Dionysios Solomos: The Greek Poet of Liberty

Dionysios Solomos
Dionysios Solomos, the creator of The Hymn to Liberty, Greece’s National Anthem. Credit: Public domain.

Dionysios Solomos, born on the island of Zakynthos in 1798, is rightly regarded as the National Poet of Greece for writing “Imnos eis tin Eleftherían,” (“Hymn to Liberty”), the first two stanzas of which became the national anthem of Greece.

His work had a monumental influence in uniting Greeks and creating a common national identity following the 1821 War of Independence and the establishment of a free state.

Dionysios Solomos, the creator of the Hymn to Liberty

The Hymn to Liberty, which was written in 1823, consists of 158 stanzas, and combines elements of romanticism and classicism. It is made up of tetrastic stanzas, in which octosyllabic and heptasyllabic verses alternate.

The Corfiot musician Nicolaos Mantzaros composed a melody for the words in 1828. Based on popular rhythms, it was originally written as a four-part harmony choral work. After that the anthem was regularly played on national holidays and in the houses of Corfu merchants, coming to be considered the unofficial hymn of the Heptanese.

Mantzaros modified his original melody several times – the second in 1837, the third between 1839 and 1840, and the fourth in December 1844 – before he presented it to King Otto I.

In 1865, the first three stanzas (and later the first two) officially became the national anthem of Greece; in 1966, this was also adopted as the national anthem of the Republic of Cyprus.

The first publishing of “Hymn to Liberty”, the Greek National Anthem. Public Domain
The first publishing of “Hymn to Liberty”, the Greek National Anthem. Public Domain.

Solomos wrote the hymn to honor the courageous struggle of the Greeks for independence after centuries of Ottoman rule.

The poem recounts the misery of the Greeks under the Ottomans and their desperate hope for freedom. He describes several events of the War, including the execution of Patriarch Gregory V of Constantinople, the reaction of the Great Powers, the Siege of Tripolitsa and the Christian character of the struggle.

The Greek National Anthem

Σε γνωρίζω από την κόψη
Του σπαθιού την τρομερή,
Σε γνωρίζω από την όψη
Που με βιά μετράει τη γη.
Απ’ τα κόκκαλα βγαλμένη
Των Ελλήνων τα ιερά
Και σαν πρώτα ανδρειωμένη
Χαίρε, ω χαίρε Ελευθεριά!
Και σαν πρώτα ανδρειωμένη
Χαίρε, ω χαίρε Ελευθεριά!
Και σαν πρώτα ανδρειωμένη
Χαίρε, ω χαίρε Ελευθεριά!

English translation:

I know you by the dreadful
edge of the sword,
I know you by the gaze
that measures the land with force.

Born from the sacred
bones of the Greeks
and brave as in the old times

Hail, oh hail, Liberty!
And brave as in the old times
Hail, oh hail, Liberty!
And brave as in the old times
Hail, oh hail, Liberty!

 The Greek poet of liberty

Solomos, who was the central figure of the Heptanese School of poetry, is considered to be the national poet of Greece — not only because he wrote the national anthem, but also because he contributed to the preservation of an earlier poetic tradition and highlighted its usefulness to modern literature.

After completing The Hymn to Liberty, Solomos continued to write impressive poetry, but never fully completed another work, and very few of his works were published in his lifetime. He had moved to Corfu and also established a literary circle there.

Solomos suffered a series of strokes toward the end of his life and passed away on February 9, 1857. His remains were returned to his native island of Zakynthos in 1865.

Own a Slice of Paradise: Uninhabited Island Near Mykonos for Sale

Island Near Mykonos Sale
Tourist boats make excursions to the island with caves with turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and diving. Credit: Video screenshot/Mykonoslive.tv

A small uninhabited island called Tragonisi located a few nautical miles east of Mykonos is on the market for sale and expected to fetch 50 million euros ($54 million).

According to the ad published by the real estate agency ZL Development Mykonos Golden Luxury, Tragonissi or Dragonisi, covering 617 acres is being sold either whole or in pieces.

The island has no green, only steep, sharp stones and slippery gravel. In the summer, tourist boats make excursions there as it has caves with turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and diving.

The small church of Panagia is built on its rocks where on June 11, the day of Saints Barnabas and Bartholomew, a festival is held with the participation of men only.

Mykonos’ reputation could attract buyers for the island up for sale

Mykonos’ reputation as a cosmopolitan island with vibrant nightlife and luxurious offerings attracts a wealthy clientele. Those seeking a secluded escape might find Tragonisi’s proximity highly desirable, offering privacy while remaining close to the action.

The island has transformed into a cosmopolitan destination, attracting celebrities, influencers, and a wealthy clientele seeking luxury experiences. Upscale restaurants, beach clubs with world-famous DJs, and designer boutiques cater to this market.

Being near Mykonos means Tragonisi benefits from easier access. Potential buyers can easily fly into Mykonos and then take a short boat trip to the island. Additionally, Mykonos offers various amenities like marinas, facilitating yacht access to Tragonisi.

The development of the island will of course require construction materials, skilled labor, or ongoing maintenance. Mykonos’ existing infrastructure provides a readily available pool of resources for these needs.

Islands in Greece for sale

Several islands in Greece are up for sale, like Tragonisi. An island in the Ionian Sea that went up for sale at an auction in 2022 with a starting price of 3.8 million euros ($4.3 million) found no buyers to date.

Makri Island in the complex of Echinades is an isolated paradise off the coast of Aitoloakarnania. Six of the Echinades islands, including Oxeia the largest, are owned by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the emir of Qatar, who purchased them in 2013 for a reported $10 million.

Makri, along with the rest of Echinades is part of the Messolonghi-Aetolian Lagoon National Park which is the largest in Greece, and the second-largest in the Mediterranean.

The island is less than one square kilometer (0.38 sq. miles) and its highest point is at 126 meters. The remains of three buildings are still visible on Makri, including a small chapel, a cistern, and a small house.

RelatedTop 10 Private Islands for Sale in Greece

Fastest Improving Business Environment Globally Is in Greece, Report Says

Business environment Greece
Bank of Greece. Credit: Greek Reporter

Greece has climbed 28 spots to the top of a list of 10 countries making the fastest progress in improving business environment, according to an Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) report released on Wednesday.

Plowing ahead of Argentina and India, which hold second and third place respectively, “Greece has witnessed the most significant improvement, showing the country’s pro-business government, which has implemented reforms, cut taxes and initiatives to enhance business confidence,” the report said.

EIU’s business environment index measures the attractiveness of the business environment in 82 countries and territories, examining 91 indicators spread across 11 different categories.

Greece business environment

The findings, based on a vector autoregression (VAR) model which measured two decades’ worth of data in 82 countries and territories, predict which are “on the verge of notable economic growth,” and, therefore, “favorable destinations to direct future investment spending.”

The VAR model used by the EIU “suggests that these improvements may result in an uptick in real GDP per capita growth, investment spending and foreign direct investment,” it was said.

The latest rankings by the EIU also reveal that Singapore, Denmark, and the US are projected to have the best business environments over the next five years, with Singapore expected to maintain its position at the top for the sixteenth consecutive year.

Several West European economies, alongside Canada, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, make up the remaining top ten best places in the world to conduct business.

Greece business environment

In December 2023, The Economist magazine ranked Greece’s economic performance for 2023 in the top spot in the list of 35 countries around the globe.

According to the analysis based on five economic and financial indicators (inflation, “inflation breadth”, GDP, jobs and stock market performance), Greece has the best economic marks among 35 mainly rich countries this year.

Greece is above South Korea and the United States in the relevant table.

Greece’s business environment is boosted by investment-grade status

Greece approved its 2024 budget in December, forecasting a rise in economic growth to 2.9 percent from 2.4 percent this year as a result of robust tourist revenues and EU funds helping investment.

Greece regained its investment-grade status in 2023 after thirteen years. Fitch Ratings upgraded Greece’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to BBB- from BB+.

Characterized by Greek finance experts as the strictest and most robust rating agency, Fitch rewards the Greek economy’s efforts by giving the country a vote of confidence.

Fitch was the second of the big three US rating agencies after S&P to give Greece a higher investment grade. This will allow more institutional investors to buy Greek bonds, thus increasing capital inflows and further helping to contain borrowing costs for the Greek government and businesses.

Maria Karystianou, the ‘Mother of Tempe’, Upends Greek Politics

Maria Karystianou Tempe
Maria Karystianou has kept the tragic accident of Tempe in the limelight. Credit: Facebook/ Maria Karystianou

If it were not for Maria Karystianou the railway tragedy at Tempe in 2023 that claimed the lives of 53 people would perhaps been forgotten.

Karystianou, dubbed the “mother of Tempe”, has been fighting for the last 12 months in Greece and abroad to seek justice for the victims and punishment for those responsible irrespective of their place in politics.

The Thessaloniki-born pediatrician who represents the families of the 57 victims of the train accident in Tempe lost her 20-year-old daughter Marti Psaropoulou at the train crash.

In emotional speeches at the Greek Parliament, the European Parliament and other national and international fora she almost single-handedly forced the conservative government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis into a defensive mode.

In social media networks, her name leads the trends. Her speeches are not just moving; they are thought-provoking and make you think. People see in her a person who manages to control her pain of losing her child and fights for a right to know that is not hers alone.

Maria Karystianou leads call for the lifting of immunity after Tempe

Almost one and a half million Greek citizens signed a resolution calling for the lifting of parliamentary immunity for the political figures involved in the case.

Questions she has been raising about a possible cover-up after the tragic accident and the parliamentary immunity of former ministers have kept the issue open: Who was responsible and why they are not punished?

Speaking at the European Parliament earlier in the week she said that the Greek government “initiated a sequence of bad manipulations and methods, which insults the memory of our dead and the dignity of the victims who survived.”

Karystianou noted the government through the Parliament provides the competent minister at the time and current MP Kostas Karamanlis full immunity.

“It doesn’t even refer him to face justice,” she said.

“In the first 24 hours after the fatal collision, a government cover-up was ordered for which to this day no one has taken responsibility, even though it has been publicly acknowledged,” she said.

“During the collision, flammable and illegal substances caused a huge explosion that incinerated most of them. This cargo was not even declared. Within 5 days they moved the debris and filled the area. Crucial evidence of guilt was lost,” she added.

Party politics

Some have been trying to use her for petty political purposes. Social media users wonder whether she is on the left of the political spectrum and wants to topple the conservative government with her elaborate interventions.

“No opposition party has asked me or even hinted that I may join them [in the run-up to the European elections]. I only hear these rumors from supporters of the ruling party,” she said.

Most agree that Karystianou doesn’t belong to anyone. It belongs to herself, who is going through the hell of a terrible loss. She was driven to the center stage by pain and tragedy, but also by the insecurity she feels towards the institutions, like most Greek citizens.

RelatedGreek Railway Disaster Expert Speaks of Crucial Omissions in Tempe Probe

The Heroines of the Greek War of Independence

heroines greek war of independence
Greece personified as a woman in the painting “Grateful Hellas” by Theodoros Vryzakis, 1858. Credit: Public Domain

The role that Greek women played in the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire is not to be overlooked, as these heroines helped shape the course of Greece’s fight for freedom.

Several women stand out as having influenced the Greek War of Independence, while others– who are nameless — will always be remembered in the hearts and stories of the Greek people for their bravery and as revered martyrs.

Let’s take a look at some of the most memorable among these women:

Laskarina Bouboulina: renowned heroine of the Greek War of Independence

heroines greek war of independence
Laskarina Bouboulina. Credit: Public Domain

One of the most renowned heroines of the Greek War of Independence, Bouboulina was a patriot to her last breath.

She was born in May of 1771 in a prison in Constantinople and led a most unconventional life for her times.

Laskarina was married twice and inherited a fortune due to her marriages. There are reports that in 1819 Bouboulina joined the “Filiki Etaireia” (Society of Friends), the underground organization preparing to facilitate a revolution against Ottoman rule to liberate Greece.

Bouboulina went on to become a Greek naval commander in the Greek War of Independence. On March 13, 1821 she raised the Greek flag, which was based on the flag of the Comnenus dynasty of Byzantine emperors, on the mast of her ship, and led her fleet of eight ships to Nafplio, where she started a naval blockade.

Her wealth and fortune were a great asset, and she spent most of her riches on supplying ammunition and food for the sailors and soldiers under her command. She would go on to participate in other naval blockades and the capture of Monemvasia and Pylos. In 1825, however, she was killed by an unknown assassin on the balcony of her house on Spetses during a family feud.

Manto Mavrogenous, a fighter for the cause of Greek freedom

heroines greek war of independence
Portrait of Mavrogenous by Adam Friedel. Credit: Public Domain

Born in 1796 in Trieste, Italy, which was at the time part of the Austrian Empire, Mavrogenous moved to Paros with her family in 1809 and joined the Filiki Etaireia in 1820 when she learned from her father, who was already a member of the organization, that they were preparing a revolution.

She was wealthy and well-educated, and convinced her friends to donate their money in efforts to increase the weaponry for the Greeks fighting in the revolution, appealingto wealthy women as far away as Paris to side with the Greeks.

Mavrogenous first went to Mykonos to invite leaders to join in the revolution.

Soon afterward, she left her family in 1823 and moved to Nafplio to fight at the center of the conflict. She stayed in Nafplion after the war concluded, and was granted the rank of Lieutenant General by Kapodistrias. After Kapodistrias’ assassination, Mavrogenous returned to Mykonos and lost her life to typhoid fever in July of 1848.

Rallou Karatza was a princess, actress, and revolutionary

Born a princess in 1799, Karatza became an actress, theater director and translator. She was a participant in the Greek War of Independence, as it is rumored that she too became a member of the Filiki Etaireia, using her influence as a stage actress to help the revolution.

Karatza translated and performed plays from Western Europe in the “Cişmeaua Roşie” in Bucharest, where she became a valuable weapon of propaganda for the revolution. Reports say that she died in 1870.

delacroix
“Greece on the Ruins of Messolonghi,” Eugene Delcroix, 1826. Credit: Public Domain

The “Mesolongitisses,” heroines who defended Greece in the War of Independence

The women of Messolonghi, or “Mesolongitisses” are remembered as the brave heroines who, during the Greek War of Independence, helped in the efforts to liberate Greece from the Turks in many ways.

They not only defended western Greece throughout the long siege of the area, they also helped the soldiers by transporting materials to build forts, such as wood and tools, and helped the wounded to recover. During the exodus, many of the women of Missolonghi perished alongside the soldiers, as they were massacred, captured or committed suicide to escape torture or enslavement at the hands of their enemy.

zalongo
Monument to the women at Zalongo. Credit: Ha Te/ Wikimedia Commons/ CC BY-SA 4.0

The “Souliotisses” chose death over capture

The women of Souli, called “Souliotisses” are known for their bravery in fighting as well as for being martyrs. They took part in the military operations of northern Greece and even threw boulders from high cliffs onto the Turks below during battles.

In December of 1803, at the “Dance of Zalongo” these women threw themselves off the high cliffs where they once had thrown rocks.They chose to commit suicide rather than be captured by the Turks.

George Karlaftis Is the Grand Master of the Greek New York Parade

Karlaftis Greek New York Parade
New York Greek Independence Day Parade 2023. Credit: GreekReporter

George Karlaftis, who just won his second Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs, will be the Grand Master of the New York Parade to honor Greek independence, organizers announced on Thursday.

The 2024 Greek Independence Parade Weekend will consist of the Flag Raising at Bowling Green on Friday, April 12th, the Gala on April 13th, and the Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York City on April 14th.

Karlaftis and the New York Greek parade

Thousands of Greek-Americans and others are expected to descend onto Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue to watch the traditional parade and participate in the festivities to mark the anniversary of the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Turks.

The annual event, a celebration of Hellenic identity, culture, and achievements in the world, is organized and hosted by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, a non-profit organization committed to fostering an appreciation of Greek-American heritage and achievement.

Last year, George M. Logothetis, Executive Chairman of Libra Group, was the Grand Marshal of the parade, and he walked along Archibishop Elpidophoros, Greek Ambassador to the US Alexandra Papadopoulou, and other dignitaries.

“As a proud Greek-American, it is an honor to be named a Grand Marshal for New York’s Greek Independence Day Parade,” said Logothetis.

Karlaftis’ rise to the top

Karlaftis, a proud Greek American, was instrumental in the Chiefs’ win against the San Francisco 49ers with a score of 25-22 in February. Karlaftis’ impact was felt immediately, recovering a Christian McCaffrey fumble to end San Francisco’s first drive.

Karlaftis has started 33 regular season games in his first two seasons and has 16.5 career sacks in addition to two Super Bowl wins.

He is 6’4″ and weighs 263 pounds. He is indeed huge compared to most humans, but perhaps his abnormality in American football is that he may be a bit undersized. Some questioned if he could compete against the many top players of the NFL. It turns out observers find him relentless.

George Karlaftis’ father, Matt, a javelin thrower, was a star in track and field at the University of Miami. His father, while attending graduate school, met his mother Amy at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue has an unsung relationship with Greece and Greek-Americans.

George’s parents returned to Athens, where his father became a professor. The family had four children. Everything changed, however, when their father died of a heart attack while traveling for work at age forty-four. Within days, their mother, Amy, moved the children back to Indiana, where she had more support.

It was in Indiana that George, who played many sports in Greece, fell in love with American football.

RelatedGeorge Karlaftis: The Greek Freak of American Football?

Impressive Greece Edges Closer to Euro 2024

Greece Euro 2024
Credit: Players of the Greek National team celebrate one of the five goals against Kazakhstan on Thursday night. Credit: AMNA

Greece thrashed Kazakhstan 5-0 in their Euro 2024 play-off semi-final on Thursday and has one final hurdle to clear on its way to the finals.

If Greece beats Georgia in Tbilisi on Tuesday it will qualify to the finals of a major international competition after a 12-year wait.

A truly imposing performance by the players of coach Gus Poyet at the OPAP Arena on Thursday night led to an unexpectedly comfortable victory in the division’s semifinal.

The Greeks opened the score in the first five minutes, as Dimitris Pelkas earned a penalty that captain Tasos Bakasetas converted into the first goal.

The second came just eight minutes later, this time with Pelkas translating into a goal the delightful cross from the right by Giorgos Massouras.

Massouras was also the provider for the third goal that Fotis Ioannidis scored on the 37th, three minutes before Dimitris Kourbelis headed home another cross from the right, this time by Kostas Tsimikas, for 4-0 at half-time.

The Greeks dropped a gear in the second half, as victory was already assured, but a fifth goal arrived five minutes from the end by the Kazakhs themselves: Yerkin Tapalov scored an own goal from a corner kick Greece took, once again, from the right.

Repeat performance on Tuesday could see Greece in Euro 2024

Overall it was an impressive performance by the Greek National team. A repeat performance on Tuesday will surely guarantee a place in Euro 2024, a competition it won so unexpectedly in 2004.

Euro 2024 is taking place next summer, with 23 teams joining the hosts in the finals. Germany will host the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from 14 June to 14 July 2024.

It will be the third time that European Championship matches are played on German territory and the second time in reunified Germany, as the former West Germany hosted the tournament’s 1988 edition.

Greece has transformed itself under the guidance of Gus Poyet since February 2022. He guided the team to four victories from their four opening fixtures in League C of the 2022 UEFA Nations League, helping Greece earn promotion to League B for the following campaign. Now he is set to lead the team to the finals of Euro 2024.

It has been a great few weeks for Greek soccer as soccer giants Olympiacos and PAOK triumphed advancing to the last 8 of Europa Conference League and dreaming of a place in the final of the UEFA competition that will be held in Athens.

PAOK and Olympiacos are also contenders for the title in Greece’s Super League, along with AEK Athens and Panathinaikos.

The Unknown War Between Ancient Greeks and China

AI depiction of the heavenly horses
The War of the Heavenly Horses set the stage for an epic confrontation between the ancient Greeks of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom and the mighty Han Dynasty of China. Credit: DALLE for the Greek Reporter

Greece and China have been two of the world’s most unique civilizations, but how many of us knew that the two nations have actually been at war against each other?

The story is more complicated than one might think. Buried beneath heroic stories of Alexander’s conquests and the vast expanse of the Macedonian Empire, we can see a lesser-known conflict. This conflict is known as “The War of the Heavenly Horses.”

This skirmish, far from the Mediterranean’s sunny shores, set the stage for an epic confrontation between the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom and the mighty Han Dynasty of China between 104 and 102 BC.

The prize? A breed of horses so esteemed they were deemed heavenly.

What led to the War of ancient Greeks and China

Emerging from the fragments of Alexander the Great‘s vast empire, the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom was a cultural melting pot. It flourished in the region now known as Afghanistan and Tajikistan, among others.

Its newly established cities were beacons of Hellenistic culture, blending Greek art, philosophy, and governance with the rich traditions of the local populations of Central Asia. This unique kingdom was at the crossroads of the ancient world. It extended its influence through trade as well as military expeditions and cultural exchange. This brief but crucial presence of the Greek element in Central Asia left an indelible mark on the history of the broader area.

Meanwhile, in the East, the Han Dynasty of China had already risen with ambitions that stretched beyond the vast landscapes of mainland China.

Under the rule of Emperor Wu, the Han wanted desperately to expand their borders, bolster their military, and secure their own position as a dominant force in Asia.

Central to these ambitions was the acquisition of the legendary Ferghana horses. These horses were known for their speed and strength. They would potentially become the reason for turning the tide in the ongoing conflict that the Dynasty had with the nomadic group of Xiongnu. Thus, the Han Dynasty went to the very edge of their borders, reaching the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom and setting the stage for a monumental clash in the name of the Heavenly Horses.

This conflict unfolds a tale of royal ambition, thoughtful diplomacy, and warfare over the extraordinary Ferghana horses.

A map of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom.
A map of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom. Credit: Martinez-Seve-Laurianne, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Prelude to war

The stage for this conflict was set when Emperor Wu showed his sheer determination to increase the size of his cavalry with the mythical Ferghana horses. These creatures, famed for their speed and strength, were said to sweat blood instead of water, and their valor in battle was believed to be unmatched.

The emperor’s envoy, a man called Zhang Qian, brought tales of these majestic beasts back from the Ferghana Valley. Qian was sent on a ten-year expedition to the West in order to find all he could get to support his Dynasty’s power. These tales started to ignite a desire that would ultimately lead to war.

However, when diplomatic missions to secure these horses ended in violence—with the envoys ambushed and the gold meant for trade confiscated by the Greeks—the stage was set. A military confrontation was inevitable.

The Ferghana Valley was surrounded by the Tien Shan and Pamir mountains. It was, however, more than just a geographical location. It was the melting point between the sedentary civilizations of the East and the nomadic cultures of the West.

Its horses became the ultimate prize that would see the Han Dynasty and the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, two powers separated by vast distances and different cultures, drawn into a conflict that would be remembered as the War of the Heavenly Horses.

This was an event that not only showed how the Ferghana horses were important to the Chinese but also underscored the lengths to which empires would go to secure an advantage over their enemies.

The clash was fueled by a blend of strategic ambitions and became the only time that the ancient Greeks and Chinese would engage in a deadly fight.

Eastern Han ingot imprints with Greek inscriptions, excavated in Shaanxi, China. 1st-2nd century CE.
Eastern Han ingot imprints with Greek letters, excavated in Shaanxi, China. 1st-2nd century CE. credit: u/SXZ728/ Reddit

The stages of the War of the Heavenly Horses

The war was marked by its logistical nightmares and fierce resistance on the part of the Greeks. General Li Guangl, the leader of the Chinese forces, attacked in 104 BC but had been underestimating the resilience of the Greco-Bactrian defenders. He also didn’t think much about the harsh terrain and faced a humiliating retreat after his very first attack.

Yet, the spirit of the Han was not going to fade that easily. A second, larger expedition was meticulously organized soon after. This time, he used a formidable force of infantry, along with his cavalry and a caravan of supply animals. This showed the Greeks of the Greco-Bactrian kingdom the determination and strategic thinking of the Han Dynasty.

This second assault was a masterpiece of military planning and great execution. The Han forces laid siege to the Dayuan capital. This was the name the Chinese used for Alexandria Eschate (Alexandria the Furthest), the Greek capital of the Greco-Bactrian kingdom.

Through a combination of tactics of relentless siege and strategic innovation, including diversion of the city’s water supply, the Han secured an unequivocal victory. The capture of the desired “heavenly horses” and the establishment of a puppet state in the lands of the defeated Greeks marked not just a military triumph but a significant expansion of Han influence to the West.

Aftermath and legacy of the war

The aftermath of the war was felt far beyond the battlefield. It shaped the destinies of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom and the Han Dynasty alike. For the Greco-Bactrians, the conflict signified the beginning of the end. Their kingdom, already weakened by internal rivalries and external pressures, gradually succumbed to the surging tide of nomadic invasions.

This marked the waning of Hellenistic influence in Central Asia. The region would gradually but steadily transition into a new era of political and cultural realities away from their Greek phase.

On the other hand, for the Han Dynasty, the victory in the War of the Heavenly Horses was a monumental achievement. Not only did it secure the prized Ferghana horses, which enhanced the empire’s military capabilities, but it also established their dominion over the Western regions.

This victory paved the way for the flourishing of the well-known Silk Road, fostering an era of unprecedented economic and cultural exchanges between East and West. The war’s legacy managed to go beyond that geographical area and facilitate the establishment of a new world of trade, ideas, and cultural exchange.

Although simply a forgotten footnote in world history, this Greco-Chinese war clearly portrays the difficulties of the relations between powerful civilizations of antiquity. It also highlights the lengths to which empires can go to secure even a single strategic advantage—in this case, the acquisition of horses believed to be divine.

New Type of ‘Ghost Shark’ With Enormous Head Discovered off Thailand

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Ghost shark
Rare male ghost shark found by researchers in the Andaman Sea. Credit: David A. Ebert / Raffles Bulletin of Zoology

A new type of “ghost shark” has been found by researchers in the deep Andaman Sea near Thailand. This ghost shark is unlike any seen before with a big head, large shiny eyes, and feather-like fins.

The newly found creature is known as a Chimaera supapae. It belongs to a group of ancient fish called Chimaeriformes, which are far-off relatives of sharks and rays.

The discovery was detailed in a scientific paper published on March 6th in The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology.

Chimaera are not commonly found in this part of the world, according to David Ebert, the main writer of the study and head of the Pacific Shark Research Center at San José State University in California.

Chimaeras are found at depths below 1,640 feet

Chimaeras live in the deep sea, dwelling along the slopes and ridges of the ocean floor. They prefer depths below 1,640 feet (500 meters), where the water is dark. These chimaeras feed on creatures such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms that dwell on the ocean floor.

There were previously only fifty-three known types of chimaera worldwide, according to Ebert. Their habitat in the deep sea makes them hard to detect, especially in the Andaman Sea, where some areas plunge to depths of over 14,500 feet (4,400 meters).

Chimaeras are also known as “ghost sharks” and “ratfish” due to their large, shiny eyes and slender bodies resembling rats. Some types of chimaera can reach lengths of up to 6.6 feet (2 meters).

A different male chimaera found dead in the Andaman Sea

During a deep-sea survey project in 2018, scientists stumbled upon the body of an immature male chimaera. This discovery occurred during a bottom trawl in the Andaman Sea at depths ranging from 2,533 to 2,543 feet (772 to 775 meters) beneath the surface.

The researchers distinguished it as a new species due to its massive head with a short snout and its large, oval eyes, which make up more than 32 percent of its total head length.

This newfound species belongs to the shortnose chimaera group, measuring 20 inches (51 centimeters) long with broad pectoral fins. Ebert suggests the creature’s feather-like frills may help in navigating rocky bottoms.

The large, shimmering green eyes of C. supapae help it navigate the dark waters of the deep sea. Its dark-brown skin lacks any noticeable patterns, and it has a dorsal spine on top of its head.

Moreover, this species was named supapae in honor of the late Supap Monkolprasit, a scientist from Thailand who dedicated her life to studying cartilaginous fishes.

The name Chimaera, referring to the genus, originates from Greek mythology, in which it represents a mythical creature with three heads: a lion’s head at the front, a goat’s head extending from its back, and a serpent’s tail ending with the head of a snake.

Oldest Canoes Ever Found Unearthed off the Coast of Italy

Oldest canoes ever found in the Mediterranean Sea
Archaeologists found the oldest canoes in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Italy. Credit: Juan F. Gibaja / PLOS One

Researchers found five old canoes deep in the Mediterranean Sea. These were used over seven thousand years ago by people living near Rome. Back then, these canoes were used both for fishing and transportation.

These discoveries came during ongoing digs by archaeologists off the coast of Italy. They were exploring a place called La Marmotta, an ancient settlement now submerged underwater. The findings were detailed in a study released on Wednesday in the journal PLOS One.

The canoes, made from different types of wood such as alder, oak, poplar, and European beech, were dated back to between 5700 and 5100 B.C.

Oldest ever boats found in Mediterranean

These boats are the oldest ever discovered in the Mediterranean, according to a statement.

Mario Mineo, an archaeologist and director coordinator at the Museum of Civilization in Rome, explained that one of the smallest boats was likely used for fishing.

The two largest ones were nearly 36 feet long and 4 feet wide. Mineo thinks they might have been used for trade, especially because the Arrone River made it easy to reach the Tyrrhenian coast.

The boat builders of the time were highly skilled. They used what we call “advanced construction techniques” to make these vessels. One important thing they did was add transverse reinforcements. This made the canoes’ hulls stronger and more durable.

Niccolò Mazzucco, a senior researcher at the University of Pisa, pointed out that the construction methods and materials used show how smart these ancient boat builders were.

They knew a lot about making boats and navigating the waters. This is important because it proves how clever ancient people were at relying on nature to build things that helped them move around efficiently, according to Mazzucco.

Vessels equipped with sails or outriggers

The researchers believe these boats might have had sails or outriggers, which are support floats. Mazzucco mentioned that they found three T-shaped wooden objects near the canoes. These objects had holes in them, which were probably used to attach ropes for sails or other boat-related materials.

Mazzucco emphasized that these advancements hint at a deeper understanding of maritime technology and navigation. It seems these boats were ready for long journeys.

However, there’s still a lot we don’t know. We’re not sure exactly what kinds of boats they were, how they were built, or how the canoes and T-shaped wooden objects were connected—whether with ropes, wooden pegs, or something else.

Mazzucco also made mention of the builders’ cleverness in using different types of wood. They knew which trees were best for making these dugout canoes. This is different from other Neolithic sites, where the same tree species were used for all boats.