The Greek City That Was the Ceramic Center of the Ancient World

Ancient Greek Klazomenai
Klazomenai was the ceramic center of the Ancient Greek world. The decorations on the works produced mainly depicted groups of fighting animals, chimaerai and battle scenes and were usually oriented towards the ideals of the nobility. Credit: Dosseman / CC-BY-SA-4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

The Greek city of Klazomenai located near today’s Izmir (Smyrna) was the center of ceramic production in the ancient world.

Unique Ancient Greek ceramic figures along with a 2,500-year-old type of water-basin used for rituals have recently been discovered during excavations.

According to the excavation’s director Professor Yasar Ersoy, “The excavations unearthed a sink foot and its base decorated with fantastic mythological creatures and chariot races. This sixth-century B.C. artifact is about 2,500 years old. It is decorated with figures, embossed and painted in this way. It is the first of its kind.”

Klazomenai is located in modern Urla on the western coast of Anatolia and on the southern coast of the Gulf of İzmir about twenty miles west of İzmir.

The city was originally located on the mainland at Limantepe but probably relocated to the Karantina island just off the coast during the early fifth-century BC Ionian Revolt from the Persians.

Soon afterward, the Greek city of Chyton was founded on the mainland in the late fifth century BC. Both Greek cities had conflictual relations, but Alexander the Great eventually connected Karantina island to the mainland with a causeway, the remains of which are still visible.

An important Ancient Greek ceramic production center

The Klazomenai olive oil workshop, which is one of the earliest Ancient Greek workshops in the Aegean region that has survived thus far, exemplifies the existence of mass production in ancient times. It is dated to the sixth century B.C.

Klazomenai
The Klazomenai olive oil workshop is one of the earliest workshops in the Aegean region that has survived thus far. Credit: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

Ersoy added that “Klazomenai is considered to be one of the most important ceramic production centers in the region, especially in the Archaic period in the sixth century B.C.”

“In the excavations carried out here, we also find many…ceramics produced in workshops connected with the city,” Ersoy said.

“The sink we found is decorated with fantastic mythological creatures and chariot races. This artifact, which dates to the sixth century B.C., is about 2,500 years old. We do not know of an example embossed and painted like this sink.”

“At the same time, another type of vase, which is identified with Klazomenai, is a commercial amphorae,” Ersoy further added.

“Olive oil or wine used to be stored and carried in these amphorae. We see vases of this type in many places in a wide geography, mostly on the northern, eastern, and western coasts of the Black Sea and in the Western Mediterranean and Eastern Mediterranean. This shows us the dominant commercial activity of the city from the seventh century B.C. to the beginning of the sixth century B.C.”

Klazomenai in ancient times

Researchers generally trace the establishment of Klazomenai between the 11th and the 7th century BC. However, according to the most recent archaeological data, the Greek presence in Klazomenai goes back to the Late Bronze Age.

Recent archaeological excavations in the settlement have discovered an abundance of artifacts of the Late Bronze Age, as well as Mycenaean shells and Aeolian “bucchero” vessels, while there are also traces of the Protogeometric (10th century BC), in the southern part of the settlement. Many of these findings are houses at the Museum of Acropolis.

Accounts of the founding of the city are confusing. According to Strabo, the founder was Paralos, while Pausanias mentions Colophonius Parforos as an inhabitant.

Aelianos, on the contrary, considers the city to have been built by Niles, the son of the Athenian king Kodros.

Pausanias mentions that the original population of the city was mainly Peloponnesians from Kleones and Fleiunda, who fled after the descent of the Dorians and arrived at Klazomenai, having previously failed to establish themselves at the foot of Mount Ida.

The ancient Greek city was originally located near Limantepe, but the inhabitants, alarmed by the encroachment of the Persians, moved to the Karantina island of the bay and settled down there.

During the 6th century, Klazomenai was attacked by the King Alyattes of Lydia. In the 5th century, the town was for some time subject to the Athenians but about halfway through the Peloponnesian War (412 BC), it revolted.

After a brief resistance, however, it again acknowledged Athenian supremacy and repelled a Lacedaemonian attack. In 387 BC, Klazomenai and other cities in Asia were taken over by Persia, but the city continued to issue its own coins.

Klazomenai
Ancient coins of Klazomenai. Credit: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Many notable ancient figures originated from Klazomenai. The philosopher Anaxagoras (c. 510 to 428 BC), often referred to as “Anaxagoras of Klazomenai,” was born in the city, as was the earlier philosopher Hermotimus of Klazomenai.

In addition, Herodotos of Klazomenai was the first Klazomenian Olympic winner, his victory being in the boys’ foot-race. Finally, Scopelian or Skopelianos of Klazomenai was an ancient Greek sophist.

The Ten Most Beautiful Lakes in Greece

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Greece lakes
One of the most stunning lakes in Greece, Dragon Lake in Tymfi. Credit: Stavros Charos /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Lakes in Greece are somewhat under-appreciated because of the country’s wealth of beaches and islands, but Greek lakes are surely enchanting and worth a visit!

These lakes, often nestled at the foot of high mountain ranges, offer spectacular sights and great recreational opportunities for the whole family.

If you feel like exploring something different but equally as beautiful as the amazing Greek coast and islands, then read on to find out about ten of the most beautiful lakes not to miss in Greece.

The top 10 best lakes in Greece

Prespa Lakes

Greece lakes
Small Prespa Lake on the Greek side of the border. Credit: ΡΟΥΛΑ ΣΙΛΙΝΤΖΗ /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

The Prespa Lakes are two large freshwater lakes in southeastern Europe which are shared by the nations of Greece, Northern Macedonia, and Albania.

The lakes are surrounded by mountains and provide a breathtaking sight. They reflect the beautiful wooded slopes of the surrounding mountains in their waters while offering great birdwatching opportunities in a habitat vital to migrating birds.

Great Prespa Lake is divided between the nations of Greece, Northern Macedonia, and Albania, while Small Prespa Lake is shared only between Greece and Albania.

Lake Volvi

Greece lakes
Lake Volvi, Greece. Credit:Πέτρους Πέτρος/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Lake Volvi is located at the foot of the Chalkidiki peninsula in the Thessaloniki regional unit of northern Greece.

The environment surrounding Volvi Lake features rare hydrophilous plants and trees with their unique hydro-habitats and ecosystems.

More than 200 species of birds, including herons, egrets, storks, and flamingos, spend the winter in these regions. Fortunately, they are protected by the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Lake Kerkini

Kerkini
Man-made Lake Kerkini. Credit: Ziegler175/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

Lake Kerkini is a man-made lake, located near the city of Serres, a city in the region of central Macedonia in Northern Greece.

This lake is also protected by the Ramsar Convention, and the surrounding region is a protected national park which features vibrant fauna and flora, including deer, buffalo, wolves, and many different types of birds.

Lake Kerkini is the perfect location to spot cormorants, eagles, and pelicans, as well as many other avian species. You can enjoy an array of outdoor activities there, including cycling, boat rides, and hiking. In addition, there are several photo and bird-watching tours organized by local operators.

Lake Plastira

Plastira
People riding horseback next to Lake Plastira, Greece. Credit: Christospappis/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Lake Plastira, another man-made lake, is found in Thessaly, the heart of mainland Greece  close to the city of Karditsa.

A total year-round destination, Plastira is a favorite with Greek vacationers in the fall and winter. This spectacularly lovely lake, which looks like it could be in Switzerland, most certainly deserves to be known by foreigners, as well.

Lake Plastira provides many opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and relaxing walks through the lush forests surrounding it.

Lake Petron

Greece lakes
Lake Petron or Petres, Greece. Credit: Despina Michailidou/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Blessed with stunning beauty, Lake Petron is found in western Macedonia in northern Greece at the foot of Mount Voras and Mount Vermio.

The lake is part of the Natura 2000 protected areas, as it is home to more than ninety different bird species, some of which are endangered.

Lake Petron, where the rare pygmy cormorant and the lesser white-fronted goose make their home, is another great choice for bird-watchers.

Lake Orestiada

Orestiadas
An autumnal path by Orestiadas Lake. Credit:Jimzoun/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Lake Orestiada is located in the region of Macedonia in northwestern Greece.
The lake is home to over 200 species of birds, including herons, swans, and wild ducks, as well as vibrant flora and fauna, which make it a beautiful place to explore.

The area’s natural wonders, along with the Byzantine heritage of the town, provide ample reasons for visiting this scenic town of northern Greece.

Other activities to be enjoyed include sailing, waterskiing, rowing, and fishing. A nice stroll around the lake will allow visitors to take in the reflection of the city on the lake’s surface, which perfectly mirrors Mother Nature’s beauty, especially during the colorful weeks of autumn.

 Lake Pamvotida

Greece lakes
Pamvotida Lake. Credit: Thodorisv/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Lake Pamvotida is found in Epirus in the central part of the Ioannina regional unit of northern Greece.

The lake is associated with a famous legend in which Kyra Frosini, a young local girl, had an affair with Mushtar Pasha, the son of the local Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha. When this was discovered, the story holds that she was executed and thrown into the lake.

The lake is home to many rare species of flora and fauna, and many water activities are  available, including canoeing and kayaking, rowing, and water skiing. The lake also has a small islet, where one can find seven monasteries, as well as tavernas, souvenir shops, and a museum.

Doiran Lake

Greece lakes
Structure in Lake Doiran. Credit: Makedonski biseri /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

Doiran Lake (Dojran Lake) is found between North Macedonia and Greece. According to local legend, a local girl named Dojrana was drawing up water from special springs which needed to be sealed back up after their use.

One day, as Dojrana was filling her water jugs, she learned that the young man she loved had returned from the army, and she forgot to seal the springs. Doiran Lake was the result of her careless euphoria on that day.

The large amount of algae on the lake’s surface and the large quantity of weeds which grow in the lake are used for treating skin and respiratory diseases, such as rheumatism, and many tourists visit the lake for the health benefits of these natural remedies.

Lake Trichonida

Greece lakes
The crystal clear waters of Trichonida lake. Credit: Atigoni/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Lake Trichonida is the largest natural lake in the entire nation of Greece. It is found to the southeast of the city of Agrinio in central Greece. Despite its size, Trichonida is relatively unappreciated and seldom visited by tourists.

The lakeside vegetation consists of plane trees, cottonwoods, cypresses, eucalyptus, willow, and ash trees. The lake includes around ninety types of rich phytoplankton, and it is home to 25 species of fish, sixteen of which are edible while eleven are indigenous to Greece.

Both the lake and the surrounding areas are ideal for outdoor activities, but respect for the local ecosystems and the pristine environment are vital. A favorite outdoor activity one can enjoy is swimming, as the waters of Trichonida are crystal-clear. Other activities you can enjoy at the lake are water cycling, boat rides, and paragliding.

Dragon Lake, Tymfi

Dragon Lake
The stunning views of Dragon Lake, Tymfi. Credit: John Grivas /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 2.0

Greece is also home to what is called “dragon lakes,” or simply put, alpine lakes, which were formed back in the last Ice Age. According to local folklore, these lakes were once the dwelling places of dragons.

Sources of beauty and home to unique ecosystems, these lakes are found at altitude in Greece’s highest mountain ranges. The Dragon Lake of Tymfi, which is located in northwestern Greece in the region of Epirus, is one of the most stunningly beautiful of all such lakes.

The enchanting “dragon lake,” which is surrounded by a starkly beautiful landscape, can be reached only after a four-hour hike, after departing from the village of Mikro Papigo, in the Zagorochoria region.

Videos of lakes in Greece:

Some breathtaking videos of stunning lakes you could visit in Greece are shown below:

 

 

 

More Than 32 Million Tourists Visited Greece in 2023

Greece tourists
Modern and ancient Athens. Credit: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

More than 32 million tourists visited Greece in 2023, resulting in roughly €20.5 billion in income, according to data from the Bank of Greece (BoG) released on Thursday.

Travel receipts were 15.7 percent higher than 2022, the BoG says.

A significant factor in this is the increase in income from residents of countries in the European Union, which amounted to more than €11 billion, as well as the increase of tourists from non-EU nations, which added up to €8.5 billion.

The report says that receipts from residents of countries from the eurozone came to €9 billion, an increase of 12.4 percent, while the revenue from residents of EU countries outside the eurozone showed an increase of 7.8 percent and amounted to slightly more than €2 billion.

German visitors contributed €3.5 billion in income, an increase of 9.5 percent, and French tourists amounted to €1.4 billion, an increase of 11.6 percent.

From non-EU countries, the United Kingdom contributed €3.3 billion (5.8 percent increase) and the United States contributed to €1.3 billion (a whopping 14 percent increase).

The income from Russia understandably decreased by 20.8 percent and amounted to €32.8 million.

In terms of travel traffic, there was an increase of 17.6 percent to 32.7 million tourists in comparison to the 27.8 million tourists in 2022.

Specifically, traffic through airports saw an increase of 12.7 percent while travel through road border stations increased by 34.9 percent.

Travel traffic from EU countries came to 19.6 million travelers, an increase of 15.6 percent compared to 2022, while travel traffic from non-EU nations increased by 20.8 percent and came to 13 million travelers.

Travel traffic from countries in the euro zone increased by 11.5 percent as did traffic from outside the euro zone area, which went up by 24.4 percent.

Tourist traffic from Germany rose by 9.5 percent and reached 4.7 million travelers, while traffic from France increased by 4.2 percent and came to 1.831 million travelers.

Regarding countries outside the EU, travel traffic from the UK increased by 2.4 percent to 4.5 million travelers. From the US, traffic amounted to a 29.2 percent increase, specifically to 1.4 million travelers.

Greece heads for a new record in tourists for 2024

Greece is heading for a new record year in tourism in 2024, industry officials say, pointing to early bookings.

The current trajectory of airline reservations, encompassing both sold tickets and seats allocated by airlines for the upcoming season, indicates a potential tourism surge of up to 10 percent in 2024 compared to the remarkable highs achieved in 2023.

“Greece is heading for the highest performance of all time,” in 2024, TUI tourism group’s Head of Communications, Aage Dünhaupt, told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA).

He pointed out that Crete, Rhodes, and Kos remain top destinations for customers of the company, which, this year, is beginning the summer season in Greece earlier than in any previous year.

Alexander the Great and the Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World

Alexander the Great Dinocrates Athos
Modern engraving of Dinocrates’ proposal for Mount Athos. Public Domain

Alexander the Great is said to have rejected a colossal project to sculpt Mount Athos, as had been proposed by his architect and technical advisor, Dinocrates.

The architectural proposal, which, had it been carried out, would perhaps have been the eighth wonder of the ancient world, involved carving into the flank of Mount Athos a colossal image of Alexander holding a small city in one hand and with the other holding a gigantic pitcher from which a river poured into the sea.

Athos is a mountain in the distal part of the eponymous Athos peninsula and is, nowadays, an important center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism in northeastern Greece.

Dinocrates of Rhodes (last quarter of the 4th century BC) was a prominent architect of his time. He is known for his plan for the city of Alexandria, the monumental funeral pyre for Hephaestion and the reconstruction of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, as well as other works.

The ambitious proposal described in a book by Vitruvius, a Roman architect and engineer during the 1st century BC, was politely rejected by Alexander the Great.

Alexander the Great Dinocrates
Modern engraving of Dinocrates’ proposal for Mount Athos. Public Domain

The Macedonian king saw the plan when Dinocrates, trusting in his projects and his ingenuity, marched from Macedonia to a meeting with Alexander.

Dinocrates vowed to transform Mount Athos into Alexander the Great’s image

In Vitruvius’ book, Dinocrates says: “I am Dinocrates, architect of Rhodes, and I work on projects and services worthy of your greatness. I can transform Mount Athos into the figure of a manly statue; in his left hand he holds the walls of a large city and in his right a huge patera that collects the waters of the rivers that flow in that mountain, in order to pour them into the sea from his own hand.”

Alexander was pleasantly satisfied with the description of the project, and, at once, he asked if, near the planned city, there were fields that supplied it with wheat harvests.

When Dinocrates told him that the supply was not possible, Alexander replied, according to Vitruvius:

Dinocrates, I carefully observed the magnificent structure of your project and I like it. But just as a newborn baby without milk cannot develop, so a city can not grow, if it does not have the fields that accompany it.

Regarding your plan, you deserve compliments, but the location of the city should be disapproved. It is my wish that you stay by my side because I want to use your work. 

Urban planner of Alexandria, Egypt

The story, as recorded by Vitruvius, has been dismissed by some scholars. The excessiveness of the project makes it hardly credible. In addition, Dinocrates demonstrated in the planning of Alexandria and other works a talent incompatible with the fatuity of this project as Vitruvius describes it, according to alexandreion.wordpress.com.

Dinocrates no longer left the king and followed him to Egypt, where in 332 BC Alexander appointed him as director of the surveying and urban-planning work for the city of Alexandria.

Vitruvius says:

When Alexander observed that he found a port protected by nature itself and an extraordinary market, in addition to the fields planted with wheat that covered the whole of Egypt, as well as the enormous advantages provided by the impressive Nile River, he ordered that he found there [a] city, named Alexandria, in honor of his own person.

In Babylon, Dinocrates designed the funerary monument to Alexander’s general Hephaestion, who died in 324 BC, which was described by Diodorus Siculus, Arrian, Strabo, Plutarch, and others. It was built of stone in imitation of a Babylonian temple, six stories tall, and entirely gilded.

Dinocrates was also involved in reconstructing the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world, which had been destroyed by Herostratus in an act of arson on July 21, 356 BC. This was the same night, it was said, that Alexander was born.

He also worked on an incomplete funerary monument for Alexander’s father, Philip II. Other works include several city plans and temples in Delphi and Delos among other Greek cities.

Aristotle Onassis’ Historic Olympic Airways Plane Displayed in Athens

Onassis Olympic
Aristotle Onassis descends from an Olympic Airways Boeing in the early ’70s. Public Domain

The beloved plane of the late Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis, an Olympic Airways Boeing 747, was recently moved to a permanent place at Hellinikon, the former airport of Athens now being transformed into the largest metropolitan park in Greece.

Earlier in the week, the “OLYMPIC EAGLE” (SX-OAB) was moved next to the main building of the old Athens Airport (referred to as the East Terminal) created by the world-renowned Finnish-born American architect Eero Saarinen.

He had already gained international recognition for the original and elegant expressionism of the TWA passenger terminal in New York and the Dulles International Airport near Washington, DC.

The Saarinen building was inaugurated in 1969, the same year that Aristotle Onassis placed the order with Boeing for this aircraft. This is also the reason why we called it “The Airplane of Aristotle Onassis.”

Lamda Development, the developers of Hellinikon, honored an agreement signed in May 2023 with the Cultural Center of Olympic Aviation Employees to showcase the historic aircraft.

History of Olympic Airways from Onassis to the final flight

In July 1956, the Greek State signed an agreement with Onassis, for the exclusive use of air transport in Greece. On April 6, 1957, the company was renamed Olympic Airways. The first domestic flight started the same year. Generally, Olympic had an upswing on a domestic and international level, as well.

In addition, in 1971, a subsidiary airline, Olympic Aviation, was established to serve the Greek islands more economically and efficiently, and flights were expanded globally.

In 1972, Olympic turned to the important Greece-Australia market, beginning Boeing 707–320 operations between Athens and Sydney twice a week via Bangkok and Singapore.

In 1973, the death of Onassis’ son, Alexander, in a plane crash shocked Greek people, and a new phase began for Olympic Airways. A few months later, Onassis sold all of the OA shares to the Greek state and died in 1975.

The year of 1976 was a landmark year in the history of Olympic. The airline passed into Greek government’s dominance. The same year, the firm obtained the first Boeing 737-200 and created Olympic Catering. Twenty-five aircraft and thirty international destinations were served.

From December 1977 until January 1978, there was the biggest strike ever in the history of Olympic, lasting thirty-five days. The main reasons for the strike were the creation of labor regulations, crew composition, and new wage. This prolonged strike had a pleasant end for employees.

The beginning of the 1980s found Olympic facing more strikes, which sought to implement regulation flights and improve economic earnings. In 1982, the airline celebrated twenty-five years of operation.

In the early 1990s, the staff had picked up Sundays, holidays, and night itineraries. However on October 4th, bloody incidents unfolded between strikers and redundant and riot police outside the building of Olympic Catering.

On March 28, 2001, the airline made its last flight, from the Hellinikon airport for Thessaloniki.

On December 31, 2009, Olympic Airlines ceased all operations, as flights to Greek islands had already been allocated and were being flown by other carriers. Flights to destinations outside of the European Union had been allocated to other carriers, which began operating them from January 1, 2010.

Bomb Threats Target US, Israel, Egypt Embassies in Athens

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Bomb threats US Israel Embassies Athens
The US Embassy in Athens. Credit: ChristosV – Own work CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Police in Greece were placed on high alert on Friday 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 who rushed to the embassy buildings in Athens have not yet found any explosive devices, leading experts to assume it was probably a hoax.

The alert was sounded after callers said that, at 11:30 AM local time, bombs would explode in the embassies and the Parliament.

Reports say that a phone call to SKAI TV warned of a bomb at the US embassy, another call to Kontra TV notified about a bomb at the Israeli embassy, and a third call to Open TV alerted to a threat at the Egyptian embassy. It is not clear whether the phone calls were placed by the same person.

No organization, so far, has claimed responsibility for the bomb threats.

Embassies of the US and Israel in Athens are on high alert

Embassies of the US and Israel around the world are on high alert since the war in Gaza began in October last year.

The US Embassy in Athens has advised US citizens to exercise increased caution. “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” it has said.

It advised US citizens to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas, and follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.

Meanwhile, Israeli embassies around the world were reportedly put on high alert in December, with some of them staying closed entirely following a blast that rattled the embassy in India.

Israelis around the globe have been cautioned to be on alert since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, which has fueled and intensified anti-Israel sentiment in parts of the world.

The National Security Council recommended that Israelis reconsider all travel abroad and called on those who do need to travel overseas to avoid outward displays of their Jewish and Israeli identities amid rising antisemitism around the world as Israel fights the Hamas terror group in Gaza.

The advisory called for avoiding crowded areas such as malls and markets, as well as sites associated with Jews and Israelis, being extra vigilant in public places, refraining from the display of Israeli symbols, and avoiding crowded events that aren’t secured. The sharing of photos on social media that could reveal Israelis’ locations should also be avoided.

Ancient Greece a Pioneer in Marketing and Advertising

Ancient Greece Advertising
In what the Louvre considers one of the first advertising slogans, the potter has written: “Buy me, you will be getting a bargain.” Credit: Louvre

Advertising and marketing flourished in ancient Greece and Rome. Although they lacked the sophistication of modern advertising campaigns, there were certainly efforts to draw attention to goods, services, and events.

Advertising was most evident in Greek pottery. Many pots are signed by the artists, their names no doubt helping to sell these wares to collectors just as a signed Monet would be snapped up today.

One bitter potter, Euthymides, even took the time to advertise how much better his work was than one of his rivals. He wrote “better than Euphronios could ever have done” on one of his vases.

In the Louvre, there is a jug showing two men leading horses. It is a pleasant scene, and no doubt, someone would have wanted it in his home. Perhaps not, though, as it has some added text between the figures.

In what the Louvre considers one of the first advertising slogans, the potter has written: “Buy me, you will be getting a bargain.”

But there’s also tantalising evidence that craftspeople also used brand marks to denote a certain pride in their manufacturing. A Greek vase manufactured around 490 BCE bears the inscription “Sophilos painted me.”

Scandalous advertisement in Ephesus

Amongst the Roman and Greek ancient ruins in Ephesus in today’s Turkey, you will find a somewhat scandalous advertisement engraved into the marble walkway.

Advertising ancient Greece
The advertising of a brothel in ancient Ephesus. Credit: CC BY-ND 2.0

The engraving is dated to the 1st century AD, and the footprint is actually a way to lead men to a hidden but not so secret brothel. The left footprint alluded that the location was towards the left, and the size of the foot insinuated you must be of a certain age.

The carving features an image of: a cross, woman, heart, foot, money purse, and library, as well as a hole in the rock.

One interpretation of the carvings is as follows: Up at the crossroads, on the left, you’ll find women whose love can be purchased. But please, only stop in if your foot is at least this big, young men, and you have enough coins to fill this hole. Otherwise, we kindly direct you to the library on the right.

Widespread methods of advertising in ancient Greece

Merchants and craftsmen engaged in various forms of promotion to attract customers in ancient Greece.

This involved word of mouth, the use of town criers or heralds to announce special offers or events, and the display of goods in marketplaces. Shopkeepers might use distinctive signs or symbols to identify their establishments, and they might compete with each other to attract customers through the quality and uniqueness of their products.

As noted by Chip LaFleur, sellers in Egypt, Greece, and Rome would paint or carve advertisements onto prominently featured surfaces such as the sides of buildings or large rocks near paths with heavy foot traffic.

In areas with limited literacy among the general populace (or great linguistic diversity among shoppers), vendors would create image-based signs that depicted their primary good or service, which they would then hang outside their door or near their market stall.

The mortar and pestle as a symbol for pharmacists, a hammer, anvil, or tongs as a symbol for blacksmiths, and the Rod of Asclepius for those in the medical profession are all examples of symbols from the ancient world that have persisted to the modern era with remarkably similar meanings to their BCE counterparts.

Advertising ancient Greece
A symbol of health and medicine around the world to this day. Public Domain/Greek Reporter Illustration

Additionally, the ancient Greeks used other means to promote events, such as theatrical performances or athletic competitions. For instance, announcements about the staging of plays during festivals were made, and prizes were offered to encourage attendance.

Melbourne, Sydney Festivals to Celebrate Greek Culture

Lonsdale Street Greek Festival in Melbourne, Australia
The Antipodes Festival of 2024 kicks off on Saturday in Melbourne. File photo. Credit: Facebook / Antipodes Festival

Melbourne and Sydney are gearing up to celebrate Greek culture in two historic festivals that annually attract thousands of expatriates and Australians.

The Antipodes Festival of 2024 kicks off on Saturday in Melbourne. It celebrates Greek culture and community, bringing together local and international performers and offering children’s activities and food for a weekend of fun and feasting.

It’s the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant multiculturalism of Melbourne and explore the beauty of Greek culture.

Melina Aslanidou will take the stage at Antipodes alongside some of the Greek Community’s talented local musicians. Known for her powerful vocals and powerful stage presence, Aslanidou will be sure to have the audience singing and dancing the night away.

There will also be six hundred talented performers across three stages, presenting traditional and contemporary music, breathtaking dance, and captivating demonstrations.

Held in the city’s historical Greek Precinct Quarter on Lonsdale Street, the festival will kick off at 10 am on Saturday and conclude 10 pm on Sunday, local time.

Thousands of Greek Australians and other visitors were able to browse over ninety community and market stalls, all with a Greek theme, selling food, products, or services over the weekend.

After Melbourne, Sydney becomes the epicenter of Greek culture

Meanwhile, the Greek Festival of Sydney officially launched for the forty-second year on Thursday. The festival takes place between February and June 2024.

Attended by a great cohort of politicians, dignitaries, officials, representatives of Greek associations, artists, sponsors, and festival supporters, the launch night was deemed a great success.

Harry Danalis, the president of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, highlighted the importance of the festival in the multicultural Australian society. Greek Australians play quite a significant part while preserving their ethos and traditions as Greeks.

The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, acknowledged the significance of the festival as a cultural representation of Greece’s “true” identity and development.

He recognized the great contribution in preserving and enhancing the bond between Greece and Greeks abroad that the Greek Festival of Sydney has achieved throughout the years. There are consistent efforts to support the Greek language and educate the younger generations through cultural events.

Eleni Petinos, Shadow Minister for Finance, Shadow Minister for Sports and Member for Miranda, spoke of past festivals and expressed the importance of following up with the great work that the festival has delivered through the years. From a humble attempt to unite and entertain first generation Greeks, the festival has become one of the most important multicultural events of NSW with a great presence in the last forty-two years.

Fire-Hit Greek Hospital in Istanbul Restored

Fire burning Balikli Greek Hospital in Istanbul on August 4, 2022.
The historic Balıklı Greek Hospital suffered extensive damage in a fire in 2022. Credit: Twitter / Order of St Andrew @OrderStAndrew

The exterior restoration of the Balıklı Greek Hospital in Istanbul, which was severely damaged by a fire, has been completed, while interior renovations are ongoing, Anadolu Agency reported on Thursday.

The historic Balıklı Greek Hospital suffered extensive damage in a fire that broke out on August 4, 2022, with the smoke visible from many districts of Istanbul.

“Our Greek community received a great blow today,” Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said on the day of the disaster.

“One of its greatest philanthropic institutions that treated with loving care our older brothers and sisters were heavily damaged by a catastrophic fire,” Bartholomew said.

Despite efforts by fire brigades from various districts, the building, which had stood for years, could no longer be used.

The cause of the fire at Istanbul’s Greek hospital was not determined

Following an investigation by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) Fire Department, the cause of the fire could not be definitively determined. After initiating an investigation into the incident, the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office decided not to pursue charges, as the hospital management did not file a complaint.

Efforts were then made to accommodate the 104 individuals who had been residing in the wing treating the elderly in the hospital to other sections of the facility.

Under the coordination of the Istanbul Governorship, Zeytinburnu Municipality, and hospital management, restoration work on the building has been completed.

The exterior has been restored to its original appearance, faithful to the building’s historic design.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency about the work carried out, Balıklı Greek Hospital Foundation President Konstantin Yuvanidis said that the exterior of the building had been completed.

Noting that the work inside the building is continuing, Yuvanidis stated that the rooms would be separated, and works regarding bathrooms and toilets, heating installations, elevators, and ventilation would be carried out.

Yuvanidis added that, in line with the instructions of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Zeytinburnu Mayor Ömer Arısoy, and District Governor Adem Uslu helped with the work.

Renovation of the old building of the hospital is expected to be completed by summer. Once completed, the building will be furnished with necessary items for the patients and put to use.

The Greek American community also helped finance the restoration project by pledging 350,000 US dollars. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who arrived in Istanbul a few days after the fire, informed the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of the fundraising.

The history of the Greek hospital in Istanbul

The Balıklı Greek Hospital was originally established in 1753 by the Union of Greek Grocers. The immediate objective of the hospital was to help cure epidemics and common diseases specifically affecting the ethnic Greek population of Constantinople.

By the end of the 18th century, the Greek community of Constantinople had built three hospitals: this particular one in 1762, another in the district of Galata, and, in 1780, a third in Pera. All three hospitals had their own particular constitutions, but they were all placed under the supervision of the Ecumenical Patriarch, who was responsible for nominating the administrative boards of the hospitals.

The hospitals’ records reveal the community’s hospitals were open to all patients regardless of ethnic origin and religious beliefs.

Odysseus Becomes First US Spacecraft to Land on Moon in Over 50 Years

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Odysseus Moon
An important moment, not just for the commercial exploitation of space but for the US space program in general. Credit: Intuitive Machines

The Odysseus lunar lander, nicknamed “Odie,” or IM-1, has become the first US-made spacecraft to touch down on the moon in more than 50 years.

Houston-based Intuitive Machines landed its Odysseus robot near the lunar south pole. Odysseus touched down at 11:23 pm GMT. At first, there was no signal at all from the robot. There were plenty of nerves as the minutes ticked by, but eventually, a communications link was made, albeit a faint one.

This led to some concerns about the status of the lander. Within a couple of hours, however, Intuitive Machines was reporting that Odysseus was standing upright and sending back data, including pictures.

“What we can confirm, without a doubt, is our equipment is on the surface of the Moon and we are transmitting,” flight director Tim Crain announced.

It was an important moment, not just for the commercial exploitation of space but for the US space program in general.

Odysseus moon
An artist’s impression of Odysseus on the moon. Credit: Intuitive Machines

Odysseus spacecraft lands on Moon’s dark and icy side

The targeted landing site was a cratered terrain next to a 5km-high mountain complex known as Malapert. It’s the southernmost point on the Moon ever visited by a spacecraft, at 80 degrees South.

It’s on the shortlist of locations where NASA is considering sending astronauts later this decade as part of its Artemis program.

There are some deep craters in this region that never see any sunlight – they’re permanently in shadow – and scientists think frozen water could be inside them.

“The ice is really important because if we can actually take advantage of that ice on the surface of the Moon, that’s less materials we have to bring with us,” explained Lori Glaze, NASA’s director of planetary science.

“We could use that ice to convert it to water – drinkable drinking water – and we can extract oxygen and hydrogen for fuel and for breathing for the astronauts,” said Glaze. “So it really helps us in human exploration.”

Intuitive Machines has broken the United States’ half-century absence from the Moon’s surface. You have to go back to the last Apollo mission in 1972 for an occasion when American hardware nestled down gently in the lunar soil.

The US space agency NASA had purchased room on Odysseus for six scientific instruments, and its administrator Bill Nelson was quick to add his congratulations to Intuitive Machines for a mission he described as a “triumph.”

“The US has returned to the Moon,” he said. “Today, for the first time in the history of humanity, a commercial company – an American company – launched and led the voyage up there. And today is the day that shows the power and promise of NASA’s commercial partnerships.”

Related: Massive Moonquakes Jeopardize Plans for Moon Settlement, Scientists Say