AI ‘Ghosts’ Could Be a Threat to Mental Health, Expert Warns

Abdul Moeed
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AI ‘Ghosts’ Could Be a Threat to Mental Health, Expert Warns
AI 'Ghosts' Threat to Mental Health
Experts suggest that AI ‘Ghosts’ can be a threat to mental health. Credit: Lenara Verle / Flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0

Loss and grief touch everyone’s lives. But what if saying goodbye wasn’t the end? Imagine being able to virtually bring back loved ones, have conversations with them, and know how they’re doing—wherever they may be.

For many, the idea of seeing a departed loved one moving and talking once again could bring some solace, wrote Nigel Mulligan, an assistant professor of psychotherapy at Dublin City University.

AI ‘ghosts’ may cause confusion, stress, and psychosis

Mulligan finds the rise of ghost bots fascinating as a researcher in AI and therapy. However, he’s also worried about how they might affect people’s mental health, particularly those who are grieving.

Bringing back deceased individuals as avatars could create more problems than solutions, leading to increased confusion, stress, sadness, anxiety, and, in severe cases, even psychosis.

Advancements in AI have brought about the emergence of chatbots such as ChatGPT, which can engage users in conversations that mimic human interaction.

With the help of deep fake technology, AI software can generate lifelike virtual representations of deceased individuals using digital data such as photos, emails, and videos. What once seemed like mere imagination in science fiction is now becoming a tangible reality in the realm of science, according to Mulligan.

AI ghosts might disrupt the natural grieving process

Research published in Ethics and Information Technology recommended the use of death bots as short-term support during mourning to prevent possible emotional reliance on the technology, which could be harmful.

The presence of AI ghosts might disrupt the natural grieving process, potentially impacting people’s mental well-being.

Grieving is a gradual journey that unfolds over time, spanning various stages that can extend across many years.

In the initial stages of grief, people may frequently think about their departed loved ones, vividly recalling memories. It’s common for grieving individuals to experience intense dreams involving their lost loved ones, wrote Mulligan.

AI ‘ghostbots’ may cause issues like hallucinations

Psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud was deeply interested in how individuals cope with loss. He noted that additional challenges could arise during the grieving process if there are negative aspects surrounding the death.

For instance, if someone had mixed feelings toward a person who passed away, they might feel guilt afterwards. Similarly, if the death occurred under traumatic circumstances such as murder, accepting it might be even harder for the grieving individual.

Freud termed this phenomenon “melancholia,” also known as “complicated grief.” In severe cases, a person might experience apparitions or hallucinations of the deceased, leading them to believe the deceased is still alive.

Introducing AI ghostbots could potentially worsen the distress of someone experiencing complicated grief and might heighten issues such as hallucinations.

Mastiha of Chios, Greece’s ‘White Gold’

Anna Wichmann
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Mastiha of Chios, Greece’s ‘White Gold’
mastiha chios
Mastiha of Chios, Greece’s ‘White Gold’. Credit: Anastasios Papapostolou / Greek Reporter

Mastiha, often referred to as the “Tears of Chios” or the “White Gold of Greece,” is a product made exclusively on the Greek island of Chios. Since antiquity, this sticky resin, which seeps from the bark of mastic trees, has been harvested not only for its flavor but for its therapeutic value.

Although the mastic tree, also called “lentisk,” is native to many areas in the Mediterranean, its bark only “bleeds” mastic on the island of Chios, making it a truly unique and nearly miraculous product.

Mastic is used as flavoring in many sweets and drinks, most famously in Mastiha, a digestive liquor from Chios. The mastic “tears,” or small bits of hardened tree sap, can also be chewed like gum, a practice dating back thousands of years. Its healing properties include prevention and treatment of stomach pains and gastric disorders and rejuvenation of the skin.

Mastic is used in cultures throughout the Mediterranean and Arab world, especially in Greek, Cypriot, Syrian, and Lebanese cuisine. The spread of mastic through the Mediterranean and Middle East is due to trade routes which date back to the Byzantine era.

Its rarity has made mastic highly sought-after throughout history. Even today, mastic is considered a precious commodity not to be wasted. The European Union has designated it a “protected designation of origin” product, confirming that only Chios can produce authentic mastic.

In fact, any attempt at producing the resin outside of the island over the years has totally failed. Researchers believe that Chios simply makes for the perfect combination of climate and soil conditions for the aromatic sap to be produced.

During the Byzantine period, it was so fundamental to the economy that villages in Chios were heavily walled to protect the island’s precious “white gold.”

Mastic production shapes daily life in Chios. In villages where the aromatic resin is produced, called “mastihohoria,” all of the residents partake in the preparation of the product.

Preparation begins in fall, when the tree bark is scored by a needle-like tool. The mastic then seeps out of the tree like tears as the bark tries to “heal” itself.

This process of gathering mastic is such an ancient tradition that UNESCO placed it on its “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” list in 2014.

mastiha
The village of Pyrgi, Chios. Credit: Petille/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 2.0

Mastiha, or mastic, is an integral part of life in Chios

When the resin is dry, it is collected and taken back to the village to be cleaned. Women gather in groups to clean the “tears” of brittle, cloudy resin one-by-one so they will be ready for processing.

In response to drops in mastic prices in the nineteenth century, a cooperative called the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association was formed. The association ensures that the two hundred families who depend on mastic production are not left unsupported in case of difficult crop seasons, wildfires, or other unforeseeable events that could halt production of the resin.

This concept of cooperation and concern for fellow mastic-workers is essential to Chios and is representative of the island’s tradition of working together and supporting one another.

The product’s rich history on the island is celebrated in Chios’s Mastic Museum, located in the southern region most associated with production of the resin. In the museum, all of the stages of mastic collection are explored, from the fields to the final stages of production.

Although most popular in the Mediterranean, the unique product from Chios has now reached all corners of the world, even South Korea and China.

Watch our short documentary on mastiha made possible through a grant by executive producer Michael Psaros:

First Zen Monastery to Open in Greece

Philip Chrysopoulos
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First Zen Monastery to Open in Greece
Zen monastery garden in Japan
17th century Zen garden in Takahashi City, Japan. Credit: Ka23 13 CC BY-SA 4.0

The first-ever Zen monastery in Greece is set to open in the next few weeks on the Greek island of Serifos. Additionally, a Zen temple in the Kerameikos area of Athens is currently under construction.

This endeavor is spearheaded by Zen abbot and entrepreneur Konstantinos Sgoumpopoulos. He passionately undertakes the construction, expressing his profound commitment to ensuring the eternal transmission of Zen teachings, reminiscent of the enduring legacy of Zen Buddhism in Japan, a Kathimerini report stated.

The Zen monastery on Serifos island is almost complete, while at the same time the Zen temple on 76 Agisilaou Street in Athens is also close to completion.

The Zen abbot and businessman said that the two spaces will be self-financing, and will leave a zero ecological footprint.

The monastery will have 10 cells for the monks, or long-term practitioners, with shared bathrooms and a large kitchen and can also accommodate 30 or so people in rooms outside the monastery.

Sgoumpopoulos said that currently there are more than 10 Zen monks in Greece, and they form the main sangha group of the Serifos monastery. Almost everything that the monastery inhabitants consume will be grown by the inhabitants.

If someone wants to become a monk or a practitioner they should be familiar with the Zen teachings, and it doesn’t matter what religion they belong to, if they are Christian, Muslim, atheist, or Jewish. Anyone can come, as long as they want to be trained, he said.

There will also be yoga, laido, aikido and tae kwon do classes and Zen Day. Also, Sgoumpopoulos himself will be teaching an introductory Zen class on the first Tuesday of every month.

Zen Buddhism Principles

A statue depicting Buddha performing the vitarka mudra.
A statue depicting Buddha performing the vitarka mudra. Credit: Purshi / wikimedia common CC BY 3.0s

Zen is a profound sect of Mahayana Buddhism originating in India approximately 2500 years ago, with its roots tracing back to China around 2000 years ago. About a millennium later, it merged with elements of Taoism, giving rise to Chan Buddhism, which eventually found its way to Japan, where it became known as Zen.

It emphasizes direct experience and insight into the true nature of reality. At its core, Zen is about realizing one’s inherent Buddha nature—our fundamental nature of wisdom, compassion, and interconnectedness with all things.

Rather than relying solely on intellectual understanding, Zen encourages practitioners to engage in rigorous meditation practice to directly experience this truth for themselves. Through disciplined meditation, often involving long periods of sitting in silence, practitioners aim to quiet the mind and cultivate a heightened state of awareness.

Zen teachings often employ paradoxical statements, stories, and koans (puzzles or riddles) to provoke deep contemplation and transcend conceptual thinking. By challenging conventional ways of understanding, Zen aims to break down the barriers of ego and attachment, leading to a profound shift in consciousness.

Central to Zen is the concept of mindfulness—being fully present and attentive to each moment without judgment or distraction. This mindfulness extends beyond formal meditation sessions into everyday life, where mundane activities like eating, walking, or working become opportunities for spiritual practice.

Ultimately, Zen is not just a philosophy or belief system but a way of life—an ongoing journey of self-discovery, awakening, and compassionate action. Through dedicated practice and inner exploration, individuals can cultivate a sense of peace, clarity, and profound interconnectedness with the world around them.

 

 

 

 

New Therapy Destroys Deadly Brain Tumor in Days

Abdul Moeed
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New Therapy Destroys Deadly Brain Tumor in Days
New Therapy Destroys Deadly Brain Tumor in Days
A new therapy, CAR T-cell therapy, destroys deadly brain tumors of glioblastoma in days. Credit: Ars Neurochirurgica / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0

A 72-year-old man, diagnosed with a very aggressive type of cancer known as glioblastoma, had brain scans that showed his tumor shrank significantly just days after treatment.

Two other individuals with a similar cancer diagnosis didn’t have such positive results, but the innovative treatment provides hope for people with this aggressive type of cancer. There is otherwise no known cure for glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma is one of the deadliest types of cancers. It starts from support cells in the central nervous system and quickly spreads, growing into cancerous masses. Moreover, up to 95 percent of people with glioblastoma don’t survive beyond five years, according to a study.

CAR T-cell therapy may help treat glioblastoma

Researchers at the Mass General Cancer Center in the US had the idea that a treatment called CAR T-cell therapy, which uses the patient’s own immune system, could work against glioblastoma.

This therapy, already in use for blood cancers, is efficient at finding and attacking cancer cells. The patient’s T-cells are extracted from their body, modified to spot specific markers on cancer cells, and then injected back into the body through infusion.

Oftentimes, with glioblastoma, there is a modified version of a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which could be a target for CAR T-cell treatment. However, glioblastoma has different forms, making it difficult to modify T-cells.

To resolve this, researchers have determined how to stimulate CAR T-cells to produce antibodies that look for normal EGFRs, too. These proteins aren’t usually in brain cells but are in cancer cells. Hence, it offers an additional way to spot their target, according to ScienceAlert.

In lab tests prior to human trials, the T-cell-engaging antibody molecule (TEAM) therapy showed promising results by gathering T-cells at the tumor site and bringing in more T-cells to help fight the cancer.

The INCIPIENT trial, a phase 1 clinical study, aimed to ascertain if this treatment was safe and could be a helpful treatment for glioblastoma.

Human trials on 3 patients diagnosed with glioblastoma

Only three patients were chosen for the trial, all diagnosed with a type of glioblastoma.

The first patient, a 74-year-old man, had tried regular medicine and radiation for his tumor but relapsed a year later. After receiving an infusion of CARv3-TEAM-E T-Cells, the treatment began producing results. Just a day later, an MRI scan showed the tumor had shrunk significantly.

Within a few months, the first patient had to undergo surgery yet again because the cancer had begun spreading once more despite the earlier progress detected in scans.

There was a similar situation with a 57-year-old woman who had a large glioblastoma tumor on the left side of her brain. Her tumor almost disappeared five days after the therapy, but ultimately, it started growing again just a month later.

The third participant, the 72-year-old, didn’t show any signs of the cancer returning after the treatment. The only side effects were a fever and some small nodules in the lungs, which quickly went away.

Because of these positive results, the researchers feel hopeful about continuing to study this new immunotherapy method, as reported by ScienceAlert.

Naoussa: Greece’s Unique Carnival of Myth, Tragedy and Joy

Nick Kampouris
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Naoussa: Greece’s Unique Carnival of Myth, Tragedy and Joy
Carnival in Naoussa
The Carnival of Naoussa is unique. Credit: Michalis Agiannidis for the Greek Reporter

Greece’s rich history of traditions comes alive during the Carnival season, a time when ancient customs and modern celebrations come together. Among these, the Carnival of Naoussa has a special place. It highlights the depth of Greece’s cultural heritage and the resilience of its people.

The Roots of the Carnival of Naoussa

Tracing its origins to the worship of Dionysus, the Naoussa Carnival reflects the timeless nature of ancient Greek rituals dedicated to the god of wine, ecstasy, and renewal.

These celebrations were always characterised by their emphasis on fundamental elements of human nature, such as fertility, rebirth, and joy. All these have evolved over the centuries, nonetheless, they retain their core significance, connecting the modern Greek traditions to its ancient past.

Echoes of Freedom: The Historical Struggle Against Ottoman Rule

The carnival of Naoussa is not simply a frenzy celebration before the Orthodox Great Lent. It also commemorates the town’s heroic history of resistance against Ottoman oppression.

The events of 1822, when the city’s inhabitants faced brutal reprisals during the Greek War of Independence, are memorialised through the “Genitsaroi and Boules” tradition.

The Massacre of Naoussa was a lesser-known tragic event in the Greek War of Independence, occurring in April 1822.

Back then, Ottoman forces under the command of Abdul Abud (Ebu Lubut) laid siege to the town of Naoussa, which was a stronghold of Greek revolutionary activity in Macedonia. Despite the fierce defence of the town undertaken by approximately 4,000-5,000 Greek rebels, the city’s defences were eventually breached. The fall of Naoussa led to widespread destruction and unspeakable atrocities against the local Greek population. Ottoman forces engaged in the systematic massacre of its inhabitants, resulting in the death or displacement of around 5,000 people, including numerous women and children.

This brutal act was part of a larger Ottoman campaign to squash all Greek uprisings and deter further rebellion elsewhere in the empire. The massacre had a profound impact on the Greek struggle for independence. This unfathomable catastrophe galvanized support both domestically and internationally and highlighted the brutal repression the Greeks were facing by the Ottoman Turks.

This aspect of the carnival serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom by the people of this small and beautiful town in northern Greece.

Genitsaroi and Boules: Naoussa’s Vibrant Spectacle

Central to the carnival are the “Genitsaroi” and “Boules,” with young men dressing in elaborate traditional costumes and masks (known as the ”prosopos” or face). These people reenact roles that proudly demonstrate the historical and cultural past of the town.

The “Boula,” representing the female element in this dance, is portrayed by a man in bridal attire, highlighting themes of fertility and continuity amidst the commemoration of struggle and survival from the Ottoman yoke.

The dances and songs performed during the carnival tell stories of heroism, tragedy, and triumph. They are not only a form of entertainment but also a means of passing down history and reinforcing community bonds among the descendants of the survivors and the brave people of Naoussa.

Through these rituals every Carnival season, the town of Naoussa becomes a living museum, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of its past and the resilience of its people.

Safeguarding Heritage: The role of tradition in modern Naoussa

The Carnival of Naoussa is evidence of the commitment of this heroic town to preserve its heritage. By maintaining the authenticity of the “Genitsaroi and Boules” tradition, the people of Naoussa ensure that their history is not forgotten. On the contrary, it is celebrated with each passing year.

This dedication to cultural preservation enriches the carnival experience for both locals and visitors. This unique blend of historical memory and modern-day joy offers a unique insight into the Greek spirit that goes back to the ancient Greeks.

Beyond its local significance, however, the Carnival of Naoussa has gained recognition as a cultural treasure, attracting visitors from around the world. Its unique blend of ancient rituals, historical commemoration, and vibrant festivities showcases the universal themes of struggle, joy, and renewal. This is what makes Naoussa’s Carnival unique; a custom that resonates with audiences far and wide.

The Legacy of Naoussa’s Carnival

The Carnival in Naoussa is more than just an annual event; it is a living legacy that brings together the ancient and the modern, the tragic and the triumphant. This year, the festivities took take place on March 10, and will be repeated on March 17, March 18 as well as on Sunday, March 24.

The costumes and masks, passed down through generations, will be a sight to behold. With their intricate details and vibrant colour, they are definitely something unique in Greece. Visitors of this beautiful Greek town can also indulge in the delicious traditional cuisine and gourmet delicacies of northern Greece, as barbecues and food stalls will line the streets across the town.

The Carnival of Naoussa is a vibrant celebration of life, a tribute to the enduring human spirit, and a focal point of cultural pride for Greece.

Through the continued observance of this timeless tradition, Naoussa not only honours its past but also looks forward to a future where its history will be remembered with pride and its culture will be cherished by young and older generations alike.

Hronia polla, Naoussa!

Greek Monks Massacre by Ottomans Revealed in Stolen 16th Century Manuscripts

Philip Chrysopoulos
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Greek Monks Massacre by Ottomans Revealed in Stolen 16th Century Manuscripts
172 Greek monks were slaughtered by the Ottomans
172 Greek monks of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa were killed by the Ottomans. Credit: Nikolaos Karampetakis Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

All 172 Greek monks of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa at Pangaion were massacred by the Ottomans, reveals the study of recovered 16th century manuscripts.

The manuscripts are part of the whole monastery library that was stolen in 1917 by Bulgarian soldiers during World War I and ended up in the United States. The library included over 430 manuscripts and 470 objects.

In their pages, the rich history of the monastery is revealed, confirming the oral testimonies that existed until today about a series of events that marked the monastery during its long and turbulent history, according to an Athens Macedonian News Agency (AMNA) report.

Among them, there is confirmation of an oral testimony about a 16th century massacre,  when the Ottoman conquerors slaughtered all the monks in the monastery.

Hand-Written Gospel

Previous to the manuscripts, a 9th century Codex 1424 – a rare Greek manuscript of the complete New Testament – was returned to its rightful owners.

In December 2016, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, returned a rare ninth century Greek manuscript of the complete New Testament known as Codex 1424, to its rightful owners: the Holy Metropolis of Drama and its Hierarch, His Eminence Metropolitan Pavlos of Drama.; and the Holy Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa from which the manuscript had been stolen.

The priceless codex was returned by the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. The manuscript includes miniatures and depictions of the Evangelists, is written in two columns with twenty-seven lines per column. The columns together measure 18.1 cm by 14 cm (7.13 inches by 5.5 inches).

The vellum gospel somehow ended up at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., which recently notified the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew that it had been one of the objects stolen during World War I.

Bartholomew, the Metropolis said, allowed the museum, which receives one million visitors a year, to exhibit the manuscript until very recently.

More Manuscripts Returned

In October 2023, the Metropolitan of Laodicea, Theodoritos, as the representative of the Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens, handed over to the Metropolitan of Drama three stolen manuscripts of the holy monastery of Eikosifoinissa dating to the 16th century.

The Archdiocese of America mediated so that the above manuscripts came into legal possession of the Ecumenical Patriarchate from the collection of the Swann Auction Galleries of New York.

The manuscripts were sold to a Chicago collector in 2018, who however returned them when he found their ownership to be legally and ethically questionable.

The manuscripts remained for years in the particular auction house and after it was established that they were stolen from the Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa, it was decided to deliver them to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, so that they could be returned to the rightful owner.

The Great Secret the Manuscripts Hid

In one of these manuscripts marked X 8, a note and text was found related to the massacre of the Greek monks of Eikosifoinissa by the Ottomans in the year 1507.

Drama Metropolitan Dorotheos told AMNA that the oral testimonies spoke about the particular manuscript in which it was recorded that 172 monks were slain by the Ottomans. However, with the discovery of the paper manuscript, “we have all the names of the slaughtered monks, who met a tragic death on August 25, 1507 and who are now commemorated in the monastery services.”

The handwritten note states: “In 1507, a great and terrible tragedy fell upon the holy monastery when they cut down the monks and sacked the monastery as well, in the month of August (25).”

Under the heading “These are the monks”, there is a list of the slaughtered monks and others. In the margin of sheet 31 there is confirmation of the continuity of the list of slain monks and the designation: “The unjustly killed”.

It should be noted that the total number of the massacre victims was 202, of which there were 24 priests, 3 deacons, 145 monks and 30 pilgrims.

 

Our Universe Has No Dark Matter, New Research Suggests

Abdul Moeed
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Our Universe Has No Dark Matter, New Research Suggests
Our universe has no dark matter
Research suggests that our universe has no dark matter. Credit: NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center / Flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0

A new study from the University of Ottawa shakes up our understanding of the universe. Published in The Astrophysical Journal, the study challenges what we thought we knew about the universe’s makeup.

The existing idea says it’s made of normal matter, dark energy, and dark matter. However, this new study says there might not be any dark matter at all.

In cosmology, “dark matter” refers to stuff that doesn’t seem to interact with light or electromagnetic fields.

We can’t see it, and we don’t know what it’s made of, but it helps us figure out how galaxies, planets, and stars move and behave because of its gravitational pull, according to Phys.org.

Existing beliefs say that the universe is 27% of dark matter

Rajendra Gupta, a physics professor at the Faculty of Science, came to this conclusion by using a model that blends two theories: covarying coupling constants (CCC) and “tired light” (TL).

The CCC+TL model combines ideas about how natural forces change over time in the cosmos and how light loses energy during long travels.

This model has been put to the test and has been found to align with various observations, like the distribution of galaxies and the evolution of light from the early universe.

This new finding challenges our current understanding of the universe. The prevailing idea says about 27% of the universe is made of dark matter, with less than 5% being ordinary matter, and the rest is dark energy.

The universe doesn’t need dark matter to exist

Gupta explains that the earlier research on the age of the universe, titled ‘JWST early universe observations and ΛCDM cosmology,’ showed it to be 26.7 billion years old. This new study confirms that the universe doesn’t need dark matter to exist.

He added that in typical cosmology, the universe’s accelerated expansion is attributed to dark energy. However, it’s actually because the natural forces weaken as the universe expands, not because of dark energy.

‘Redshifts’ occur when light shifts towards the redder end of the spectrum. The researcher looked into recent studies regarding how galaxies are dispersed at low redshifts and examined older literature concerning the size of the sound horizon at higher redshifts.

“There are several papers that question the existence of dark matter, but mine is the first one, to my knowledge, that eliminates its cosmological existence while being consistent with key cosmological observations that we have had time to confirm,” says Gupta.

The new study questions dark matter’s role, offers a new model, and sparks exploration into the universe’s fundamental properties, according to Phys.org.

Drowned Island the Size of Iceland Discovered off Brazil

Abdul Moeed
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Drowned Island the Size of Iceland Discovered off Brazil
Drowned island the size of Iceland found off Brazil
Red clay from the drowned island found off Brazil. Credit: Scientific Reports / CC BY 4.0

Scientists from Brazil and Britain were investigating the ocean floor near a volcanic plateau called the Rio Grande Rise. As they observed footage from their remotely operated submersible 650 meters (2,100 feet) below, they noticed some unusual rocks.

These rocks had layers of red clay, something not commonly found on the seabed. Bramley Murton, a marine geologist from the National Oceanographic Centre in Southampton, U.K., who was part of the team, described the deposits as resembling soils found in tropical regions.

A recent study conducted by the team revealed that the unique minerals present in the clay could have only been created through weathering in tropical conditions. This discovery adds to a series of findings suggesting that this particular area of the ocean, located 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) from Brazil’s coast, may have been an island in the past.

“Imagine a lush tropical island slipping beneath the waves and lying frozen in time. That’s what we’ve uncovered,” said Murton, the study’s co-author.

He and his colleagues believe that this island would have been approximately the size of Iceland, which is about a fifth of the total area of the Rio Grande Rise.

Rio Grande Rise goes back to 80 million years

The Rio Grande Rise has a history dating back 80 million years. At that time, a massive mantle plume existed beneath the mid-ocean ridge of the South Atlantic, leading to a period of intense volcanic activity.

Murton explains that initially, the rise resembled a Cretaceous version of Iceland and was situated closer to the mid-ocean ridge than its current location near South America. Over time, as volcanic activity decreased, the plateau slowly drifted westward across the Atlantic Ocean and eventually submerged beneath the waves.

Around 40 million years ago, the mantle plume experienced a final burst of volcanic activity, but this time, it was confined to the western part of the rise.

It was in this specific area that the researchers discovered the red clays, which were sandwiched between lavas known to be approximately 45 million years old, as reported by Live Science.

Underwater ancient beach terraces and drowned waterfalls

The research represents the outcome of two scientific expeditions conducted in 2018 to explore the Rio Grande Rise.

The first expedition aboard the Brazilian research vessel Alpha Crucis focused on mapping the underwater terrain of the rise using sonar technology. Initially, the project aimed to study mineral-rich ferromanganese crusts found on the rise’s seafloor.

During the mapping process, the researchers made several significant discoveries. They identified a steep-sided canyon called the Cruzeiro do Sul Rift, which stretches for 30 kilometers (about 20 miles) and divides the rise.

Additionally, they found evidence of ancient beach terraces, wave-cut platforms, and submerged waterfalls.

Carnival Delights: The Culinary Traditions of Greek Apokries

Nick Kampouris
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Carnival Delights: The Culinary Traditions of Greek Apokries
An AI depiction of a table with Greek delicacies
An AI depiction of a table with Greek delicacies. Credit: Midjourney for the Greek Reporter

As the vibrant parades of the Greek Carnival, or “Apokries,” flood the streets of the nation, this festive season brings with it a storm of culinary traditions that are as colorful and rich as the celebrations themselves.

Apokries marks the period leading up to Lent in the Orthodox Christian calendar. It is a time of joy, dance, and, most importantly, feasting. This article takes a look at the delicious delights that define this important period for Greek society. Let’s dive into the traditional foods that bring families together and honor centuries-old customs.

The Essence of Greek Apokries

Apokries is more than just a prelude to Lent. It’s a celebration deeply rooted in Greece’s cultural and historical ground. Stemming from ancient festivities honoring Dionysus, the god of wine, festivity, and pleasure, Apokries has evolved to become a cherished Greek tradition like no other. During this time, Greeks engage in numerous customs.

These include masquerading, parading, and making festive banquets. This is a way to bid farewell to meat consumption before the forty days of strict fasting begin. The essence of Apokries lies in its ability to blend solemn religious observance with community joy and indulgence to the extreme.

The Traditional Greek Food of Apokries

Meat Dishes: The last Thursday before Lent, known as “Tsiknopempti” or Smoky Thursday, sees households and tavernas in Greece grilling and roasting meats. This tradition fills the air with tantalizing aromas across the country. Dishes such as beef, lamb, pork, and chicken are central to the celebrations, symbolizing abundance and the final days of meat consumption before the fast. One can enjoy the traditional Greek souvlaki (meat skewers), burgers, sausages, and ribs in all forms of dishes.

Dairy Delights: Dairy products also play a significant role during Apokries, especially in dishes like the traditional and well-known tyropita (cheese pie). Additionally, many make creamy desserts, which are savored before the dairy-free days of Lent. Among these are the popular rizogalo (rice pudding) and galatopita (custard cream pie), to name a few.

Sweets and Pastries: The Carnival season is incomplete without the sweet treats that traditionally adorn Greek tables. From the world-renowed baklava all the way to galaktoboureko, kataifi, and tulumpa, they all offer a sweet finale to the pre-Lenten feasts. These culinary delights, like other syrupy pastries, combine the flavors of nuts, honey, dough, and filo pastry in every bite.

Must-Try Food of Greek Apokries

Among the myriad of dishes that define Apokries, a few stand out for their cultural significance and flavors. Tsiknopempti, Greece’s version of the famous Mardi-Gras, brings a feast of grilled meats, a tradition that gathers friends and family around the fire. Tyropita, spanakopita, kolokythopita, and kreatopita, with their flaky pastry and rich fillings of feta cheese, spinach, pumpkin, and meat respectively, are beloved snacks throughout the Carnival period. Lastly, no celebration is complete without delicious Greek loukoumades, honey-soaked dough balls that offer quite literally a taste of heaven on earth.

Celebrating Apokries Today

In contemporary Greece, Apokries remains a time of limitless indulgence and festivity. From busy Athens and Patras to the smallest villages of Macedonia and Epirus, Greeks uphold the tradition of gathering around the table to enjoy the season’s culinary offerings.

Public festivals feature food stalls that serve traditional Apokries dishes, bringing the community together in a shared celebration of heritage and gastronomy. As families pass down recipes and customs, the spirit of Apokries continues to thrive, ensuring that the Carnival’s culinary traditions remain a vibrant part of Greek culture.

Related: Meat Eaters Delight as Greece Celebrates Tsiknopempti

What Was Ancient Greece Like During the Roman Empire?

Caleb Howells
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What Was Ancient Greece Like During the Roman Empire?
AI depiction of Euclid studying in ancient Athens.
AI depiction of a painting of Euclid, studying a sunny evening in ancient Greece. Credit: DALLE via Perplexity for Greek Reporter

For centuries, Greece dominated the Mediterranean in both cultural and political terms. However, it was eventually surpassed by Rome. Nonetheless, Greece did not disappear into obscurity in the Roman Empire. It continued to be a major player on the world scene. What do we know about Greece in the Roman Empire?

Reorganization of Greece by the Romans

Upon conquering Greece in the second century BCE, principally with the victory over Corinth in 146 BCE, Rome was able to establish the province of Macedonia, covering northern Greece. The cities of the Peloponnese were also subject to Rome’s rule, although not all to the same degree as in the province of Macedonia.

For some time, a few of the southern Greek cities were allowed to remain autonomous, free from the direct rule of Rome. Examples include Sparta and Athens. Most of the other cities, however, had to send tribute to the Romans.

Later, in 27 BCE, Augustus Caesar become the first emperor of the Roman Empire. In this same year, he reorganized Roman rule over Greece. He reorganized it into two provinces, Macedonia and Achaia. The territory of the former covered much of northern Greece, as before. Achaia, meanwhile, covered the Peloponnese and a portion of mainland Greece.

A long time after this, the Romans divided Greece into additional provinces, such as Epirus along the western coast. There was also the province of Thrace in the northeast.

How Roman rule negatively impacted Greece

In many respects, being part of the Roman Empire had a very negative impact on Greece. Needless to say, it experienced major political decline, having lost its power and freedom to engage in conquests of other areas.

Another area that experienced decline was economically. While being in the Roman Empire, the Greek cities were not independently able to exact tribute on other territories as they had done while they were self-governing.

The Greeks themselves were not ignorant of the political and economic decline that their country was experiencing. During this period of dominance by Rome, the Greeks developed a tendency of looking towards their past and dwelling on their own history. Evidently, they considered their golden age to have been a thing of the past in many respects.

Thriving Greek culture

However, being in the Roman Empire was not entirely bad for Greece. In fact, although Greece experienced political and economic decline, the culture of the Greeks thrived. The main reason for this is that the Romans were enamoured by it. We see this, for instance, in the way that they readily identified their gods with the gods of the Greeks.

The Romans were so fascinated by Greek religion that they even dismantled entire Greek temples and reassembled them in their homeland in Italy.

Furthermore, the Romans greatly admired Greek artwork, architecture, philosophies and even political ideas. For intellectuals, the Greeks were the subject of considerable admiration. Certain Greek cities were still considered centers of learning. One example is Athens, which had one of the most prominent and prestigious schools within the Roman Empire.

This is clearly evident in the Christian Scriptures in the Bible, in which we find accounts of the early disciples of Jesus preaching their message. While experiencing some political opposition from Rome, these accounts show that intellectual or philosophical opposition always came from either Jewish sources or Greek ones, but never Roman.

The language of Greece throughout the Roman Empire

Another way in which Greece continued to thrive under the Roman Empire is that its language remained dominant. Alexander the Great had spread the Greek language all over the Eastern Mediterranean during his conquests in the fourth century BCE.

Even after the Roman Empire emerged, Greek did not fall out of use. Rather, it remained the lingua franca of the day. That is why, famously, the Gospels and other first-century Christian works were written in Greek, not Latin.

It was common to consider those who adopted the Greek language and culture to be ‘Greeks’ in a sense. This being the case, the Roman Empire was absolutely full of Greeks. Again, the first-century Christian Scriptures give us insight into this matter. The Apostle Paul, for example, used ‘Greeks’ to represent all non-Jewish people.

The fact that he used this term instead of ‘Romans’ is fascinating. It shows that the Greeks were still the most prominent among the nations of the Roman Empire, by virtue of the widespread adoption of the Greek language and culture.

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