and missile attacks, as well as more brazen assaults by boat and helicopter.

Several Greek-owned vessels have been attacked by missiles suffering damage, but there have been no casualties.

The Houthis, who control a large part of Yemen, have declared their backing for Hamas in its war with Israel. They say they are targeting commercial vessels with links to Israel.

Greece Seeks to Permanently Host the IOC Presidential Vote

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Greece IOC
The flame lighting ceremony at the Ancient Olympia archeological site. File Photo. Credit: AMNA

Greece wants to permanently host the election of new International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidents in ancient Olympia, the Greek Olympics chief said in an interview Monday.

“My dream is to have this election in ancient Olympia, to remind everybody where the Games started, 2,800 years ago,” Hellenic Olympic Committee President Spyros Capralos told AFP.

“Every eight or 12 years to organize the election of the IOC president in Ancient Olympia, this is something that is feasible.

“I think that overall it would give positive vibes to everybody in the Olympic movement,” he said.

Greece is scheduled to host the next IOC presidential election in March 2025, when the term of IOC President Thomas Bach ends.

However, Bach has signaled that he may extend his tenure until 2029. He explained that his IOC colleagues wanted him to stay on, as they did not want an election campaign disrupting the preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

He added that many members also wanted to “express their recognition for the work accomplished by the IOC in the last 10 years.”

Ancient Olympia to host flame-lighting ceremony for Paris 2024

Under Olympic tradition, on April 16th, ancient Olympia will also host the flame-lighting ceremony for the torch relay of the Paris 2024 Games.

Its history begins in 1936 on the occasion of the Olympic Games in Berlin. With the help of a concave mirror, as the ritual defines, the lighting is performed by the High Priestess in the Temple of Hera (Heraion) at the archaeological site of Olympia. There, the priestess asks for the help of the sun god Apollo to light the torch as she makes the invocation.

The lighting ceremony will be followed by an eleven-day torch relay in Greece to the Panathenaic Stadium on April 26th, where the flame will be handed over to Paris organizers.

At the ceremony, Nana Mouskouri, one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, will be invited to perform, Capralos told AFP.

“We hope in the handover ceremony that Nana Mouskouri will be able and will come to sing the national anthems,” he said.

“That would be a very special moment because Nana Mouskouri is somebody very well-respected and very well-known in France and Greece, but also all around Europe and the world,” Capralos added. Mouskouri, who has sold more than 350 million albums globally, turns ninety in October.

The Olympic Flame for the 2024 Paris Games will take to the seas from its birthplace in Greece, arriving aboard a three-masted tall ship in the French port of Marseille, a former Greek colony founded 2,600 years ago.

The Olympic flame arriving in the host country symbolizes the advent of the spirit of the Games. Before lighting the cauldron at the opening ceremony, the flame is carried by a multitude of torchbearers throughout the host country and into the host city.

For Paris 2024, the flame will be taken through all the regions of France as part of an epic relay that will pass through iconic locations, creating moments for people to come together and celebrate the event throughout the country.

4,300-Year-Old Tombs and Gold-leaf Mummy Discovered in Egypt

Egypt Discovers 4300-year-old Tombs
E4300-Year-Old Tombs and Golf-leaf Mummy Discovered in Egypt. Credit: ‎Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities / Public Domain.

Archaeologists in Egypt have recently discovered four 4,300-year-old tombs and a mummy wrapped in gold leaf.

Gold mummy

The mummy is made up of the remains of a man named Hekashepes and was found preserved within a sarcophagus. It is one of the oldest and most complete non-royal corpses ever discovered in Egypt.

It was discovered in a burial site at Saqqara, which is located 19 miles south of Cairo, down a 15-meter-long (Approx. 50-foot-long) shaft, together with four other tombs.

“I put my head inside to see what was inside the sarcophagus: a beautiful mummy of a man completely covered in layers of gold,” said Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s former antiquities minister, to the Associated Press.

In addition to the layers of gold around him, the mummy wore a band on his head and a bracelet on his chest, signifying that he was a man of great wealth, Hawass told CNN.

The tombs

One of the tombs belonged to a person known as the “secret keeper.”

It is believed that the person known as Khnumdjedef, who served as a priest, inspector, and supervisor of nobles, was the owner of the largest of the mummies that were discovered at the ancient necropolis.

Another belonged to a man named Meri, who held the position of senior palace official and had been granted the title of “secret keeper,” which gave him the authority to carry out particular religious rituals.

A judge and writer by the name of Fetek was laid to rest in the other tomb, which was discovered with a collection of statues regarded to be the biggest to have been unearthed in the region.

A fourth tomb belonged to a priest at the pyramid complex of King Pepi I, which also contained nine beautiful statues.

Among the tombs, archaeologists also discovered a number of other items such as amulets, deity statues, stone vessels, pottery, and a range of everyday tools.

Archaeologist Zahi Hawass, who has also served as Egypt’s minister of antiquities, stated that all of the findings were made between 2686 to 2181 BC during the Fifth and Sixth dynasties of the Old Kingdom.

“This discovery is so important as it connects the kings with the people living around them,” said Ali Abu Deshish, another archaeologist who was part of the excavation.

Saqqara is a burial place that has been in use for more than three thousand years and is now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

It is located in what was once the capital of ancient Egypt, Memphis, and is home to more than a dozen pyramids, one of which is the Step Pyramid, located near the shaft in which the mummy was discovered.

In recent years, Egypt has made a number of significant archaeological finds as part of the country’s ongoing attempts to revive its tourism economy.

The government has high expectations that the Grand Egyptian Museum will bring in thirty million tourists annually by year 2028.

How Versace Brought Ancient Greek Mythology Into Fashion

A mosaic of Medusa embedded in a pavement, symbol of Versace , inspired by Greek mythology
Versace blends ancient Greek mythology with modern luxury fashion from its iconic Medusa logo to timeless Greek motifs. Credit: incognito7nyc, Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0

Ancient Greece has always captivated the minds of fashion designers, but Versace is the one brand that has so many clear connections to ancient Greek aesthetics that they just can’t be ignored.

In the world of luxury fashion, very few names shine as brightly as Versace. Renowned for its popular bold designs and sought-after elegance, Versace stands out for its true craftsmanship. However, what is obvious is that this loved-by-millions Italian brand has a deep-rooted connection to ancient Greek culture.

At the heart of this intriguing connection lies the brand’s iconic logo. Versace’s symbol is a sign that perfectly exemplifies the company’s affinity to a civilization that has long inspired the world in so many different fronts, including the world of fashion.

The roots of Versace’s love affair with ancient Greece

The brand was founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace. This Italian pioneer was a figure whose influence on the fashion industry remains unparalleled to this day.

Versace was born in 1946 in the south of Italy in Calabria, an area once known as “Magna Graecia” or “Greater Greece.” Versace grew up in a region that was surrounded by ancient Greek history and mythology. This influenced his creative vision deeply, as the environment in which he grew up was, in a sense, truly Greek. A prodigy in the world of design, he soon became known for his ability to blend classical elements of art with modern sensuality. This unique blend made Versace’s collections sought-after.

Gianni’s fascination with the Greek culture and, particularly, ancient Greek aesthetics was, for him, both a stylistic choice and a real homage to a civilization that flourished in his birthplace and celebrated beauty, power, and the minimalistic human form.

Through his innovative designs, Versace redefined fashion. He mixed the opulence of ancient Greece with the special traits of contemporary life, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

Versace conquers the world of fashion

Due to his exceptional talent, it didn’t take long until the brand quickly rose to prominence. Versace became globally known for its innovative designs and daring nature, captivating the souls and minds of millions of customers worldwide.

Because Gianni’s childhood was marked by a clear interest in Greek mythology and history, this shaped his professional career deeply. It was a passion that would later be used in Versace’s creations with a unique and distinctive character. This fascination managed to become the foundation upon which the brand was built. Ancient Greek inspiration became key to defining the brand with the grandeur of ancient civilizations and obtaining its unique character.

The design patterns of Versace reflect the company’s deep admiration for the Greek culture, and this is abundantly evident by its use of motifs and themes that reflect the tales and choices of ancient Greece.

The relatively short journey of this glamorous brand exemplifies how Gianni Versace’s visionary approach merged the past with the present. His inspiration created garments that are not simply clothes. They are pieces of art as well as fashion statements.

The versace Logo, Medusa, inspired by Greek mythology
The Versace logo, featuring Medusa and meanders, in the Versace haut-culture boutique on Dong Khoi street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Credit: Blowing Puffer Fish, Flickr, CC BY 2.0

The Medusa logo: The symbolism behind Versace’s iconic logo

The choice of Medusa as the logo of Versace is the frontal evidence of Gianni’s genius. Additionally, it showcased his ability to draw significant symbolism from ancient Greek mythology and turn it into powerful fashion messages.

According to Greek mythology, Medusa was once a beautiful maiden. However, her hair was turned into snakes by the goddess Athena as a form of punishment. This curse made her look so terrifying that people who dared to lay eyes on her would turn to stone.

Yet, for Versace, Medusa represented something completely different. For him, she was the definition of beauty, irresistibility, and represented the power of being different to the masses. This reinterpretation of Medusa’s popular story aligned perfectly with the image of the brand that Versace wanted to create. Today, the allure of Versace’s designs is undeniable. It continues to grow in popularity by captivating those who gaze upon their bold patterns.

At this point, we should point out that Medusa’s image also conveys a message of strength and empowerment. Through the eyes of Gianni Versace, these little things became traits that the company aspires to transfer to those who chose to use their products.

Of course, largely due to Versace, this emblem managed to become something bigger than a logo. It is a statement and declaration of the brand’s bold Greek inspirations. Through Medusa, Versace brought a message of beauty that transforms no matter how different it might look to the eyes of the ordinary people.

Versace’s timeless aesthetic inspired by ancient Greece

Versace’s timeless collections are a testament to the global appeal of Greek motifs and patterns. These ancient symbols have been cleverly adapted to fit today’s world of modern luxury fashion with great success.

The Greek key pattern, for example, also known as the meander or “meandros,” symbolizes the pure form of infinity and unity. This iconic element is always prominently featured in Versace’s clothing, accessories, and even the interiors of its boutique stores. It continues to serve as a constant reminder of the brand’s roots in ancient Greek art.

Each piece of the Versace line tells a story. It is a story of beauty and myth, of past and present. It ensures Versace’s followers that wearing their brand doesn’t just offer them a fashion statement but an experience and connection to the cultural heritage of Greece.

Versace’s journey beyond the runway

Following Gianni’s assasination in 1997, Donatella Versace, Gianni’s sister, took over. Under her leadership, the brand never stopped honoring its Greek-inspired heritage. Donatella’s tenure saw Versace embrace modern trends and technologies. Nonetheless, the essence of ancient Greece remained a cornerstone of the brand’s identity.

This delicate but beautiful balance between innovation and tradition has managed to ensure Versace’s place in the pantheon of luxury fashion. This is the reason why Versace’s influence extends beyond the runway. It became, over the years, a cultural icon with its designs featuring in movies, music videos, and red-carpet events.

The brand’s ability to stay relevant and continually reinvent itself while staying true to its roots is a testament to the lasting legacy of its founder and the timeless appeal of its Greek inspirations.

The timeless allure of Greek-inspired fashion

From the Medusa logo to the meander, Versace has masterfully crafted a modern way of paying respects to the rich heritage of Greece.

The brand has created a unique identity that is not just timeless but also exceptionally contemporary and modern. This serves as proof that the past can indeed inform the present.

Educator Makes $1 Billion Gift; Buys Free Tuition for Everyone at Bronx College

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American educator Ruth Gottesman makes 1 billion dollar gift to college
American educator Ruth L. Gottesman made the largest gift to any medical school in the US. It will transform the lives of students in The Bronx and beyond, as they will not have to pay tuition to Albert Einstein College of Medicine in perpetuity. Photo supplied.

Today, Albert Einstein College of Medicine announced it has received a transformational gift of one billion USD from Ruth L. Gottesman, Ed.D., Chair of the Einstein Board of Trustees and Montefiore Health System board member. This historic gift—the largest made to any medical school in the country—will ensure that no student at Einstein will have to pay tuition again.

“This donation radically revolutionizes our ability to continue attracting students who are committed to our mission, not just those who can afford it,” said Dr. Yaron Tomer, the Marilyn and Stanley Katz Dean at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “Additionally, it will free up and lift our students, enabling them to pursue projects and ideas that might otherwise be prohibitive. We will be reminded of the legacy this historic gift represents each spring as we send another diverse class of physicians out across the Bronx and around the world to provide compassionate care and transform their communities.”

Transformational $1 billion college gift ensures no student will ever pay tuition again

This transformational gift is intended to attract a talented and diverse pool of individuals who may not otherwise have the means to pursue a medical education. It will enable generations of healthcare leaders who will advance the boundaries of research and care, free from the burden of crushing loan indebtedness.

With this donation, all current fourth-year students will be reimbursed their spring 2024 semester tuition and, effective beginning in August of this year, all students moving forward will receive free tuition at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Albert Einstein College of Medicine was founded in 1955 with a mission to welcome all students, without restrictions. Today, this gift furthers that mission by removing the financial restrictions for those without the economic means to afford medical school.

Dr. Gottesman joined Einstein’s Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC) in 1968. At a time when learning problems were often unrecognized and misdiagnosed, she developed widely used screening, evaluation, and treatment modalities that have helped tens of thousands of children.

In 1992, she started the Adult Literacy Program at CERC, the first of its kind, which is still in operation. In 1998, she was named the founding director of the Emily Fisher Landau Center for the Treatment of Learning Disabilities (at CERC). Dr. Gottesman earned her bachelor’s degree at Barnard College and her master’s and doctoral degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is Clinical Professor Emerita of Pediatrics (Developmental Medicine) at Einstein.

Over the course of her 55-year association with the College of Medicine, Dr. Gottesman’s dedication and philanthropic vision have helped make Einstein the remarkable institution it is today. She and her late husband, David S. Gottesman, have been enormously generous donors in the past to Einstein’s innovative research and education initiatives.

“I am profoundly grateful to Dr. Gottesman for this historic and transformational gift,” said Philip O. Ozuah, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Montefiore Einstein. “I believe we can change healthcare history when we recognize that access is the path to excellence. With this gift, Dr. Gottesman will fund excellence in perpetuity and secure our foundational mission of advancing human health.”

“Each year, well over 100 students enter Albert Einstein College of Medicine in their quest for degrees in medicine and science,” said Ruth L. Gottesman, Ed.D., Chair of the Einstein Board of Trustees and Montefiore Health System board member. “They leave as superbly trained scientists and compassionate and knowledgeable physicians, with the expertise to find new ways to prevent diseases and provide the finest health care to communities here in the Bronx and all over the world. I am very thankful to my late husband, Sandy, for leaving these funds in my care, and l feel blessed to be given the great privilege of making this gift to such a worthy cause.”

Dan Tishman, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Montefiore Einstein, commented: “Ruth Gottesman’s extraordinary and unprecedented gift gives new meaning to selfless determination and transformational philanthropy. She has always been an inspiration to her fellow board members and the entire Montefiore Einstein community. She will have the lasting gratitude of all who choose to train and learn here.”

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