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Rizitika Songs from Crete Pass Oral History on to New Generation

July 22, 2023

Rizitika songs crete — The summit of Mount Psiloritis (Mount Ida) as seen from the plain of Messara on Crete. Credit: Nikater/Wikipedia/ CC BY-SA 3.0

Rizitika songs are the oldest type of music in Crete, originating from the western part of the Greek island but now heard in central and eastern Crete, as well.

Rizitika, which are sung mostly a capella, or without instruments, in the mountains of Crete by a group of men tell stories about events that took place as long as nine hundred years ago.

The origin of these songs, resembling the epic poems of old, which as we know, were often sung, is unknown. Yet, they seem to be rooted at least as far back as Byzantine times and were continued through the Venetian domination of the island.

The word rizitika (ριζίτικα) derives from the word ρίζα (root) and could be translated as “root songs,” relating the stories of the past with serious sections which have elements of pain and loss.

Another view is that rizitiko (singular) derives from the root (foot) of Psiloritis Mountain.

An important characteristic of rizitika is the peculiarity of its melodies since the songs have no formal structure or style.

Rizitika themes

Rizitika are essentially oral histories and traditions that are passed down to the next generation in song.

A characteristic rizitiko is a serious song which revolves around painful subjects, namely the pain of love, the agony of death, or the mourning of a lost one.

Some rizitika are lighter, however, including songs sung at the table or along the road while they are also sung at weddings, baptisms, and other celebrations.

In some cases, the subject is heroic, relating the many stories of those who fought the Greek revolution against the Ottomans, or of other historical figures.

Rizitika can also be allegories or contain themes dealing with exile, religion, love, or nature while there are a variety of others, as well.

Rizitika are not for dancing

These particular Cretan songs are not made to be danced to. They are sung in 32 melodies with refrains or half a verse first sung by the lead singer and then repeated in chorus form.

Rhyming is not essential and the verse is not always fifteen syllables. Rizitika are rarely accompanied by lute, violin, or lyre like other traditional music of Crete.

Nowadays, Cretan songs that are not actual rizitika are often confused with the real thing and they are sung on many different social occasions.

Monumental rizitika songs

Some rizitika have become cornerstones of music from Crete. One of these is “Digenes,” which speaks about the fearless Cretan heart.

Digenes is dying, and the earth is terrified
and the grave slab shudders, how is it going to cover him?
Because from where he lies, mighty words he utters.
—If the earth had treads and the sky had grips
I would step on the treads, I would grab the grips
to climb up to the sky, to sit there,
to shake the heavens.

Another rizitiko about the Cretan War of 1644 to 1669 testifies to the discord among the Christians during the war.

It is a historic theme that explains the mass conversions to Islam that followed the fall of the castle in 1669.

Castle, where are your towers and your belfries
and where are your braves, your fine lads?
My own braves, the fine lads of mine
the black earth enjoys them, in the stygian Hades.
I have no wrath for Turks, neither rage for Charon,
I only have wrath and rage for the traitor
who betrayed them.

The best known rizitiko, however, tells the grim story of a sixteenth century vendetta between the Giannaris and the Mousouros families:

Jesus, I will gird the sword and I will grab the spear
I will step down to Omalos to the passage of Mousouros
to pull out the silver sword and the golden spear
to make mothers without sons, women without men.

A different version of the song appeared in the twentieth century with new lyrics speaking about war and political struggle:

When will the skies have stars again, when will [it] be February
to take my rifle, the beautiful bandolier
to step down to Omalos, to the passage of Mousouros
to make mothers without sons, women without men.

Greek Musicians Resurrect Thousands-Year-Old Orphic Hymns

Tasos Kokkinidis

July 22, 2023

Greek Musicians Resurrect Thousands-Year-Old Orphic Hymns

A group of Greek musicians has been resurrecting the Orphic Hymns, a collection of eighty-seven hymns to the Gods which have been used in the mystical rituals of ancient Greece.

PanArmonia is a musical ensemble consisting of 12 members and over 20 regular contributors whose vision is to highlight the values and benefits of musical harmony in all its musical events.

PanArmonia has composed over 100 of its own songs, but in recent years has devoted itself to the study, composition and performance of the Orphic Hymns.

The Orphic Hymns are attributed to Orpheus

The Orphic Hymns are attributed to Orpheus, an ancient Greek legendary hero endowed with superhuman musical skills. He became the patron of a religious movement based on sacred writings said to be his own.

The date of composition of the hymns is also a matter of dispute. There are some in the Orphic tradition who believe they are approximately 10,000 years old, based on certain clues found in the text itself, but this date has been convincingly challenged.

Scholars, on the other hand, claim a time period ranging anywhere from the sixth century BCE to the fourth century CE, most believing they were composed in the more recent period.

The Orphic Hymns were recited or chanted in the different services of the ancient Greek religion. Also, these were used in the private prayer as the appropriate invocations of the various Gods.

The hymns provide an important window into the religious traditions of the eastern Greek world, including several deities quite obscure in mainland Greece.

In particular, three hymns, those to Mise, Hipta, and Melinoe, were completely unattested to outside the hymns until their names were found inscribed on tombs excavated in Anatolia.

PanArmonia renders Orphic Hymns to music, connecting yesterday to today. It boasts a versatile combination of instruments, melodies and rhythms, with sounds from lute and bouzouki to harp and thunderous cymbals.

The Orphic Hymns that have been set to music so far (in the full original ancient text) are the hymns of Vesta, Zeus, the Sun, Mercury, Remembrance, the Muses, Pluto, Hephaestus, Asclepius, the Moon, Mars and Victory.

PanArmonia was founded in 2011. The Band is bringing their vision of creating a deeply meaningful and spiritual musical experience to life.

The majority of PanArmonia’s songs are compositions with Greek or foreign lyrics which praise the true life, inspiring higher love, virtue and a wish for every human being to experience true Bliss through their own decision to be free from every illusion in every moment.

Why the Greek Diet is the World’s Healthiest

Tasos Kokkinidis

July 22, 2023

Why the Greek Diet is the World’s Healthiest

The Greek diet is regarded as one of the healthiest in the world because it’s based largely on fruit and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and a small amount of cheese and yogurt.

When many people think of Greek food, pastitso, moussaka, souvlaki and baklava come to mind.

However, a traditional Greek diet is packed with greens, such as horta (wild greens) fasolakia (green string beans), bamies (okra), legumes including fakes (lentils), fasolada (beans), revithia (chickpeas), vegetable dishes, fish and small portions of meat.

This array of foods looks a lot like what is regarded as a healthy, balanced diet.

Greeks are also famous for their love of olive oil, which is lower in saturated fat than butter, and therefore a good choice for cooking.

Greek diet and the Seven Countries Study

The Seven Countries Study was the first to evaluate the links between diet, lifestyle and the risk of a heart attack.

From 1958 to 1970, the study observed men living in countries as diverse as Finland, Japan, Greece and America.

Dr. Ancel Keys and his team found that countries with a varied diet based on monounsaturated fats, fruits, vegetables and legumes had a lower risk of heart disease than countries whose diets were based on wheat, meat and sugar.

And the best of the bunch? Crete, where 40 percent of the diet came from healthy fats.

Recent evidence published by the PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) journal shows that the combination of olive oil and leafy salad or vegetables is what gives the Mediterranean diet its healthy edge because the formation of nitro fatty acids between the two food groups lowers blood pressure.

If you’re more concerned about your brain than your body: well, olive oil helps with that, too.

A study by Columbia University, published in 2015 in the journal Neurology, demonstrated that those living on a Mediterranean diet have more active and alert brains. In fact, the diet reduces the amount the brain usually shrinks over time by five years.

Celebrity chef Cat Cora said of the Greek diet: “You don’t have to take a lot of supplements, you don’t have to be on any yo-yo diets and things; you just eat a lifestyle that promotes health naturally.”

Greek diet has anti-aging properties

British nutritionist and author Tonia Buxton is suggesting that the Greek diet could have anti-aging properties too. In an interview she claimed following the Greek diet for just seven days can have a visible effect on your skin.

“Nutrition is the best place to start when you want to look more youthful,” says Tonia.
She would spend three months each year in Greece eating mainly seasonal vegetables, fruit, pulses and lashings of olive oil.

“Each time I went I noticed how great I felt and how much my skin glowed. So with my mum’s help I began to cook my own Greek-inspired meals,” Buxton, author of the book Eat Greek For A Week said.

According to several studies, the Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Human Ancestors One Million Years Older than Previously Thought

Tasos Kokkinidis

July 22, 2023

Human Ancestors One Million Years Older than Previously Thought

The fossils of the earliest human ancestors found in South Africa are a million years older than previously thought, meaning they walked the Earth around the same time as their East African relatives like the famous “Lucy,” according to new research.

The Sterkfontein caves at the Cradle of Humankind world heritage site southwest of Johannesburg have yielded more Australopithecus fossils than any other site in the world.

Among them was “Mrs. Ples,” the most complete skull of an Australopithecus africanus found in South Africa in 1947.

Based on previous measurements, Mrs. Ples and other fossils found at a similar depth of the cave were estimated to be between 2.1 and 2.6 million years old.

However, “chronologically that didn’t fit,” said French scientist Laurent Bruxelles, one of the authors of a study published recently in the PNAS science journal.

“It was bizarre to see some Australopithecus lasting for such a long time,” the geologist told AFP.

Around 2.2 million years ago, the Homo habilis, the earliest species of the Homo genus that includes Homo sapiens, was already roaming the region.

But there were no signs of Homo habilis at the depth of the cave where Mrs. Ples was found.

Also casting doubt on Mrs. Ples’s age was recent research proving that the almost-complete skeleton of an Australopithecus known as “Little Foot” was 3.67 million years old.

Such a big gap in ages between Mrs. Ples and Little Foot seemed unlikely given that they were separated by such few sedimentary layers.

Because the fossils are too old and fragile to test, scientists analyze the sediment near where they were found.

Previous dates underestimated the age of the fossils because they measured calcite flowstone mineral deposits, which were younger than the rest of that cave section, the study concluded.

For the latest study, the researchers used a technique called cosmogenic nuclide dating, which analyzed levels of rare isotopes created when rocks containing quartz were hit by high-speed particles that arrived from outer space.

“Their radioactive decay dates when the rocks were buried in the cave [and…] fell in the entrance together with the fossils,” said the study’s lead author, Darryl Granger of Purdue University in the US.

Researchers found that Mrs. Ples and other fossils in her vicinity were between 3.4 and 3.7 million years old.

Human ancestors in South Africa around 3.2-million-year-old

This means that members of Australopithecus africanus like Mrs. Ples were “contemporaries” of East Africa’s Australopithecus afarensis, including 3.2-million-year-old Lucy who was found in Ethiopia, said Dominic Stratford, director of research at the caves and one of the study’s authors.

It could also possibly alter our understanding of our ancestral history, AFP says.

The South African Australopithecus had previously been considered “too young” to be the ancestor of the Homo genus, Stratford said. That meant that Lucy’s home of East Africa was thought to be the most likely place where the Homo genus evolved.

The new research, however, shows that the South African Australopithecus had had almost a million years to evolve into our Homo ancestor. Alternatively, of course, they could have worked on it together.

Greenland Ice Core Suggests Potential for Disastrous Sea Level Rise

Abdul Moeed

July 22, 2023

Greenland Ice Core Suggests Potential for Disastrous Sea Level Rise

Long-Lost Greenland Ice Core — A soil and rock sample from a long-lost Greenland ice core suggests disastrous sea level rise. Credit: Halorache / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

A new report indicates that Greenland’s ice sheet had a significant ice-free area approximately 400,000 years ago, during a period with temperatures similar to today’s.

This recent discovery came from an ice core that was collected beneath Greenland’s ice sheet several decades ago. The findings are troubling as they could have serious consequences for sea level rise.

The study has challenged previous beliefs that Greenland’s ice sheet remained frozen for millions of years.

The authors of the report revealed that instead, there was a period of moderate natural warming that caused extensive melting and a significant rise in sea levels—more than 1.4 meters (4.6 feet). The findings were published in the journal Science.

Paul Bierman, a scientist from the University of Vermont and one of the lead authors of the study, emphasized the importance of examining nature’s past actions as geoscientists.

By understanding what happened in the past, we can gain valuable insights into what might happen in the future.

Moreover, Bierman told CNN that what it indicates is ‘frightening.’

Levels of Co2 are 1.5 times more compared to 400,000 years ago

Currently, the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are 1.5 times greater than they were 400,000 years ago, and as a consequence, global temperatures are continuously rising.

The recent study suggests that if Greenland’s ice sheet experienced rapid melting in the past due to moderate warming, it could be more susceptible to the impacts of human-induced climate change than we previously realized.

The study authors warned that in the coming centuries, the ice sheet might become vulnerable to irreversible and fast-paced melting.

🧊 Rediscovered treasure: Greenland ice core uncovers grave sea level rise risks. We must address climate change urgently! 🌍 #sustainablefuture #greenlanddiscovery pic.twitter.com/WtwZ5MyH4h

— aungcrowngreen® (@aungcrowngreen) July 21, 2023

The potential consequences of such ice melting would be significant for sea level rise. If Greenland’s ice sheet were to completely melt, it could lead to a rise in sea levels of about 7 meters (23 feet). This would result in devastating impacts for billions of people residing along the world’s coastlines.

To conduct their research, Paul Bierman and an international team of scientists dedicated several years to the analysis of frozen sediment.

The sediment was obtained from an ice core collected back in 1966 at Camp Century, a United States army base located in northwest Greenland. The scientists drilled through over 4,500 feet of ice to extract a 12-foot-long sample containing soil and rock from beneath the ice sheet.

Discover of ‘fossilized frozen ecosystem’

During that time, the technology to thoroughly understand the sediment was not available, leading to its storage in a freezer for many years. However, in 2017, the sediment was rediscovered in Denmark.

Paul Bierman took the initiative to travel to Copenhagen and brought two samples back to the University of Vermont for testing. As the scientists began sifting through the samples to separate the sediment, they were surprised to find twigs, mosses, leaves, and seeds.

Bierman described this remarkable discovery as a “fossilized frozen ecosystem.” It provided compelling evidence that the ice sheet had completely disappeared at some point in the past. After all, as Bierman pointed out, plants cannot grow under a massive mile-thick layer of ice.

Bill Easing Vote for Greeks Abroad Gathers Wide Support

Tasos Kokkinidis

July 22, 2023

Bill Easing Vote for Greeks Abroad Gathers Wide Support

Vote Greeks Abroad — The bill is expected to secure a wide majority in the Greek Parliament. Credit: AMNA

A bill that will make it easier for Greeks abroad to vote in national elections passed through the relevant committee of the Greek Parliament by a wide majority vote on Friday.

It will be debated in plenary this coming week before it is put to vote, where it is expected to secure a wide majority.

The current legislation poses a series of limitations to the ability of Greeks residing abroad to vote.

Although Greeks nationals were able to exercise their right to vote from abroad for the first time in the 2023 general elections in May and June, critics pointed out that the Greek diaspora was mostly absent, as only 22,816 out of millions of Greeks residing all over the world were entitled to vote – an enormous gap from the 300,000 citizens that Greek officials had previously estimated that they wanted to have a say in the next election.

Greek diaspora welcomes bill on the vote for Greeks abroad

Representatives of the Greek diaspora welcomed the lifting of restrictions.

“We are the soul and voice of Greece abroad. We promote and support national issues. The future of Greece is our future as well,” representatives of Greeks abroad from Europe and North America told the committee, and called on all parties to support the draft law.

They also criticized as “unfair and unacceptable” the conditions set by the current law on Greeks voting from abroad.

They also asked for the future expansion of the law to include the right to vote by letter and the creation of electoral districts abroad.

Representatives providing opinions at committee reading included those of Greek communities in France, Brazil, Germany, and the medical association of North America.

Majority in Parliament supports the Bill

Based on the initial positions of the parties, a majority of 220 MPs appears to be agreeing with the legislation, with the rapporteurs of the ruling New Democracy, socialist PASOK, the far-right Spartans, nationalist Niki and populist-left Plefsi Eleftherias giving the green light.

The number is just over the 200-MP threshold (two-thirds of the total) required to apply the legislation during the next general election.

On the contrary, main opposition SYRIZA, the Communist Party (KKE) and the hard-right/populist Hellenic Solution will not support it.

The bill is formally named “Revoking restrictions for the registration in special voter registration lists of voters living abroad” and is addressed to both Greek nationals living permanently abroad as well as to Greeks who happen to be abroad during election day.

Some of the restrictions the bill abolishes include the length of stay in Greece (2 years during the last 35 years) before voting and to have filed taxes during the current year or the previous one from the year of elections.

These restrictions prevented the majority of voters abroad from participating in elections. The Greek Constitution provides the option of introducing voting restrictions on voting from abroad but does not mandate them (Article 54, Paragraph 4), leaving that right to Parliament’s discretion.

Coldplay Tour Comes to Greece for the First Time Ever in 2024

Alexander Gale

July 22, 2023

Coldplay Tour Comes to Greece for the First Time Ever in 2024

The immensely popular British rock band Coldplay is expected to perform in Greece for the very first time in 2024.

Today, they’ve officially revealed a highly anticipated third run of European tour dates scheduled for June, July, and August 2024.

This tour is an integral part of the globally acclaimed Music Of The Spheres World Tour, which has already shattered all previous sales records, solidifying their position as one of the most influential acts in the music industry.

Coldplay announce tour dates in Greece

As part of the upcoming Music Of The Spheres World Tour, the band has exciting news for their fans. They will be making their debut appearances in Greece, Romania, and Finland, along with their long-awaited return to Rome in 2003 and Budapest in 2008.

To secure their chance to attend these eagerly anticipated shows, fans can register on Coldplay.com starting now to access the first phase of ticket sales. The ticket sales for the entire tour will kick off on Tuesday, 25th July.

The exclusive pre-sale will commence at 09:00 (local time) in Athens, Bucharest, Budapest, Lyon, Rome, and Helsinki. For those in Düsseldorf, Munich, Vienna, and Dublin, the pre-sale starts at 10:00 AM (local time).

Greek fans will want to secure their tickets early and ensure a spot at the highly anticipated Music Of The Spheres World Tour. For all cities, the general pre-sale will begin on July 28 at 10:00 AM.

Music of the Spheres World Tour

Since the Music Of The Spheres World Tour kicked off in March 2022, Coldplay has achieved remarkable success, selling over 7.5 million tickets. This outstanding feat makes it the highest-grossing tour in the last two years, captivating audiences and critics alike with its unforgettable performances.

The tour has received several accolades, including the Favorite Touring Artist award at the 2022 AMAs and the prestigious Tour of The Year title at the 2023 iHeartRadio Awards. The band’s dedication to delivering unparalleled shows has truly paid off.

A recent report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology revealed that Coldplay’s current tour has significantly reduced CO2 emissions by 47% compared to their previous 2016/17 tour, analyzing emissions on a show-by-show basis.

Notably, the tour has also led to the planting of five million trees worldwide, with one tree being planted for every ticket sold.

Chris Martin’s Surprising Connection with Ancient Greece

Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin attained an Ancient World Studies degree with first-class honors in Greek and Latin from University College London (UCL).

Martin’s background in the subject is evident in some of the band’s songs. For example, in the song “Something just like this”, Martin references the mythical ancient Greek heroes Achilles and Heracles.

Rafael Nadal Cruises Greek Islands on His Luxurious Yacht

Alexander Gale

July 21, 2023

Rafael Nadal Cruises Greek Islands on His Luxurious Yacht

Rafael Nadal Greek islands yacht — Rafael Nadal visited the Greek islands in his yacht. Credit: rafaelnadal / instagram

Rafael Nadal has been enjoying the holiday season touring the Greek islands on his luxury yacht.

The tennis star has been visiting several of the Ionian islands during his vacation. Thus far, Nadal has been to Corfu, Meganisi, and Ithaca.

Nadal has previously expressed his love of the sea and time spent yachting. No doubt, the Mediterranean, dotted with Greek islands, will prove an excellent place for the athlete to unwind on his luxury vessel.

The Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands, including Corfu, Ithaca, and Meganisi, each possess their unique allure and charm. Corfu’s captivating history and scenic beauty make it a vibrant and popular destination. Ithaca’s mythical ambiance and untouched landscapes transport visitors to an ancient time. Meanwhile, Meganisi’s tranquility and simplicity offer a glimpse into authentic Greek island life. Together, these three islands create an unforgettable Ionian adventure, catering to diverse tastes and interests.

Corfu, the northernmost and most renowned of the Ionian Islands, boasts a fascinating history and diverse cultural influences, reflected in its captivating architecture. The Venetian Old Town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases the blend of Venetian, French, and British styles. Wander its charming cobbled streets, explore ancient fortresses, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Spianada Square. Corfu’s allure extends beyond its historical treasures, with lush landscapes and stunning beaches like Palaiokastritsa and Kavos, making it a perfect destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Meganisi, a lesser-known gem among the Ionian Islands, offers a secluded and authentic Greek escape. With a small population and untouched landscapes, the island’s simplicity charms travelers seeking a tranquil experience away from the crowds. Traditional fishing villages along the coastline and local tavernas serving fresh seafood add to its allure. Meganisi’s tranquil bays and anchorages are favored by sailors and yachters, making it a popular stop for those exploring the Ionian Sea. Explore the island’s viewpoints for breathtaking panoramas, swim in crystal-clear waters, and embrace the serenity of this hidden paradise.

As the legendary homeland of Odysseus, Ithaca captivates visitors with its mythical aura and serene landscapes. Stepping onto this small but captivating island feels like embarking on a journey through ancient Greek mythology. Ithaca’s allure lies in its unspoiled beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Olive groves, vineyards, and rugged cliffs define the landscape, providing the perfect setting for exploration and relaxation. Hikers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the various trails that lead to secluded beaches and breathtaking viewpoints. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of its coves, visit the Cave of the Nymphs, and embrace the enchantment of this mythical destination.

Rafael Nadal’s tennis academy in Greece

The famous tennis player, who is the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, operates a number of tennis centers that complement the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar. The Rafa Nadal Centers are located in Cancún, Mexico, and Halkidiki, Greece.

Located at the Sani Resort, a stunning complex comprising more than 400 hectares, the “Rafa Nadal Tennis Center” includes eight clay courts. Tennis instruction at the luxurious complex is available to players of all ages and skill levels.

According to the official website, “The goal is to provide high-quality tennis coaching so that guests and residents of the area can play and take classes as part of various programs that are customized according to the different player profiles.”

☺️ @RafaelNadal has traveled to Greece 🇬🇷 to visit and get to know the @RafaNadalTC located in @sani_resort, a leading tourist destination located on the Halkidiki peninsula. VAMOS‼️ pic.twitter.com/G7MyOPSR5J

— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) May 31, 2023

The website further explains that these programs have been created using a unique training system developed by Rafael Nadal and his coaching team over 15 years of professional touring.

The coaching staff at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center undergo an intensive training stage in Manacor to ensure coaching excellence, learning the methodology used at the Rafael Nadal Academy by Movistar.

Legendary Singer Tony Bennett Dies Aged 96

Celebrities

Alexander Gale

July 21, 2023

Legendary Singer Tony Bennett Dies Aged 96

Tony Bennett dies at the age of 96. Credit: Tom Beetz / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

At the age of 96, the legendary New York pop and jazz singer, Tony Bennett, has passed away. Throughout his illustrious career, Bennett was celebrated for iconic songs like “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Body and Soul,” and “(I Left My Heart) In San Francisco.”

Throughout his eight-decade career, Tony Bennett collaborated with an array of star performers, from Lady Gaga to Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra, who praised him as “the best singer in the business.”

His exceptional talent resonated with audiences, leading to the sale of millions of records and the acquisition of 20 Grammy Awards, including a prestigious lifetime achievement award.

Pop and jazz icon Tony Bennet dies

The confirmation of Tony Bennett’s passing came from his publicist, Sylvia Weiner, in a statement to the Associated Press. He passed away in his hometown of New York.

While no specific cause of death was mentioned, it is worth noting that Bennett had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.

Tony Bennett is survived by his wife, Susan Crow, and four children: Danny, Dae, Joanna, and Antonia.

Tributes

After learning of Tony Bennetts’s death, numerous stars have publicly paid tribute to the late singer.

Elton John posted on Instagram “So sad to hear of Tony’s passing. Without doubt the classiest singer, man, and performer you will ever see. He’s irreplaceable. I loved and adored him. Condolences to Susan, Danny and the family.”

“Ahhh, RIP Tony Bennett, truly one of the greats. An incredible singer live, saw him many times,” posted singer Paul Young on Twitter.

Former US first lady Hillary Clinton tweeted, “Tony Bennett was a true talent, a true gentleman, and a true friend. We’ll miss you, Tony, and thanks for all the memories.”

Life and career

Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto to Italian immigrant parents, faced early hardship with his father’s death when he was just 10 years old, leading the family into poverty.

As a teenager, he worked as a singing waiter before pursuing studies in music and painting at New York’s School of Industrial Art. He served in the US Army during World War Two, an experience he found deeply distressing.

Bennett’s breakthrough came in 1951 with the song “Because of You,” which marked his first number one hit. Throughout his career, he continued to produce chart-topping swinging pop hits, such as “Blue Velvet” and “Rags to Riches,” as well as show tunes and big band numbers. His 1962 rendition of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” earned him two Grammy Awards, catapulting his star even higher.

Despite facing personal challenges, including addiction and failed marriages, Bennett persevered in his music career, aided by hiring his son Danny as his manager. In the 1980s and 1990s, he experienced a revival, winning numerous Grammy awards.

Collaborating with younger artists, including Amy Winehouse, Queen Latifah, and Lady Gaga, further solidified his reputation as a beloved and influential musician. In 2014, his joint album with Lady Gaga, “Cheek to Cheek,” made him the oldest living act to top the US charts at 88 years old.

Even after his 90th birthday, Bennett expressed his love for performing and continued to captivate audiences. In 2021, five years after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2016, he performed his final shows with Lady Gaga, solidifying his place as a cherished icon, especially among younger fans.

The Ancient Snake-eaters of Mount Athos, Greece

Giorgio Pintzas Monzani

July 21, 2023

The Ancient Snake-eaters of Mount Athos, Greece

Dinocrates Mopunt Athos, Greece Snake eaters — The ancient people of mount Athos, Greece had probably owed their longevity to their bizarre eating habits such as snake-eating. Credit: Public Domain

Legends, myths, mystical creatures, and now-forgotten customs all lend a spectacular context to Greek mythology. History and mythology have always walked similar and common paths. Legends were, in fact, always born where myth was colored by actual events.

So today we take a plunge into a distant past. A journey to a time when, according to ancient writings, the territories of Mount Athos in Greece were inhabited by viper-eaters.

The Handbook of Pliny the Elder

Pliny the Elder, the Roman writer and naturalist, published the encyclopedia “Naturalis Historia” in 77 AD, a masterpiece that still represents the most important scientific record of antiquity.

The manual contains extraordinary information about the plant and animal world of the time, as well as many essays on anthropology and psychology. It thus constituted a pearl of culture already in its time, providing great help to the development of ancient medicine.

We, however, want to dwell on one sentence in particular.

The viper-eaters

The reference to viper-eaters is found in Book XII, that is, the one devoted to human anthropology and physiology. In paragraph 27 it lists various tribes that, according to Isigonus, would be the longest-lived, reaching up to one hundred and forty years of age.

“Cyrnos indorum genus isigonus annis centenis quadragenis vivere, item aethiopas macrobios et seras existimat et qui athon montem incolant, hos quidem, quia viperinis carnibus alantur; itaque nec capiti nec vestibus eorum noxia corpori inesse animalia.”

Isigonus, a line of Indians of Cirno, thinks that they live a hundred and forty years, similarly the Ethiopians Macrobioi and Seras, and those who inhabit Mount Athos, these, indeed, because they feed on the flesh of vipers; therefore neither their heads nor their clothes contained animals injurious to the body.

Naturalis Historia, Pliny the Elder, XII, 27

The ancient inhabitants of Mount Athos

Mount Athos is located in what the Greeks call the “third finger” of the Chalkidiki Peninsula.
To this day it has a very important religious value, being an autonomous region as well as a monastic state.

Its history, however, is very ancient, and it is estimated that the earliest organized territories date back some 6,000,000 years. As to who inhabited those sacred territories, there is quite a bit of confusion, especially since it concerns a period where pre-Hellenistic civilizations were making their journeys of expansion into the Mediterranean Sea.

According to Thucydides, a very important Athenian historian and military man, Mount Athos was inhabited by descendants of the Pelasgians.

“αἳ οἰκοῦνται ξυμμείκτοις ἔθνεσι βαρβάρων διγλλώσσων, καί τι καὶ Χαλκιδικὸν ἔνι βραχύ, τὸ δὲ πλεῖστον Πελασγικόν”

These states are inhabited by a mixed population of bilingual barbarians. Also there are a few Chalcidans, but most are Pelasgians.

Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, book I

We see, then, that well before the expansion of the Macedonians, the Chalkidiki region, and more specifically the Mount Athos area, were inhabited by peoples with little historical importance to scholars of the time. This is probably also the main problem when looking for more specific information about these cultures.

It would be very nice to have some certainty about what the diet of the Pelasgians of Chalcidice was, so that we could agree with Pliny, and identify them as the mysterious “viper-eaters.” We can do more, however: we can search for a deeper truth about this strange eating habit.

The viper diet

As bizarre and absurd as it may seem, the viper diet was an actual reality in ancient times.
One of the most important uses of the viper and its flesh was in antidotes. This was because physicians believed that the snake’s venom was contained throughout the body. Therefore the animal had the antidote to its bite in its own body.

Later, however, many physicians, inspired by Pliny’s stories of long-lived peoples who practiced the viperine diet (Pelasgians and Ethiopians), began to use the animal’s flesh to cure rather than prevent.

For example, Galen, among the most important doctors in history, used wine infused with viper meat to treat diseases such as leprosy and elephantiasis. Dioscorides Pedanius, a Greek physician and botanist, also used viper cooked with vinegar and wine to treat kidney diseases.

In short, the viper was really widely used in ancient medicine.
So much so that it was also among the main ingredients of Theriaca.

Theriaca

This medicine takes its name from the ancient Greek word “θηριον” (thirìon), which meant poisonous beast. The name was given precisely because of the presence of viper meat within the recipe. It was administered to cure many diseases and contained more than 40 ingredients, including opium, which came from the city of Thebes. It was created by the Cretan physician Andromachus, who introduced viper meat within an existing curative mixture.

Nero, the Roman emperor, commissioned the creation of this antidote. This was because he had lost many men during a naval battle against Hannibal. In fact, the latter had ordered his men to throw jars containing vipers into Roman ships, which killed the soldiers, thanks to their venom.

We see, therefore, how intertwined the story of the “viper-eaters” is. We cannot be certain that the ancient inhabitants of Mount Athos were profound connoisseurs of the healing properties of viper meat. Nor that it was precisely the viper diet that made these populations so long-lived. Nevertheless, this apparent legend reported by Pliny the Elder finds correspondences in other ancient writings.

The important thing is always to try to find hidden points and examples in our history.
To approach the truth through our past. For we are what… we used to eat

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