Statue of Atlas Reconstructed at Greek Temple of Zeus in Agrigento, Italy

Statue of the Greek god Atlas rebuilt at the Temple of Zeus in Agrigento.
Statue of the Greek god Atlas rebuilt at the Temple of Zeus in Agrigento. Credit: Zde. CC BY 4.0/Wikimedia Commons/zde

A colossal statue of the sky-bearing Greek titan Atlas, which was buried for hundreds of years among ancient ruins, has been reconstructed to claim its rightful place at the Temple of Zeus in Agrigento, Sicily after a twenty-year-long research and restoration project.

The giant Greek Atlas statue, towering at eight meters tall (26 ft), dates back to the 5th century BC. It was one of almost thirty-eight that decorated the Temple of Zeus and is believed to be the largest Doric temple every built constructed despite never being completed.

“The Atlas will become one of the highlights of the Valley of the Temples,” said Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, a cultural heritage assessor, in a joint statement with the Sicilia governor, Renato Schifani. Scarpinato added, “We can finally introduce this imposing work to the international community.”

When was the Greek titan Atlas statue found near the temple of Zeus in Agrigento?

The statue was discovered in 1812 by Charles R. Cockerell, a British architect who was visiting Agrigento to learn about the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Akragas, which was founded around 582 BC by ancient Greek colonists. The young architect was among the first to notice that a huge piece of sandstone near the aforementioned Temple of Zeus did not form part of the sanctuary’s pediment but rather the head of a statue of Atlas.

In Greek mythology, Atlas was a titan or god tasked with holding up the sky on his shoulders after being defeated by Zeus, one of the next generation of gods called Olympians.

Over time, Cockerell identified more pieces of the statues. According to archaeologists, the Atlas statues were found on the outer area of the Temple of Zeus. They were made like that to give the impression they were holding the temple up and sustain the entire entablature of the sanctuary. It was never finished because it lacked a roof as a result of the ancient Greek city of Akragas being conquered by the Carthaginians.

In the passing centuries, the temple was destroyed by earthquakes, and in the 18th century, it was quarried to provide building materials for Agrigento and Porto Empedocle.

The long-buried Atlas statue was rebuilt using blocks of sandstone and stacking each piece on shelves attached to a metal structure.

The restoration work

The first Atlas statue, housed within the Archaeological Museum of Agrigento, was reconstructed after the archaeologist Pirro Marconi unearthed several artifacts in 1920. In 2004, the Valley of the Temples park launched an extensive research campaign led by the German Archaeological Institute of Rome and supervised by Heinz-Jurgen Beste.

This program provided fresh insights into the monument, but it also led to the cataloging of ninety more fragments belonging to around eight different Atlas statues. There was a decision to assemble a new Atlas, bit by bit, and place it upright in front of the Temple of Zeus.

“The idea was to reposition one of these Atlases in front of the temple so that it may serve as a guardian of the structure dedicated to the father of the gods,” Roberto Sciarratta, director of the valley of the Temples park told The Guardian.

The Valley of the Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts the largest area of any archaeological park in the world, covering around 1,600 hectares and encompassing the ruins of seven temples, city walls, an agora, an entry gate, as well as a necropolis and sanctuaries.

Temple of Zeus at the Valley of the Temple, Agrigento.
Temple of Zeus at the Valley of the Temple, Agrigento. Credit: José Luiz. CC BY-4.0/Wikimedia Commons/Jose Luiz

The nearby city-state of Akragas was one of the leading population centers in the region during the Golden Age of ancient Greece.

It was constructed on a high ridge over a 100-year-period, and its seven temples are considered among the most spectacular examples of ancient Greek architecture. More than one hundred thousand people lived in Akragas in the fifth century. According to the ancient Greek pre-Socratic philosopher Empedocles, a citizen of Akragas, people would “party as if [they’d] die tomorrow, and build as if they [would] live for ever.”

The city was brought to ruins in 406 BC by the Carthaginians, and it did not return to its former glory until the rise of Timoleon in the late 3rd century BC. During the Punic Wars, the Carthaginians defended the city against Roman forces, which eventually took control in 210 BC.

The Romans renamed the city Agrigentum, and under their rule, it saw a period of monumental urban redevelopment with new public buildings, including at least two temples.

The Atlas statue stands over all that remains of the temple itself—a thick stone base, piled with crumbled pillars and blocks of stone.

“The work we have carried out on the Atlas and the Olympian area is part of our mission to protect and enhance the Valley of the Temples,” said Sciarratta. “Bringing these stone colossi back to light has always been one of our primary objectives.”

Dakos: The Specialty From Crete is World’s Best Salad

Dakos
The Cretan sald has the juices seep into the crunchy bread. Credit: Frente, CC BY-SA 3.0

A trademark of Cretan cuisine, dakos, topped the list of the world’s best salads according to ratings compiled by TasteAtlas recently.

Dakos has many variations but only one secret: the superior-quality ingredients of the Cretan land.

It consists of a slice of soaked dried bread or barley rusk, juicy tomatoes, xinomizithra (a creamy sheep or goat’s milk cheese), barley rusks, olives, and of course extra virgin olive oil.

British restaurant and food critic Yotam Ottolenghi once said that he developed a “not-so-mild obsession” with dakos.

Unlike most things that you come across on holiday, it tastes pretty much the same when you make it back home, said Ottolenghi.

Dakos describes Cretan cooking

“Simple is the best way to describe Cretan cooking,” food expert Lane Nieset wrote in Food and Wine magazine.

“The main ingredients may stay the same, but Cretans can concoct multiple cookbooks out of a short pantry list of items,” she added. “Barley rusks, for example, double as croutons in salad or form bruschetta-like dakos.”

Also known as koukouvagia, this Cretan meze has the juices seep into the crunchy bread, offering an experience you’ll be ready to repeat anytime.

Add the right glass of local wine to that and you’ll be somewhere near Crete’s paradise. Whether you eat it for breakfast, lunch or as a snack any time of the day, is always wholesome and filling.

Bare in mind that depending on the area of Crete in which you travel, you may meet it under different names: in Rethymno and Chania they also call it “koukouvagia” (which means owl), while in Heraklion and Lassithi the same dish is known as “landouristo”, “ladopsomo” and “kouloukopsomo”.

Salad boasts a variety of nutrients

Anastasios Papalazarou, an Athens-based dietician and nutritionist, told Olive Oil Times recently that the dakos salad boasts a variety of nutrients, including plant protein, fibers and vitamins.

“A portion of the traditional dakos dish accounts for 20 percent of the daily need of the human body for proteins and 20 percent in dietary fibers,” he said.

“The tomato, on the other hand, is rich in lycopene, a precious carotenoid, and also offers vitamins C and E, antioxidants. Additionally, the dish is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats due to the use of olive oil.”

Dakos is an integral part of Crete‘s cuisine which is based on the Mediterranean diet.

As Nieset notes “Crete checks everything off the list of Greek specialties: wine from centuries-old vineyards that is some of the best in the Mediterranean; olive oil dubbed the ‘elixir of life’ and said to be the source of the high longevity rate; and the infamous cheese, which is so specific, villages have their signature.”

Artifacts in Greek Mythology That Hold Supernatural Powers

0
Perseus
Perseus takes flight with the sandals of Hermes. Credit: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

Greek mythology is full of artifacts endowed with supernatural powers, in addition to a myriad of unforgettable gods, demigods, creatures, and characters.

These items are immensely varied. Some, like the coat of the Nemean Lion, offered its wearer invulnerability, whereas others, like Pandora’s box, spelled misery and doom for mankind.

In many stories, these mythical items were the object of a hero’s quest or proved essential to the completion of their goal. In others, the artifact came to be a symbol of its user and the attributes they embodied.

The Armor of Achilles

Towards the end of Homer’s Iliad, Patroclus, the cousin of Achilles, donned his armor and led the Myrmidons into battle. In the ensuing fight between Achaeans and Trojans, Patroclus was killed, largely due to the intervention of the god Apollo.

Hector landed the killing blow and stripped Patroclus of Achilles’ armor. Furious at the death of his companion, Achilles burned with the desire for revenge but could not go into battle without his armor.

Luckily for Achilles, his mother Thetis was respected by the Olympian gods and she persuaded the forge god Hephaestus to make Achilles a new set of armor. Homer describes the armor as being “brighter than blazing fire” and dedicates several pages to describing it.

Ultimately, the armor protected Achilles long enough for him to exact his vengeance against Hector and the Trojans. It did not however render him immune to fate itself, and he was struck dead when an arrow hit his vulnerable heel.

Achilles
The “Vatican Amphora,” which depicts ancient Greek warriors Ajax and Achilles playing a board game. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Public domain

Poseidon’s trident

The trident of Poseidon, the god of the sea, is one of the most iconic artifacts in Greek mythology. Even in modern times, it functions as a potent symbol of all things maritime.

According to mythology, the trident was forged by the cyclopes and given to Poseidon as a gift. The trident, which resembled a fisherman’s fork, was used many times by Poseidon to channel his powers over the earth and sea.

In one such instance, the sea god struck a rock on the hill of the Athenian Acropolis to produce a well of seawater, in what became a contest between himself and Athena for dominion over Attica. When the Athenians chose Athena, Poseidon struck his trident a second time, causing the surrounding lands to dry up, thus depriving the Athenians of water.

In another myth, Poseidon created the first horses, which the ancient Greeks believed were sacred to him, by again striking his trident against the ground.

Poseidon's trident
Poseidon depicted holding his trident, a power Greek mythological item, c. 550-525 BC. Credit: Jastrow / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

Pandora’s box

Pandora’s box was arguably among the most important Greek mythological artifacts, given the consequences it would hold for all mankind. Pandora was the first human woman in Greek mythology, created by Hephaestus from clay.

According to Hesiod, the purpose of Pandora’s creation was to punish mankind for the deeds of Prometheus, who had stolen the secret of fire from the gods and given it to humans.

Zeus, wishing to punish humans, deceived Epimetheus – the brother of Prometheus – by gifting him the hand of Pandora in marriage. Pandora brought with her the infamous box, although it would be more accurately described as a jar due to a mistranslation of ancient Greek.

In any case, Pandora was instructed not to open the jar, but curiosity had been woven into her very nature by the gods and she could not withstand this temptation. She opened the jar, letting out death, sickness, and all the evils which plague the world. Only hope remained in the jar. This was Hesoid’s explanation for all the hardships faced by mankind.

Pandora
Pandora’s box. Credit: Dante Gabriel Rossetti / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

Pelt of the Nemean Lion

The first labor of the legendary ancient Greek hero Heracles was to bring King Eurystheus the skin of the Nemean Lion, a legendary mythical artifact that rendered its wearer invulnerable to harm. There was just one problem, the skin was still very much attached to the giant cat terrorizing the hills around Nemea.

When Heracles went up against the mighty Nemean Lion, he found that his arrows were useless against the impenetrable golden fur of the beast. To make matters worse, the lion’s claws could easily cleave a man in half.

Heracles improvised and managed to block the lion inside a cave. Although its golden fur could not be penetrated by any human weapon, the lion was not impervious to blunt force trauma and Heracles stunned it with his club. He then wrestled the lion and strangled it to death.

When Heracles attempted to skin the beast, he found that his knife was useless. It was only when the goddess Athena instructed him to use the lion’s claws that he was able to take the prized golden coat.

Far from pleased, King Eurystheus was terrified that Heracles had managed to kill the beast and instructed him to display all further proofs of his labors outside of the city gates. Heracles wore the coat of the Nemean Lion throughout his other labors, enjoying its superior protection.

Heracles and Prometheus
Heracles, wearing the coat of the Nemean Lion, approaches Prometheus. Credit: Christian Griepenkerl / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

The winged sandals of Hermes

The winged sandals of Hermes, known to the Romans as the Talaria of Mercury, are among the most unique artifacts in ancient Greek mythology.

The Greek god of blacksmithing and craftsmen was again responsible for this incredible creation. Hephaestus was said to have made the sandals out of imperishable gold. They conferred on the wearer the ability to fly.

Doubtless, the ability to fly was essential for the messenger god Hermes who spent his time flitting between gods, demigods, and mortals, passing on the most urgent of messages.

The hero Perseus briefly possessed the sandals and wore them during his quest to behead Medusa.

Hermes
Hermes depicted in the black figure pottery style wearing the winged sandals. Credit: Katolophyromai / Wikimedia Commons CC BY 4.0

Artifacts in Greek mythology: The Golden Fleece

The Golden Fleece is one of the most famous and iconic artifacts from ancient Greek mythology. According to legend, the fleece was the skin of a golden ram, which was given to the king of Colchis, a land located on the eastern shores of the Black Sea, by the god Hermes. The fleece was said to possess magical powers, and it became the focus of a number of heroic quests.

The most famous of these quests was undertaken by Jason and the Argonauts. According to the story, Jason was tasked with retrieving the Golden Fleece as a condition for him to claim the throne of Iolcus. He assembled a team of skilled warriors and set out on a perilous journey across the sea, encountering a variety of challenges and obstacles along the way.

After many adventures, the Argonauts finally arrived in Colchis, where the fleece was guarded by a dragon. With the help of the sorceress Medea, Jason was able to overcome the dragon and claim the fleece. He then returned to Iolcus, where he was able to claim the throne and establish himself as a hero of legend.

The Ancient Greek Origins of Zeibekiko and Other Contemporary Dances

0
greek dances
Zeibekiko. Credit: YouTube/Shakallis Dance School

Greece is home to countless traditional Greek dances, many of which have direct connections to ancient Greek forms of rhythmic movement.

In ancient Greece, dance was an integral part of many aspects of cultural and religious events as well as daily life.

Dancing was very common throughout the ancient Greek world and featured prominently during many celebrations, such as weddings, and even at philosophical drinking parties or symposia.

Additionally, the choruses in ancient Greek drama often performed a choreographed routine when delivering their lines, and dance shows and routines were common forms of entertainment in ancient Greece.

Dance, or “horos,” has held a very important place in Greek culture for thousands of years and is still an important part of life in Greece to this very day.

Over time, it has evolved to suit the needs of different groups of Greeks, who have made their own dances, leading to great regional diversity in this most physically expressive of the arts.

Dances are extremely important to Greek communities and perform a social function as well. You will often see Greeks spontaneously burst into dance at weddings, Greek Easter, or school functions.

Several traditional Greek dances that are still performed to this day have deep connections to ancient Greece, particularly the dances zeibekiko, tsifteteli, and pyrrhichios or serra.

Traditional Greek dances and their ancient roots

One of the most unique and visually striking Greek dances is the zeibekiko. Zeibekiko originated in Asia Minor, and the legacy of tragic displacement and of a homeland lost certainly lives on through this dance.

It is difficult to dance the zeibekiko, mainly because it has no set steps and a complex rhythm. It requires an inner intensity because it is an improvised movement that expresses the feelings of the individual who gets up to dance.

This meaningful dance often conveys feelings of defeat, sadness, life’s despair and unfulfilled dreams, foreboding bad luck, and the dark at the end of the tunnel.

Zeibekiko is performed solo and was traditionally exclusively danced by males, but women have begun to take part in this expressive movement, as well, breaking gender roles.

The most iconic part of the dance is when the dancer stretches out his arms and twirls, sways, and moves with deep feeling and emotion.

This movement is often linked to the eagle, a traditionally solitary and powerful bird, but it may have a connection to a different bird—the crane.

Called “Geranos” in Greek, the crane is a beautiful bird with long, graceful wings. In antiquity, Greeks were known to perform a solitary dance called “Geranios,” which was modeled after the bird’s movements.

Most famously, as mentioned by Plutarch, the ancient Greek hero Theseus performed the crane dance on the island of Delos, which was very sacred as it was the site of Apollo’s birth, after freeing a group of young Athenians from the Minotaur’s Labyrinth.

The dance involves slowly moving in circular motions while holding one’s arms outstretched, much like the wings of a crane.

The movements of the crane dance described by ancient authors certainly resemble the Zeibekiko, which means that the ancient Greek dance may be linked to the modern one.

Is Tsifteteli related to the ancient Greek dance Kordax?

The modern Greek dance “Tsifteteli,” or ‘τσιφτετέλι’ in Greek, seems to be of Turkish or Eastern origin, as the name tsifteteli comes from Turkish, but it may also have links to an ancient Greek dance.

Tsifteteli is often described as Greek belly-dancing involving the rhythmic movement of one’s hips accompanied by sinuous arm movements. While both men and women can dance tsifteteli, it’s most often considered a feminine and highly sensual dance.

The ancient Greek dance Cordax is described in Aristophanes’ comic plays as a sexual, almost vulgar dance that involves hip gyrations. Other ancient authors have also described the dance, which was considered highly sexual, and often those performing it wore masks.

Although the links between this ancient dance and tsifteteli are clear, some scholars believe that there is no relationship between the two, as tsifteteli only became a popular dance in Greece after Greeks from Asia Minor were expelled from Turkey in the 1920s.

Pyrrhichios and Serra

One of the most famous ancient Greek dances is the Pyrrhichios (Πυρρίχιος), or “Phyrric dance,” which was the war dance of the ancient Greeks.

The ancient movement was likely first practiced by the Dorians but became popular across the country in antiquity, particularly in Sparta, where it was taught to children from a very young age.

According to Plato, the dance involved both movements that mimic strikes and assaults as well as actions that resembled dodging and avoiding the blows of one’s opponent.

Even Homer, the most famous ancient Greek poet, wrote that Achilles danced the Pyrrhichios around the burning funeral pyre of his companion Patroclus in the Iliad.

Serra, a traditional Greek dance from the Pontus region of the Black Sea, is believed to have strong links to the Pyrrhichios dance.

It is named after the Serra River, in the Trapezunda (Trebizond) region of modern-day Turkey. It is also sometimes referred to as the Lazikon dance.

Serra was created by Greeks from the Pontus area of the Black Sea. As is the case with most Pontic dances, the serra originated as a war dance and would have traditionally been used to motivate soldiers before entering battle.

The serra is traditionally performed by men holding hands throughout the dance.

As is the case with most Pontic dances, it is usually accompanied by the Pontic lyra.

Putin Warns of Nuclear War if West Sends Troops to Ukraine

Russian president Vladimir Putin
President Vladimir Putin again raises the danger of a nuclear holocaust. Credit: Council.gov.ru / Wikimedia Commons CC BY 4.0

On Thursday, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin warned of a nuclear war if Western powers send ground troops to Ukraine.

Addressing parliament and other members of the country’s elite during the annual State of the Nation address, Putin repeated his accusation that the West is bent on weakening Russia.

He suggested Western leaders did not understand how dangerous their meddling could be in what he cast as Russia’s internal affairs.

He prefaced his warning with a specific reference to an idea, floated by French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, of European NATO members sending ground troops to Ukraine – a suggestion that was quickly rejected by the United States, Germany, Britain and others.

“I want to assure you that there is no question of sending European forces, NATO forces, into Ukraine. There is no such issue for Greece and I believe that there is no such issue for the great majority of our partners,” Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis said.

Putin: Threat of a nuclear war

“(Western nations) must realize that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory. All this really threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons and the destruction of civilization. Don’t they get that?!” said Putin.

Putin, Russia’s paramount leader for more than two decades, suggested Western politicians recall the fate of those, like Nazi Germany’s Adolf Hitler and France’s Napoleon Bonaparte who unsuccessfully invaded his country in the past.

“But now the consequences will be far more tragic,” said Putin. “They think it (war) is a cartoon,” he said.

Putin, who was speaking ahead of a March 15-17 presidential election when he is certain to be re-elected for another six-year term, lauded what he said was Russia’s vastly modernized nuclear arsenal, the largest in the world.

He also said the Russian military has the “initiative” in the two-year, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and is advancing in several areas.

Ukrainian troops recently withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka – but overall, the frontlines have been largely unchanged for months.

No mention of Navalny and his untimely death

The BBC notes that Putin was speaking for about two hours, covering a range of key issues. But, as it points out, there was one name he refused to mention – Alexei Navalny – Putin’s most prominent critic.

Navalny’s death in a Russian Arctic penal colony earlier this month sparked a global outpouring of tributes and anti-Putin demonstrations, with his supporters convinced his death was a political assassination.

Hundreds of people were detained in Moscow, St Petersburg and other Russian cities for laying flowers in his memory.

Navalny will be buried in Moscow on Friday.

Has the Mystery of the Ancient Phaistos Disc Been Solved?

Phaistos Disc
Phaistos Disc. Credit: C. Messier/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-4.0

The mystery of the Phaistos Disc has been “solved by 99 percent” Gareth Owens, a linguist, archaeologist, and coordinator of the program Erasmus of Crete Technological Institute announced recently.

Owens has devoted thirty years to trying to solve the puzzle. The Minoan goddess of love, Astarte, who is linked to the Eastern goddess Ashtart, is the key figure that unlocks the mystery of the Phaistos Disc, Owens argues.

The Phaistos Disc is a disk of fired clay from the Minoan palace of Phaistos on the island of Crete, possibly dating to the middle or late Minoan Bronze Age (second millennium B.C.).

Phaistos Disc: one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries

The disk is about 15 cm (5.9 in) in diameter and covered on both sides with a spiral of stamped symbols.

The language imprinted on the face of the mysterious disk has never been fully decoded, and its symbols are part of no known alphabet either ancient or modern.

Some symbols, however, do bear resemblance to those found in Linear A and Linear B, which were the ancient languages of the Minoans. Linear A has not yet been decoded.

Others are similar to hieroglyphs found in ancient Anatolian sites.

Although the vast majority of scholars believe that the Phaistos Disc is authentic, a few archaeologists are unconvinced of its authenticity.

Its purpose and meaning, and even its original geographical place of manufacture, remain disputed, making it one of the most famous mysteries of archaeology.

This unique object is now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

Is the goddess of love the key to decoding the disk?

He, along with his team, is using evidence and strategies from linguistics and history to decode the mysterious disc.

Owens says: “We are reading the Phaistos disc with the vocal values of Linear B and with the help of comparative linguistics, i.e. comparing with other relative languages from the Indo-European language family. Reading something, however, does not mean understanding.”

According to his data, the disc is a religious text to a “pregnant goddess” that takes shape in the face of Astarte, the goddess of love.

“There is no doubt that we are talking about a religious text,” Owens reveals. “This is clear from a comparison made with other religious words from other inscriptions from the holy mountains of Crete. We have words that are exactly the same.”

The scholar adds that he suspects that “the Phaistos Disc is a hymn before Astarte, the goddess of love. Words such as those mentioned on the disc have been found on Minoan offerings.”

“As with today’s offerings, people pray when they are troubled, because of health problems or personal reasons,” he says. “Man doesn’t change, after all.”

The archaeologist says he believes that one side of the Phaistos Disc is actually dedicated to a pregnant mother goddess while the other is dedicated to the Minoan goddess Astarte.

On the importance of the figure, Owens noted that Minoan Astarte was the goddess of love, war, and the mountains and that her origin lies in the east. The goddess’s roots are “from ancient Mesopotamia, located in today’s Turkey; Astarte went to Cyprus and became Venus,” he explained.

Nonstop Flights to Greece From 7 US Cities This Summer

Non-stop Flights US Greece 2024
From Athens, you can simply hop on a quick domestic flight to one of the islands. Credit: AMNA

The 2024 season will be a great one for direct flights from the US to Greece, as seven different airports and cities in the US offer nonstop flights to Athens. This includes Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, New York, and Newark.

There are no nonstop flights from the US to any other destinations in Greece, such as the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos, but once you get to Athens, you can simply hop on a quick domestic flight to one of the islands.

Nonstop flights from the US to Greece

JFK, New York

Three airlines offer seasonal flights to Athens out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport. These airlines are Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and newcomer Norse Atlantic Airways.

Norse Atlantic Airways just announced its new route earlier this month. The low-cost airline will offer five flights weekly from May to October from JFK to Athens, Greece.

You can snag the best deals on this airline during the off-peak months of September and October when fares are as low as $249 one-way.

Newark, New Jersey

Another city with nonstop flights to Athens is Newark, New Jersey. Travelers can fly from Newark Liberty International Airport to Athens year-round on Emirates.

United Airlines also will offer seasonal flights from EWR to ATH beginning in March.

This is the perfect time of year to explore Athens before it gets too hot, crowded, and expensive during the peak summer months.

Washington, D.C.

Travelers located in the Washington, D.C. area will be pleased to learn that there’s a nonstop flight from Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Athens beginning this spring.

United Airlines will operate daily flights from April through October this year.

Boston, Massachusetts

Another city with a direct connection to Greece is Boston. Delta Air Lines will fly daily nonstop flights from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Athens starting in April.

With Athens breaking all-time tourism records in 2023 and only getting more popular, this year is the perfect time to finally plan that dream trip to Greece.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Travelers from Philadelphia can also fly directly to Greece beginning this summer. American Airlines will be offering a service from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Athens. Daily flights will begin in May and last through September.

Chicago, Illinois

If you’re based in Chicago, you now have multiple options for flying nonstop to Athens this summer.

American Airlines will once again be offering seasonal flights from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Athens. These flights will be daily from May through October.

Last week, United Airlines announced a new route to Athens, too. Beginning in late May and lasting through August, the airline will fly daily from ORD to ATH.

Atlanta, Georgia

Finally, travelers can fly from Atlanta to Athens nonstop on Delta Air Lines. This seasonal route begins in March, just in time for a spring visit to Greece.

The airline operates daily flights to Athens, making it the perfect time to visit this record-breaking country that is on the bucket list for so many travelers.

The Battles of Ancient Greece That Shaped Western Civilization

hoplites, black figure pottery
The ancient Greeks understood the importance of intelligence in peace and war. Credit: Grant Mitchell / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Ancient Greece witnessed numerous significant battles that played pivotal roles in shaping its history and Western civilization.

These battles ranged from repelling foreign invasions and preserving Greek independence to expanding Macedonian power and transforming the political landscape of the Greek city-states.

While different historians and scholars may have varying opinions on the most important battles, here is a list of the battles that are widely recognized for their significance.

The Battles of Ancient Greece

Battle of Marathon (490 BC)

The Athenians repelled the invading Persian forces, marking a crucial victory and preserving the independence of Athens.

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.

Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC)

The great Battle of Thermopylae and the valiant fight of the 300 fearless Spartans under the command of warrior King Leonidas against ten thousand elite Persian soldiers is one of the most brilliant moments in ancient Greek history.

In retrospect, it proved to be no less than a fight for the defense of Western Civilization itself. Although the battle itself was lost, the war was won.

Battle of Salamis (480 BC)

The Greek naval fleet, primarily led by the Athenians, decisively defeated the Persian navy, halting the Persian advance and safeguarding Greece from further invasion.

Had the Greeks not won the battle, many believe that the Persian invasion of Greece would have been successful, altering the course of history as we know it.

Battle of Artemisium (480 BC)

Fought simultaneously with the Battle of Salamis, this naval engagement saw the Greek fleet successfully resisting the Persian forces.

Although it was not a conclusive victory, it played a vital role in coordination with the Battle of Salamis, serving as a strategic defensive effort.

Battle of Plataea (479 BC)

On August 27, 479 BC the Greek warriors annihilated and put an end to Persian ambitions at the Battle of Plataea.

This ferocious battle was the final clash of the second Persian invasion of Greece with the victory of the allied Greek forces putting an end to the Persian empire’s expansion.

The Peloponnesian War (431 to 405 B.C.)

A war fought in ancient Greece between Athens and Sparta—the two most powerful city-states in ancient Greece at the time.

This war shifted power from Athens to Sparta, making Sparta the most powerful city-state in the region. The war featured two periods of combat separated by a six-year truce.

Battle of Chaeronea (338 BC)

The Battle of Chaeronea, believed to have taken place on August 2, 338 BC, confirmed Macedonia’s control over the southern Greek city-states, paving the way for Alexander the Great’s legendary conquests.

Philip II of Macedon, and his son, Alexander the Great, with their innovative tactics and superior cavalry, defeated a coalition of Greek city-states led by Athens and Thebes, establishing Macedonian dominance over ancient Greece.

Battle of Granicus (334 BC)

Alexander the Great, leading his Macedonian army, defeated the Persians, marking the beginning of his conquest of the Persian Empire.

After this battle, the Persians were forced on the defensive in the cities that remained under their control in the region.

Battle of Issus (333 BC)

Alexander the Great achieved a decisive victory over the Persian King Darius III, further expanding his empire and securing his hold over Asia Minor.

It was the second great battle of Alexander’s conquest of Asia, and the first encounter between Darius III and Alexander the Great.

Battle of Gaugamela (331 BC)

On October 1, 331 BC, Alexander the Great’s army defeated the Persian army led by Darius III at the Battle of Gaugamela to complete the conquest of the mighty Persian Empire.

It was an extraordinary victory achieved against a larger army. The superior tactics and the heroism displayed by the Macedonian cavalry led by Alexander carried the day.

Battle of Leuctra (371 BC)

The Thebans, under the leadership of Epaminondas, inflicted a significant defeat on the dominant Spartan army, reshaping the balance of power within Greece.

The Theban victory shattered Sparta’s immense influence over the Greek peninsula, which Sparta had gained with its victory in the Peloponnesian War a generation earlier.

Related: The Deadliest Weapons Used in Ancient Greek Wars

Ten Suspects Face Terrorism Charges in Greece

Terrorist suspect Greece
A suspect is being led to an Athens court to face terrorism charges. Credit: AMNA

A Greek prosecutor charged 10 people on Wednesday on terrorism charges including a series of recent bomb and hand grenade attacks and a planned parcel bomb explosion at a court in Thessaloniki this month.

Four suspects are already in prison for other crimes, police said in a statement after the remaining six were arrested. Police said they confiscated guns, explosives, cell phones, and other electronic devices after raiding nine apartments and three jail cells.

The ten charged, four of whom are prisoners, are being prosecuted on a case-by-case basis for the following offenses:

– Directing, recruiting, and forming a criminal organization
– Terrorist act of attempted homicide
– Terrorist act of explosion continuously carried out and attempted
– Terrorist act of manufacture, possession, and supply of explosives
– Terrorist act of possession of arms
– Terrorist act of physical damage

They are expected to respond to the charges on Sunday.

The case concerns the group “Sympraxi Ekdikisis” (Revenge Partnership), which has claimed responsibility for three terrorist actions via a known anti-establishment website.

These include:

– A grenade attack on the vehicle of a prison officer in Haidari in July 2023

– A bomb attack against a construction company in Kifissia in November 2023

– A bomb explosion at a National Bank building in Petralona on January 25, 2024

– A planned parcel bomb attack against a judge at a courthouse in Thessaloniki this month

The parcel, sent to a senior judge, contained explosive material but was confiscated by police before it exploded.

In a statement uploaded on the Athens Indymedia website last week, the anarchist group claimed responsibility for the makeshift bomb and warned of more attacks against prosecutors, police, and judges, including the judge who was meant to receive the parcel.

Terrorism resurgence in Greece?

Officials have expressed fears of a resurgence of terrorism in Greece. Earlier in February, a bomb exploded in the heart of Athens across the Ministry of Labor.

Initially, Greek Police (ELAS) believed the bomb that exploded early in the morning was intended to destroy a bank on Stadiou Street. However, further investigations revealed the actual target was the government building on the opposite side of the street.

Police experts now believe the bombing is part of an organized and extensive plan to use urban guerrilla tactics in Greece’s capital. They also believe it was a symbolic act and wasn’t meant to lead to any victims.

Last week, police were placed on high alert after phone calls to TV stations warned about the placement of bombs in the embassies of Israel, Egypt, and the US in Athens, as well as at the Parliament.

Special bomb squad teams that rushed to the embassy buildings in Athens found no explosive devices, leading experts to conclude it was a hoax. Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis recently said the government will not allow a terrorism resurgence in Greece.

“We are not going to let terrorism be revived,” he stressed speaking to SKAI television. “We will not allow it.”

“Some brazen and dangerous people did an act that could endanger the lives of our fellow citizens,” Chrysochoidis said. “We will do everything we can so that the perpetrators of such criminal acts are brought to justice and punished.”

Charismatic Greek Actor Ilias Logothetis Dies at 85

Ilias Logothetis
Ilias Logothetis, who collaborated with big names in the film industry, started with opera before finding his calling in acting. Public Domain

Greek theater and the film industry mourned the loss of renowned actor Ilias Logothetis, who passed away at the age of 85 on Wednesday.

Logothetis was married to actress Maria Zacharis and had a son Alexandros Logothetis, who aims to continue his father’s legacy in the acting industry.

His passing was announced by Alexandros, who shared a message on social media, writing “Goodbye blue eyes.”

Logothetis was known for having a successful career, where he initially started with opera before finding his calling in acting.

In his early days, he studied at Panteion University and was a graduate of the Political Science Department. He was known for being heavily involved in the renowned Karolos Koun Art Theatre from which he graduated in 1967. Karolos Koun was a prominent Greek theater director, widely known for his lively staging of ancient Greek plays.

He then went on to make his silver screen debut in 1970 with the film Babylonia.

Throughout his career, Logothetis collaborated with big names in the industry, including Yannis Fertis-Xenia Kalogeropoulou, Kakia Analitis-Kosta Rigopoulos, Nikos Xanthopoulos, Thanasis Veggos, Angelos Antonopoulos-Miranta Kounelakis, Spyros Evaggelatos Amphitheatre, and many others.

Ilias Logothetis gained widespread acclaim

He gained widespread acclaim, particularly for his performance in Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land, receiving praise for his portrayal of Spooner.

“Ilias Logothetis was a great actor who studied under Karolos Koun,” said the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni. “He performed with passion, honesty and ethics important roles, giving them life in the theater, in Greek cinema, on television.”

She added that Pinter congratulated him on his performance as Spooner in his work and asked him what made his acting so special.

“And the modest Ilias who was loved by the Greek public, to whatever kind of theatrical speech he indulged in, he replied that his Mediterranean temperament made him put a little emotion into every role he played.

“This temperament, his attitude to life, his dedication, and his love for the Art, were what made him stand out,” Mendoni said.

“Serious, and highly educated, Ilias collaborated twice with Finos Film, in the famous Papaflessa (1971) and in the special film Thanasis in the Land of Slapping (1976), one of the company’s last films,” said Finos Film, a film production company that dominated the Greek industry from 1943 to 1977.

“We will miss the effortless kindness and tact that characterized this great actor and man of the spirit,” the company said. “Our deepest condolences to his family.”