NASA recently released a video offering a simulated experience of what it might be like to falli into a black hole.
Created with the help of a powerful NASA supercomputer, the simulation illustrates the visuals one might encounter while descending beyond the event horizon of a black hole.
Additionally, another simulation portrays the perspective of a person zooming past a black hole. In this simulation, space seems to warp and twist, as reported by Newsweek.
“I simulated two different scenarios, one where a camera—a stand-in for a daring astronaut—just misses the event horizon and slingshots back out, and one where it crosses the boundary, sealing its fate,” said Jeremy Schnittman, the simulation creator and an astrophysicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, in a statement.
Stellar and supermassive black holes
Black holes possess an immensely powerful gravitational force, preventing even light from escaping.
They come in various forms, such as stellar black holes, born from the collapse of stars, and supermassive black holes, residing at the cores of galaxies such as our own Milky Way.
Moreover, each black hole features an event horizon, marking the point beyond which no light or radiation can break free.
In the NASA simulation, the black hole shown is a supermassive one, similar to the colossal one residing at the heart of our galaxy. It has a mass of approximately 4.3 million times that of our Sun, according to NASA.
Surrounding the black hole is a luminous ring of gas known as the accretion disk. It glows when there is intense heat due to friction.
Moreover, the simulation places the viewer at a distance of about 400 million miles from the black hole, rapidly falling toward it. As the viewer nears, the accretion disk undergoes distortion and warping.
Spaghettification of objects nearing black hole
“If you have the choice, you want to fall into a supermassive black hole,” Schnittman said. “Stellar-mass black holes, which contain up to about 30 solar masses, possess much smaller event horizons and stronger tidal forces, which can rip apart approaching objects before they get to the horizon.”
This phenomenon occurs because the gravitational force acting on the end of an object closer to the black hole is significantly stronger than on the other end. As a result, falling objects get stretched out, resembling noodles. This is an event known to astrophysicists as “spaghettification.”
The simulated black hole has an event horizon spanning approximately 16 million miles (25 million kilometers), roughly 17 percent of the distance between Earth and the Sun, as reported by NASA.
The impact of Alexander the Great on the economy was tremendous. Statue of Alexander the Great in Thessaloniki. Credit: Berthold Werner Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0
The Asian campaign of Alexander the Great had an unexpected impact on the economy of Macedonia and the rest of Ancient Greece.
The conquests of the cities of Damascus, Persepolis, Susa, Sardes, and others brought the massive amount of 180,000 talents (one talent = 6,000 drachmae) suddenly into Alexander’s treasury at Ecbatana and the circulation of coinage increased significantly.
The sudden influx of income into the empire boosted the circulation of money but at the same time, there was no corresponding increase in the goods available to buy, and that generated inflation.
According to tutor of Classics and PhD candidate in Ancient History at Democritus University of Thrace, Department of History and Ethnology, Grigorios Charalampidis, there was a great increase in the price of wheat and barley during Alexander’s reign. In 330 BC, a medimnos of wheat in Athens had risen from 5 to 16 drachmas. It should be noted, though, that several bad harvests contributed to the price hike as well.
Alexander was excellent at managing economics. He succeeded in controlling the finances of a gigantic military campaign that started in Greece and ended in India, including a lengthy detour in the Middle East. Furthermore, his public policy in the kingdoms and lands he conquered was equally effective. During his short life, he successfully administered and ruled over the vast empire he had created.
The success of the young king in spreading Hellenism was largely due to his actions stemming from the morals and ethics of Greek philosophy. He did not use his conquests as sources of wealth but as grounds where he could sow the seeds of Hellenism. “I am grateful to gods that I was born Hellen,” he had said. Although Alexander had forged his empire with the sword, the policies he implemented over this empire were not defined by the sword. Indeed, it was Alexander’s values that made him one of the most important individuals in human history.
Xenophon and Alexander the Great
Most historians argue that Alexander was influenced by Xenophon’s treatise on economics, Ways and Means (Πόροι ή Περί Προσόδων) written in 355 BC and applied its ideas to his own economic policy for the empire.
The Athenian philosopher, historian, and author wrote his essay in six chapters, proposing ways for bankrupt Athens to recover and boost its economy by taking advantage of all means available:
1) Xenophon proposed that Athens should exploit all natural resources such as stone and silver to the fullest, increase trade by land and sea, and optimize agricultural production.
2) Increase its population of metics in order to increase revenue by receiving taxes from them. Also, give full citizen rights to metics so they could join the Athenian army so the city would not have to pay mercenaries to defend it.
3) Make Athens a great commercial center to increase revenue through exports, sales, rents, and customs. Create a public fleet of ships for rent to traders.
4) Increase the workforce of slaves in the silver mines to increase production. Open the silver mining business to foreigners and citizens.
5) Xenophon stressed the importance of peace to obtain the full economic advantages of the state. A state that does not attempt to control other states by force is an attractive place to trade or visit.
6) Athens should be a place to organize great festivals that would attract visitors and bring revenue to the state. He finally said that the state should send a delegation to Delphi to ask the advice of the gods about his proposals.
Judging by the changes the young king brought to his conquered territories, he likely put most of the ideas of Xenophon into practice.
Impact on trade and economy
Alexander the Great demonstrated exceptional management abilities in regard to the empire’s wealth. His conquests in Asia, especially in Persia and India, had him utilize important trade hubs and extended trade routes. This resulted in an inflow of goods from distant lands, such as spices, silk, precious metals, and gemstones.
Greek merchants traveled far in Asia to trade with foreign markets. This introduced Greek goods, customs, and ideas while also adopting local products and practices. At the same time, local industries flourished as demands for specific products increased and more exchanges were made. The economies of conquered territories flourished long after Alexander’s reign ended. Their exchange of goods with Greece helped the Greek economy as well.
In addition to the expansion of trade, Alexander’s conquests also had a significant impact on agricultural production within his empire. Alexander implemented policies aimed at improving agricultural practices and boosting food production in his new lands. He introduced advanced irrigation techniques in arid regions, allowing more efficient use of water resources, thus enabling farmers to cultivate previously barren lands. Crop yields increased, ensuring a steady food supply for both local populations and the growing needs of urban centers.
Alexander also promoted land redistribution policies aiming to create large-scale farms operated by skilled farmers. The pioneering consolidation of farmland into larger estates improved efficiency in agricultural production. The larger farms were better organized and increased productivity. This created surplus crops that could be traded domestically and internationally, thus generating wealth and contributing to the overall prosperity of the empire.
Urban centers and new technologies
A significant impact of Alexander’s conquests was the growth of urban centers within his empire. He established new cities and revitalized existing ones, strategically located along the major trade routes. These urban centers became thriving commerce centers that attracted merchants from various regions and fostered economic growth.
The cities created employment opportunities for local populations. Merchants, artisans, traders, and incoming workers increased the population. This rapid urban growth brought about a rise in infrastructure development such as marketplaces, harbors, warehouses, and road networks to facilitate trade.
The urban centers brought together different cultures. Merchants from diverse backgrounds converged in these cities bringing with them their unique goods and ideas. This cultural diversity provided room for innovation and entrepreneurship as individuals had access to a wider range of products, expertise, and resources.
In these urban centers, new technologies and industrial innovations were introduced. As the Greek empire expanded into regions rich in natural resources, such as Egypt and Persia, Alexander encouraged the development of industries that could harness these resources. Significant advancements in areas such as mining, agriculture, textiles, and metallurgy were made in those regions.
In Egypt, Alexander initiated projects that advanced agricultural practices. He implemented irrigation systems along the Nile River, generating increased crop production to support a growing population.
Greek engineers brought their expertise in construction to Alexander’s conquest resulting in monumental architectural structures like Alexandria’s lighthouse or cities laid out according to advanced urban planning principles.
The introduction of new industries and technologies made local economies flourish and had a ripple effect on trade networks throughout Alexander’s empire. The available raw materials and new manufacturing processes enabled greater production capacities, increasing both domestic consumption and exports across borders.
Global finance system
Alexander developed a standardized currency system to facilitate trade within the different regions of the empire. He introduced a common currency known as the silver tetradrachm, which became widely accepted throughout the conquered territories due to its consistent weight and purity. This allowed for easier transactions, making trade flourish.
The standardized currency provided stability by reducing uncertainty regarding value and facilitating fair trade practices. It created economic integration among diverse regions and cultures, fostering economic growth and prosperity throughout his empire. Furthermore, it facilitated administrative efficiency.
The economic integration of diverse regions under Alexander’s rule created the need for more efficient methods of conducting business. This led to the creation of banking institutions that facilitated trade by providing merchants with access to credit, allowing them to expand their operations and invest in new ventures.
These financial institutions introduced standardized currencies within the empire, facilitating economic transactions. Merchants no longer had to deal with various local currencies; instead, they could rely on universally accepted coins issued by these banks. This simplified commerce but also fostered confidence in the stability and reliability of the monetary system.
Given the vast territory covered by Alexander’s empire, we can say that this was the creation of a global economy during ancient times. Different regions were connected through trade routes and an interconnected network of economic activity spanned across continents. The silver tetradrachms were widely accepted throughout his empire.
Alexander’s conquests opened up several new markets and trading opportunities beyond his empire’s borders. The Silk Road, for instance, expanded significantly under his rule as Greek traders ventured further into Central Asia and China to establish trade relations with these distant lands. This brought exotic goods like silk and spices to the Mediterranean but also facilitated cultural exchange between East and West.
Equally important to the economic growth was the cultural exchange that occurred. This exchange allowed for the preservation and dissemination of knowledge from ancient civilizations, contributing to advancements in art, architecture, literature, philosophy, and science. The merging of different traditions enriched Greek culture and provided new perspectives that shaped intellectual development.
The Hungarian Parliament in Budapest. Credit: Jorge Franganillo / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is perhaps not the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of Greek food. However, one Greek culinary export, gyros, has become a popular fast-food choice for Hungarians and tourists alike.
Restaurants serving gyros have become increasingly widespread in Budapest over the past two decades where they have become a firm favorite with diners looking for a quick and tasty meal, especially after a night out.
In Greece, gyros are the most popular fast food delicacy. A typical gyro includes slices of meat, tomato, onion, fried potatoes, and tzatziki wrapped in pita bread.
A gyros from Blue Agori in Budapest. Credit: Alexander Gale / GreekReporter
Gyros in Budapest
Blue Agori is probably the best-known Greek-style restaurant serving gyros in Budapest and is also one of the most widespread, with three locations across the city. One of the restaurants is situated just a few minutes walk from the city’s famous St. Stephen’s Basilica.
“It is very important to us that our ingredients are not only of high quality, but also come from Greece, for the most authentic taste experience!” states the Blue Agori website.
Blue Agori’s owner, Stavros Koranis, grew up in the Hungarian capital, but he possessed an appreciation for his Greek roots from a young age, largely thanks to his mother who instilled within him a love for gastronomy. This deep-rooted appreciation for Greek culture is expressed in the gastronomical delights Koranis has worked hard to make accessible in Budapest.
Of course, Blue Agori is not the only place where gyros are available in Budapest. Kyros Gyros in Hegedűs Gyula and Budapest Gyros in Wesselényi are just two examples. Both restaurants have above four out of five-star reviews on Google.
Gyros: A Brief History
The name “gyros” literally means ”round” or “loop” and many theories exist about the history and its origins. Is it just a Greek variation of the globally known Turkish kebab? Or could it date back to ancient times, when the army of Alexander the Great was known to skewer and roast various cuts of meat on long swords over an open fire?
In truth, there is no way to verify any of the theories. Gyros, as we know them today, became a famous dish following the arrival of Greek immigrants from Asia Minor in the 1920s. Throughout the 20th century, local fast-food shops grew in popularity, not only in Athens but all over Greece and beyond its shores.
Inspired by the Turkish kebab, the Greeks who came from Anatolia created a more Greek-looking variation of it by using Greek meat and local ingredients.
Formal dining options
Gyros are an excellent fast food option, but for those who want a more upscale Greek dining experience, there are a number of restaurants in Budapest that offer Greek food in a more formal setting.
One of the best is Mazi, located at Alkotmany Utca, just a few minutes walk from the iconic Hungarian Parliament. Mazi is an “authentic Greek bistro in a contemporary space” led by Greek chefs. The restaurant offers traditional Greek seafood and mountain dishes with a modern twist.
Mazi has a five-star rating on Tripadvisor, with over 2,500 reviews. Last year, the restaurant won the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award and the Authentic Greek Cuisine Golden Award.
Another option is Mythos the Greek in Arany János, not far from St. Stephen’s Basilica. This restaurant, located in busy downtown Budapest, “welcomes all those interested who want to leave everyday life behind and spend an evening in Greece.”
Mythos boasts an extensive menu of Greek delicacies paired with some of the best wines from across Hungary, perfectly combining Greek cuisine with Hungarian oenology.
The patron saint for the Greek infantry is Saint George. March 25th parade in Athens. Credit: Skylax 30 Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Each Greek armed force has its own patron saint, indicating that the creation of the modern Greek State is deeply rooted in the Orthodox Church.
The 1821 Greek War of Independence began with the blessings and proclamation of Germanos III of Old Patras, the Orthodox Metropolitan of Patras. According to tradition, the revolution against Ottoman rule began on the Feast of Annunciation. From the very first moment, the 1821 uprising was linked to the blessing of the Church.
The Holy Cross was the symbol on the first makeshift flag of the revolution, cementing the unbroken bond between Greek Orthodoxy and the rebels. Subsequently, it also sealed the bond of the Church with the soon-to-be-formed Greek state. Since then, the Church has been involved in political and social events numerous times, demonstrating the dependence of the general state on the institution.
After the birth of modern Greece, following the successful 1821 revolt, the rebels and their leaders, including Theodoros Kolokotronis and Konstantinos Kanaris, became part of the newly formed official Greek armed forces.
Saint George, patron saint of the Greek infantry, slays the dragon by Raphael (crop) Credit: Public Domain
Saint George: Patron saint of the Greek Infantry
The son of a rich, aristocratic family from Cappadocia in Asia Minor, it is said Agios Georgios was an officer in the Roman army, and he was executed because he refused to renounce his Christian faith.
His acts and martyrdom are believed to have been carried out during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian. He is commemorated twice a year. The first day is on April 23rd. This is the day he was beheaded in 303 AD. Alternatively, as per the Julian calendar, if the day falls before Resurrection, it is moved to Easter Monday. He is also commemorated on November 3rd, the day of the gathering of his remains.
Saint George, as the trophy bearer and liberator, is revered for his exploits, the most important of all being the slaying of the dragon to save the daughter of the king.
According to tradition, the beast guarded the water of a spring in Libya and would not allow people to drink unless it was offered to a fellow citizen. For many years, locals determined by lot the victim of the dragon. Entire armies opposed the monster to no avail. The lot also fell to the princess, who was saved by Saint George, the young officer on horseback who killed the dragon with his spear.
Saint George is the patron of armies and countries. Because of his life in the army, he was established as the patron saint of the infantry and Greek army by royal decree in 1983. He is also the patron saint of England and the Crusaders, who brought his relic from Palestine to the West, as well as the Boy Scouts.
Moreover, Saint George is celebrated as a saint of the Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, Lutheran, and Armenian Churches, as well as the patron Saint of the Christians of Palestine, Beirut, Georgia, and the Bulgarian army.
Agios Nikolaos is the patron saint of the Greek Navy, Credit: Nikoskpa Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Saint Nikolaos: Patron saint of the Hellenic Navy
Through Royal Decree in 1901, Agios Nikolaos officially became the patron saint of the Greek Navy, the Merchant Navy, and later the Coast Guard.
He is a saint who, for the faithful throughout time, has been the protector of the poor, children, and, above all, people of the sea.
He was born on March 15, 270, and lived until December 6, 343. It seems he was born in Patara, Lycia, located in Asia Minor, and became an orphan at a young age. He had no siblings and followed the priesthood, being ordained by Bishop Nikolaos, who was his uncle.
Later, he was elected Metropolitan of Myron of Lycia. During Diocletian’s reign, he was tortured, and, after being released from prison, he returned to the episcopal throne when Constantine the Great took over as emperor. During his priesthood, he performed several miracles.
He is revered by both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, and he is the patron saint of several cities.
Archangel Michael: The winged protector of the Greek Air Force
On June 11, 1954, Archangel Michael was established as the patron saint of the Greek Air Force. Since then, the feast of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel on November 8th is the official aviation holiday. It is celebrated with great pomp in all Air Force units.
Archangel Michael is an angel, created as an invisible and perfect spirit, which is not limited by time or space. In addition, he is the only one who is called an Archangel, according to the Holy Bible, as well as “one of the first lords” and “archons.” His name means “he who is like God.”
Michael is an angel who appears in the Old Testament. Lucifer, whose name means “he who brings light”—the highest position in created perfection—led a small group of rebellious angels (later demons), who aimed to disobey the orders of God. They rebelled.
At that moment, Archangel Michael assumed an important role in the suppression of Lucifer’s rebellion, thus earning the title of Archangel. He was the one who announced to Abraham the need to sacrifice his son, Isaac. It was also he who led the people of Israel when fleeing from Egypt.
In the New Testament, Archangel Michael is the one who announces the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the rapture of His Church. He is also present in Joshua, the fall of Jericho, as well as in the stories of Emmanuel, David, and Elijah. He always holds a sword, which gives fiery punishment to God’s enemies.
Furthermore, we see him in the descent of Christ to Hades, as well as in John’s Apocalypse, where, as the head of the Angels, he fights Satan.
Saint Barbara: Patron of the Greek Artillery
Saint Barbara was established as the patron saint of the Greek Artillery in 1829 and on the 4th of December of the same year. An official celebration took place in Nafplio. This was the capital of Greece right after the liberation from the Ottomans.
The young saint lived, was tortured, and died during Emperor Maximilian’s rule in the 3rd century. She was the only daughter of the rich Greek idolater Dioskouros, who was the satrap of Nicomedia. In spite of the fanatic idolaters of her birth environment, Saint Barbara was enlightened by the Bible’s truth and, while still young, she embraced Christianity.
This caused her father’s anger, and he used every possible means to dissuade her—even torture. However, when she showed her proud and adamant attitude, he surrendered her to the Roman commander of the province to punish her. The commander was impressed by the beauty of the young lady and tried to bring her back to idolatry. When she showed her irrevocable decision not to deny Christ, he submitted her to horrible torture. That was the reason she was named Great Martyr.
Finally, she was beheaded by her own father’s sword, as her biographer Simon wrote. According to the tradition, while her father was leaving his daughter’s place of slaughter, Holy Justice burned the executioner father with a thunderbolt. The artillery fire symbolizes that punishing thunderbolt.
Saint Artemios, protector of the Greek police. Hagiography by Manuel Panselinos (crop). Public Domain
Saint Artemios: Protector of Greek Police
The Greek police (EL.AS) has its own patron saint as well, namely Agios Artemios. The Presidential Decree 398/1987 recognized the Great Martyr Artemios as the protector of the force. October 20th, the day he is commemorated, became an official holiday of the Hellenic Police.
On October 20th, with religious zeal, Greek policemen honor the memory of their patron saint, great martyr, and miracle worker, Saint Artemios.
Saint Artemios lived in the 4th century. He was characterized by his deep Christian faith, strong will, and rigid mental fortitude. He worked with passion for peace, prosperity, freedom, and security of citizens without concessions and compromises. In appreciation of his morals and virtues, Constantine the Great appointed Saint Artemios Superior Commander in various regions of the Byzantine Empire. He held the offices of Duke and Augustal with the duties of General Police Director.
His work was similar to that of the modern police officer. Saint Artemios worked with zeal and dedication for the peace and security of citizens. Wherever he served, he proved worthy of the trust placed in him and offered valuable and just services.
His faith, bravery, and courageous resistance to the illegitimacy of Emperor Julian the Apostate, who wanted to abolish the Christian faith by force, resulted in his deposition, torture, and martyrdom.
With his attitude in life, devotion to protecting and serving, and his martyrdom, Saint Artemios became a model for every police officer.
During his yearly shareholder meeting, Warren Buffett compared AI to nuclear weapons. Credit: Fortune Live Media / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Renowned investor Warren Buffett recently expressed concern about AI during his yearly shareholder meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. Buffett, who is 93 years old and serves as the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, issued a serious warning about the risks associated with this technology.
Comparing AI to the genie released from a bottle with the invention of nuclear weapons, Buffett highlighted its potentially significant impact. Despite admitting to his limited understanding of AI technology, he emphasized his apprehension regarding its potential consequences, as reported by CNN.
Buffett shared an unsettling experience with the audience, disclosing that his likeness and voice were convincingly replicated using AI technology. These “deep fakes” were so realistic that they could have easily deceived his own family. He cautioned that such deceptive practices are likely to become more prevalent in the future.
“If I was interested in investing in scamming, it’s going to be the growth industry of all time,” stated Buffett.
Berkshire Hathaway using AI in business to some extent
Greg Abel, the expected successor to Warren Buffett, who oversees Berkshire Hathaway’s non-insurance operations, mentioned during a recent statement that the company has begun integrating some AI into its business operations. This move aims to enhance the efficiency of employees.
Abel acknowledged that the implementation of AI may lead to the displacement of labor in certain instances. However, he expressed optimism about the potential for creating new opportunities as a result.
Warren Buffett also recognized the transformative potential of AI to positively impact the world. However, he expressed reservations about fully embracing it at this point. “It has enormous potential for good and enormous potential for harm,” Buffett remarked, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding its long-term consequences.
40 percent of global employment could be disrupted by AI, says IMF
The widespread adoption of AI has already brought significant changes to workplaces worldwide. International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that nearly 40 percent of global employment could face disruption due to AI. Various industries, including medicine, finance, and music, have already experienced the effects of this technological revolution.
The stock of companies involved in the AI industry has experienced significant growth. For example, chipmaker Nvidia (NVDA) has seen a remarkable increase of approximately 215 percent in the past 12 months, while Microsoft (MSFT) has surged by about 34 percent during the same period.
In comparison, shares of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) have also shown growth of 22 percent.
Warren Buffett isn’t alone in raising alarms about the potential risks associated with AI deception.
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently shared similar thoughts in his annual shareholder letter. Dimon admitted uncertainty about the complete impact AI will have on business, the economy, or society.
Joseph Mallord William Turner, Ulysses Deriding Polyphemus, Homer’s Odyssey, 1829. Credit: Gandalf’s Gallery. CC BY 2.0/flickr
In the seventh century BCE, the Greek poet Homer wrote the Odyssey. This fascinating tale of adventure and loss would captivate readers for centuries, even millennia. It tells the story of Odysseus attempting to travel home after the Trojan War.
One of the most intriguing things about this lengthy poem is that there is significant controversy surrounding the locations mentioned throughout. Based on the best available evidence, where did Odysseus really travel to in the Odyssey?
Does the Odyssey take place all over the Mediterranean?
The most common belief is that the Odyssey takes place over a very large area. After all, this seems logical at first. Odysseus takes a full ten years to return home after the Trojan War. Taking the normal route from Troy, in northwest Anatolia, to Odysseus’ home island of Ithaca should have only taken a few weeks at most.
For this reason, many people today believe Odysseus must have traveled all over the Mediterranean. In fact, this belief goes back to ancient times. For example, the common belief concerning Scylla and Charybdis was that they lived on either side of the Strait of Messina.
In fact, certain ancient writers suggested the Odyssey is set across an even wider area than that, claiming that some of the locations were outside the Mediterranean. For example, some writers argued that Calypso’s island, Ogygia, should be identified with one of the islands of the British Isles.
Blown off course at Cape Maleas
In addition to the fact that the journey in the Odyssey took a long time, there is a more specific reason as to why many researchers today believe Odysseus must have traveled throughout the Mediterranean.
Odysseus’ journey starts off perfectly normally. The locations that appear obviously correspond with actual locations along the coast of the Aegean Sea between Troy and Greece. However, things take a turn for the worse—and the unusual—when the hero gets to Cape Maleas.
This is the eastern headland in the southernmost part of Greece, forming one side of the Gulf of Laconia. It is notorious for its strong winds. As Odysseus attempts to round the cape, a strong wind blows him off course in a southerly direction for nine days straight. Based on estimates concerning how far such an ancient Greek ship would go in a similar situation, many scholars have concluded that Odysseus must have traveled at least 630 miles from Cape Maleas.
Where did Odysseus go?
The problem is that the Mediterranean is not 630 miles from north to south at that point. In theory, then, this means that Odysseus simply cannot have been blown directly south. Rather, the wind must have blown him off course in a south-westerly direction along part of the length of the Mediterranean. This would take him to the coast of Africa, far west of Egypt, perhaps to Tunisia.
However, there is an important reason to challenge this assumption. As the late historian, sailor, and explorer Tim Severin pointed out, any reasonable interpretation of the Odyssey must be that Odysseus was trying to get home. This is the entire point of the story after all.
In such a situation, what would he logically have done while being blown off course? Would he have merely allowed the wind to carry him, or would he have steered the ships into the wind to try to hold his position as much as possible until the wind abated? The latter is obviously more logical.
This being the case, there is no reason to conclude that Odysseus was blown significantly to the west. Nine days of a wind driving him to the south, with him fighting against it during those nine days, would give a likely total distance of just 270 miles or so.
Close to Greece
The Head of Polyphemus, the Cylops defeated by Odysseus. Credit: Steven Lek/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0
This would mean that Odysseus would have reached the coast of Africa much further east than Tunisia. In fact, his fleet likely would have arrived more or less at the site of the later Greek colony of Cyrene. This is essentially directly south of Greece. Thus, as Odysseus continued on his journey home, he would logically have traveled directly north, likely stopping off at Crete on the way.
In line with this conclusion, Severin highlighted evidence that the setting of almost all the subsequent locations that appear in the Odyssey is to be found close to Greece. For example, the next location in the Odyssey is the island of the Cyclopes. If Severin’s argument is correct, this would be Crete.
As it happens, Greek mythology regularly associated Crete with the Telchines. This mythical race was similar to the Cyclopes in many ways and was sometimes conflated or confused with them. Furthermore, Severin recorded the presence of local folklore on Crete about a monstrous race that lived in caves, ate people, and had an eye on their forehead.
Around the coast
Severin went on to demonstrate that most of the other locations were places on the coast of Greece itself. For example, the Odyssey describes a small, round harbor in the shape of a horseshoe. It had an entrance so narrow that men with long spears could block it. A cliff face surrounded the small harbor, allowing men to stand on the edge and throw rocks onto the ships below.
Severin stated that in all his years of sailing, he had never seen a location that matched such a description. However, he then found it on the coast of Greece, at the unique and fascinating harbor of Mezapos on Cape Taenarum.
Another example is the entrance to the underworld. Homer explains in the Odyssey how Odysseus went down into the underworld through an entrance by the Acheron River. The Acheron River is in Thesprotia, a region in northwestern Greece. Here, in ancient times, there was an oracle of the dead, closely matching Homer’s description.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a good argument can be made that the Odyssey did not tell the story of Odysseus traveling all over the Mediterranean. Rather, with the arguments made by Severin, we see a far more logical scenario emerging. Odysseus evidently had his adventures fairly close to Greece, where the locations in the story can be convincingly placed.
Vladimir Putin sworn in for another six years as Russia’s president. Credit: The Presidential Press and Information Office. CC BY 4.0/Wikimedia Commons/ The Presidential Press and Information Office
Vladimir Putin was sworn in for his fifth term as Russia’s President today, renewing his hold over the country in a spectacular Kremlin ceremony, which was boycotted by the United States and many other Western countries.
Vladimir Putin became Russia’s longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin today, having been in power for nearly two and a half decades. The ceremony came as his army advanced in Ukraine at the height of Moscow’s worst confrontation with the West since the Soviet era.
Putin, 71, extended his rule – by another six years – in an effectively ‘uncontested’ election in March, having silenced any political opposition and launched the invasion of Ukraine that set Russia on the journey of unprecedented global isolation and domestic repression.
Having now tightened his hold on power, Putin placed his hand on top of the Russian Constitution at today’s ceremony and vowed to serve the Russian people.
“We are a united and great people and together we will overcome all obstacles, realize all our plans. Together we will win!” he said, after being sworn in before a grand hall filled with dignitaries.
The United States and many other Western countries boycotted the inauguration, which came just a day after Putin’s latest round of nuclear saber-rattling.
The hour-long ceremony was broadcast live by Russian state TV, along with enthusiastic commentary, showing Putin walking out of his office in the Kremlin and getting into a car for a short trip to the ceremony, as snow hit the ground in Moscow.
Russia’s president then walked the red carpet of the Kremlin’s historic halls to the applause of hundreds of guests, comprised of cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, and celebrities, including American actor Steven Seagal, who has supported Putin for years. Asked by NBC News for his impression of the event, Seagal replied “The best.”
Russia’s Relations with Greece, Including Putin’s Involvement
Russia and Greece first entered into diplomatic relations in 1828, and both countries are members of international organizations and agreements, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.
Relations between the governments of the two countries have worsened since the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in 2014, when Greece condemned Russian intervention and refused to recognize Crimea as part of Russia.
In the summer of 2018, relations deteriorated further still. Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, political relations reached a historic low, since Russian independence. Although relations have been mostly adverse, Greek people had better views of Russia. A poll in 2019 found that 58 percent of Greeks viewed Russia favorably.
However, the Russian Invasion of Ukraine severely damaged Russia’s image in Greece. As of 2023, only 32 percent of Greeks have a favorable view of Russia, while 66 percent have a negative opinion.
Marina Satti, Greek Eurovision entry for 2024. Credit: Vilanova i la Geltrú. CC BY 2.0/flickr
Greece’s Eurovision representative Marina Satti has given multiple interviews ahead of the contest, discussing how her Eurovision performance is shot in one continuous take, the story behind her music video, and her determination to represent Greek values.
The Greek Eurovision singer Marina Satti has given interviews to both Greek broadcaster ERT, Eurovoix news and EurovisionWorld.com, sharing her music tastes and explaining why it took four invitations to finally get her to agree to Eurovision.
Speaking to ERT about her music tastes, she said: “I have no boundaries when it comes to music. If you take a look at my Spotify playlist you will be listening to stuff that goes from Kanye West to Giannis Kapsalis to MIA. My goal is to connect musical cultures and elements because I strongly believe that every genre has something to offer.”
For Eurovision 2024, after a number of submissions were sent her way and after lots of consideration, she finally decided to take “Zari” to Malmo, Sweden. The song is a mixture of urban rhythms and ethnic sounds from Greece, as well as other parts of the globe, and it will mark the first time since 2018 that Greece will be represented by a song in Greek.
Satti shared that she has been very busy. “I’ve had to work a lot with deadlines for the past six months and that was a learning experience for me because, people who know me, know I spend a lot of time on my projects,” she said, “and I cannot finish them without checking a huge number of times.”
The singer did not attend any of the Eurovision pre-parties, which reportedly left fans anxious to meet her as well as see her stage plans for the context. These have now been revealed.
The Greek Eurovision singer behind the scenes
It seems Satti likes to keep up the suspense for her future audiences, and what is notable is that it took four invitations to get her to say yes to Eurovision.
“That’s true, they asked me three times and I felt readier now. I guess I was, and I am, in my extrovert era,” she told EurovisionWorld.com.
“I felt ready to work on this and actually enjoy the journey,” she added. “So, when ERT asked it took me just a few days to say yes.”
Satti describes her performance as “romantic, aggressive and fierce” and confesses to being completely involved in it. Dancing was also part of her promise.
“Of course I will be dancing. Megnun Giasar came up with the choreography and I will be sharing the stage with Eirini Damianidou, Yasin Ametoglou, Huseyin Cetintas and Vasilis Karagiannis. Erasmia Markidi will do the backing vocals,” the Greek singer said.
With regards to stage direction, the singer has been collaborating with Fokas Envagelinos, who has lots of Eurovision experience. “Fokas is a real professional. He’s a down-to-earth man, and lovely. I feel safe with him and I trust him. He is one of those people who will dare to tell you the truth no matter what, and I appreciate that.”
Representing Greece is Satti’s main aim at Eurovision. She wants people to look at their TV screens and say “look at what the Greeks did this year,” which is what made her decide to bring a song in the Greek language on stage.
“It’s massively important for me to sing in Greek and that’s also what I do when I tour Europe,” she said. “I want people to know Greeks better, and I cannot find a better way to do so than to show what we have to offer in music.”
To the Athenians or the Spartans the idea of locking a criminal in prison was a waste of the city’s finances. Developed by Stability AI
There weren’t prisons in ancient Greece as we know them today, only temporary detention centers as criminals were either fined, exiled, or executed.
The concept of incarceration as a form of punishment wasn’t as prevalent as it is in modern times. Instead, penalties focused more on retribution and deterrence rather than rehabilitation.
In cases where someone committed a serious crime, they might face exile from their city-state or even execution. Additionally, debtors could be imprisoned until they repaid their debts, but this wasn’t a formal prison system like we have today. Instead, it was more of a temporary solution to the problem of unpaid debts.
However, the non-existence of the prison sentence, but also the fact that the poor could not pay fines led to the excessive use of the executions for petty crimes.
Ancient Greek society placed a strong emphasis on social control through mechanisms like ostracism, where citizens could be banished from the city-state for ten years if deemed a threat to the community’s stability.
To the Athenians or the Spartans, the idea of locking a criminal in prison was a waste of the city’s finances. There were no prisons like today’s, only some buildings that resemble today’s detention centers, where those awaiting trial or those who had been convicted and awaiting execution were kept for a while.
Such places in city-states were usually called desmōtērion. It housed convicted criminals who were awaiting their execution and perhaps even men who had been arrested but not tried yet.
The desmōtērion of Athens is better known from the case of Socrates, who was held there after his trial until the sacred ship of the city was back — executions didn’t take place while it was away. It was there, near the ancient Agora, where Socrates drank hemlock before his execution.
Historian Virginia Hunter sketched the Athenian desmōtērion. Writing in the Journal Phoenix she said life conditions inside conditions were harsh:
“Inmates were forced to wear fetters and complained of physical hardship. It seems, however, that couches and baths were provided, as well as an opportunity to leave the prison for at least one major festival. The privilege of seeing visitors was not restricted in any way,” the historian says.
Ostracism instead of prisons in ancient Greece
Ostracon bearing the name of Aristides, 483-482 BC. Ancient Agora Museum in Athens., CC BY-SA
Ancient Athens also employed the method of ostracism, to deal with criminals and political adversaries. To be “ostracized” in classical Athens was to be exiled from the city for a period of ten years. It was a part of the annual democratic processes of Athens and, therefore, not as capricious as it tends to be in most other political contexts.
As Chris Mackie writes in The Conversation, each year the assembly of citizens (“ekklesia”) decided whether to hold an ostracism or not. If they agreed to do so, the process would commence shortly afterward. It was like an election in reverse, a contest in unpopularity that no one really wanted to win.
If the decision was made to conduct ostracism, citizens had the opportunity to write the name of the person they wanted to ostracize on an “ostrakon,” a fragment of pottery suitable for writing on.
The ancient evidence is somewhat contradictory, but it seems that if there were 6,000 votes cast on the ballot, then the person with the highest number of votes was exiled from Athens for ten years. They had ten days to pack their bags and go.
Plato was among the first to propose imprisonment
Plato, a pupil of Socrates, in his work “Laws”, was the first to propose imprisonment. One of Plato’s key principles regarding punishment is the idea of proportionality. He believed that punishments should fit the crime, aiming to achieve justice and maintain social order. He also emphasized the importance of rehabilitation over mere retribution.
Plato proposed a range of punishments depending on the severity of the offense. For example:
Fines: Monetary penalties could be imposed for minor offenses or as a form of restitution to the victim.
Exile: Serious offenses might warrant exile from the community or city-state. This punishment served not only as a deterrent but also as a means of protecting society from individuals deemed harmful.
Re-education: Plato advocated for the idea of re-education or rehabilitation for offenders. Instead of solely focusing on punishment, he believed in addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and striving to reform the individual through education and moral development.
Execution: In extreme cases where the crime was deemed severe and irreparable, Plato acknowledged the possibility of resorting to capital punishment. However, he viewed this as a last resort and believed it should be sparingly applied. doesn’t directly discuss prisons in the modern sense. However, he does offer ideas related to punishment that hint at his view on incarceration.
He emphasizes the importance of reforming criminals rather than simply punishing them. He believed that punishment should help restore the criminal’s soul and make them a contributing member of society.
Plato was much closer than anyone else to today’s penal views, since in his “Laws” he expressed the belief that “no one is evil of his own will.” Therefore, even indirectly formulating the theory that society also has part of the responsibility for the transformation of a citizen into a criminal, it was now logical to propose means of social punishment and the return of this person to normality.
Aristotle challenged the Platonic views, claiming that criminals are socially dangerous and concluded that they should be punished as harshly as animals, depending on the crime.
Ancient Greek Tyrant, Pisistratus, enters Athens with fake goddess Athena. M. A. Barth, 1832. Public Domain
Pisistratus was an ancient Greek statesman who ruled Athens three times as a tyrant. However, his reforms laid the foundations for the city’s later supremacy in Greece.
Born around 600 BC, he came to power with a coup in 561 BC and ruled Athens as a tyrant two more times. This was from 559 to 556 BC and again in 546 until his death in 528 BC. However, he was very popular with Athenians.
His defense of the lower class of Athens is an early example of populism. While in power, he confronted the aristocracy and significantly reduced their privileges, confiscating their estates and giving them to the poor.
He also funded many religious and artistic programs in order to improve the economy and distribute wealth more equally among Athenians.
Pisistratus’ legacy is the unification of the Attica region lands, the organization of the Panathenaic Games, the first attempt to produce a definitive edition of Homer’s epics, which until then were hand-written copies available only to the rich.
The Athenian ruler promoted the cults of Athena and Dionysus and began the construction of the temple to Athena on the Acropolis. He also promoted a number of other public works, including the Lyceum, temples to Apollo and Zeus, and the Fountain of the Nine Springs.
Furthermore, he supported literature, the arts, and the city’s Dionysia festival flourished during his time. Athenian coinage was introduced by about 550 BC and may reflect a policy of his, though there is no certain reference in contemporary documents as to such.
Ancient Greek Tyrant Pisistratus, Relative of Solon
Pisistratus, was the son of a philosopher and teacher named Hippocrates (unrelated to the physician). According to Plutarch, his mother was a cousin of the mother of Solon, the great Athenian lawmaker and statesman, who was considered one of the seven wise men of ancient Greece.
He became known as an Athenian general who captured the port of Nisaea in Megara in approximately 565 BC. This victory opened up the unofficial trade blockage that had been contributing to food shortages in Athens during the previous decades.
During that time, Athenians were divided into two factions, namely the Pediakoi, which referred to the population that resided on the plains and produced grain, led by Lycurgus, and the Paralioi, or the population living along the coast that was involved in the fish trade. They were led by Megacles.
Then there were the Hyperakrioi, who were not previously represented by the first two factions and dwelled primarily in the hills. They were the poorest of the Athenian population. Peisistratus organized them into a third faction. This party grossly outnumbered the other two parties combined.
When Solon left Athens in 560 BC, Peisistratus, as leader of the Hyperakrioi seized the Acropolis with a group of bodyguards and became the tyrant of Athens.
In Plutarch’s account, Solon accused Athenians of stupidity and cowardice for allowing this to happen. However, Peisistratus’ rule did not last, as he was driven out by Lycurgus, Megacles, and others within the year.
Guard of Peisistratus. Attic black-figure amphora. On the main side, a unique scene of the guards in formation. By the Swing Painter, 530-525 BC. National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Credit: wikimedia commons / Zde CC BY-SA 4.0
Pisistratus in Power
The ancient Greek tyrant, Pisistratus, returned in 559 BC with the help of Megacles, who no longer cooperated with Lycurgus against Pisistratus. Megacles had allied with Peisistratus on the condition that he marry Megacles’ daughter.
The Athenians were persuaded by Megacles that goddess Athena was bringing Pisistratus home. Pisistratus returned from exile in a carriage accompanied by a woman disguised as Athena.
Later, Megacles was angered by the fact that Pisistratus refused to have children with his daughter. The tyrant was exiled once again by Lycurgus and Megacles in 556 BC.
Pisistratus went to Euboea and lived there for almost ten years. In Euboea, he accumulated wealth through mining. With his wealth, he formed a considerable bodyguard force.
In 546 BC, he landed in Marathon with his bodyguards and forces of Lygdamis of Naxos. Pisistratus was riding on a chariot with a tall young woman dressed as the goddess Athena in order to deceive Athenians into believing that his return was sanctioned by the gods.
In exchange for his help, Pisistratus rewarded Lygdamis by proclaiming him tyrant of Naxos.
Upon his return, the Athenians accepted him favorably. Pisistratus consolidated his power by making new land laws for rural citizens, getting them to align with him. He also kept a large force of mercenaries and took hostages from aristocratic families so they would not act against him.
He maintained the democratic forms introduced by Solon but ensured that family members held the highest offices.
Contribution to the Greatness of Athens
The Athenian tyrant’s policies appear to have been designed to increase the unity and majesty of the Athenian city-state. He brought the great shrine of Demeter at Eleusis under state control and constructed the first major Hall of the Mysteries (Telesterion) for the annual rites of initiation into the cult.
Athena now became the main deity to be revered by all Athenian citizens. Pisistratus constructed an entry gate (later destroyed and replaced by Pericles’ Propylaea) on the Acropolis. Many sculptured fragments of limestone buildings from his era have been found on the Acropolis.
Festivals and literature also flourished in his time. The tyrant enhanced the glory of the Panathenaea, a yearly festival to Athena, through athletic contests and prizes for bards who recited the Homeric epics every four years.
Pisistratus put the cult of Dionysus under state sponsorship. Prizes were awarded at the yearly Dionysia festival for the singing of dithyrambs and, from 534, for the performance of tragedies.
Poets such as Anacreon lived at the court of Pisistratus and his sons, who also encouraged the collection of oracles and supported the famous soothsayer Onomacritus.
In regards to the city, Pisistratus improved its water supply by building an aqueduct that fed the Enneakrounos fountain on the edge of the agora. He also beautified and systematized the marketplace itself.
Pisistratus gave loans to small farmers for tools and equipment. He reduced aristocratic control over rural Attica through government regulation and instituted a system of traveling judges to provide state trials of rural cases on the spot. He himself made inspection tours.
The tyrant also generated revenue from the silver mines of Laurium, making them state property, and dues were exacted from the growing trade at Athenian harbors. He instituted a tax, likely of five percent, on agricultural production.
Athenian industry and commerce expanded tremendously in the latter half of the sixth century. The main contribution of Pisistratus was probably the guarantee of internal tranquility.
The religious and patriotic unification of Athens by Pisistratus saw the city-state making great progress. As Aristotle noted, it became a common saying that the tyranny of Pisistratus had been the age of Cronus, the golden age.
