In Greece, the flag is referred to as Η Γαλανόλευκη or Η Κυανόλευκη. It is translated as the “Blue and White” and the “Azure and White”. When people gaze at the colors on the flag, they are reminded of the sun, sea, and the whitewashed buildings that shine in the sun. Here’s more information about the Greek flag and how it came to be:

What the Flag Represents

The Greek flag is filled with symbolism, and when people gaze at it, they are immediately transported to Greece. So what does the Greek flag represent? Here’s a look at the symbolism behind the official flag of Greece:

• White Cross. This represents Greece’s strong ties to Orthodox Christianity, which is the religion that the majority of the Greek people adhere to.
• Nine Stripes. The distinct blue and white stripes point to the phrase, “Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος”, which means, “Freedom or Death.” It was a chant used during the Greek War for Independence. Another theory is that it could also be that the stripes represent the Nine Muses of Greek Mythology.
• Blue and White. It is true that gazing at these colors invokes memories of the sky and sea in Greece, that is exactly why they were chosen – to remind people of the contrast between the sky and the sea.

How the Government Describes the Flag

The way the Greek flag looks is determined by the Greek government. However, did you know that the Greek government has not given details about exactly the shade of blue that should be used. As a result, there are actually versions of the flag that wall have a different shade of blue and none of them are wrong.

The following is from “Law 851/1978, Regarding the National Flag, Article 1, Clause 1″:

The National Flag of Greece is cyan and white, it is made up of nine (9) stripes equal in width, of which five (5) are cyan and four (4) are white so that the upper and lower stripes are cyan and the others in between are white.

In order for the flag to be considered an official one, it needs to follow the instructions that are outlined by the government. There are also official rules in place as part of Law 851 that talk about how to properly display the flag. For example, there is a rule in place that states that the flag needs to be displayed on certain official buildings, such as the Greek Parliament building, from 8 AM to sunset of each day. The flag can also be displayed in other situations, such as sporting events and official ceremonies.

Adopting the Greek Flag

Historians aren’t exactly sure exactly where the current Greek flag originated, but there are a few theories. Same believe that it traces back to the Kallergis family that came from Crete. However, no one really knows for sure. Besides that, the flag itself was official adopted pretty late in Greece’s history. Since Greece’s history was somewhat turbulent, the current flag reflects the state of Greece today.

It was officially adopted on December 28, 1978, which was about four years after the Military Junta and during Greece’s official transition into democracy. Prior to that, the country did have a flag but it was unofficial. People would fly a flag that closely resembled the modern flag, so when the time came to adopt a flag, the government embraced the popular choice.

The Greek flag is meaningful and represents Greece as a nation. It is definitely something that invokes feelings of pride!

Source:

Greek Flag History

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Mussolini Makes an Ultimatum

Greece has a very strategic location, which means that who ever occupies it could control much of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding areas. This is especially true of southern islands such as Crete. The strategic position of that island creates an excellent base of operations during war time.

The Axis wanted to set up a presence on Greece to help further its overall war strategy during World War II. Benito Mussolini wanted to give Greece a chance to succumb to occupation peacefully and without fighting, so he issued an ultimatum. He basically said that if Greece doesn’t let the Axis occupy certain strategic parts of Greece otherwise the refusal would be looked at as an act of war.

Metaxas Answers the Ultimate with a “No”

Instead of let the Axis enter Greece without a fight, Metaxas stood his ground and refused to let the Axis Powers enter Greece without a fight. Although Metaxas’ response was translated as, “No” or “Oxi” in Greek, he actually responded to the ultimatum in French by saying, “Alors, c’est la guerre,” which means, “Then it is war.” This launched Greece into war with Italy and ultimately into World War II as a whole. Although we do know that Metaxas’ action propelled Greece into war, the Greek people were largely in support of it and considered it an act of bravery.

Greece Enters the Greco-Italian War

After Metaxas refused to let the Axis occupy some of the most strategic areas in Greece, this move started the Greco-Italian War, which took place during World War II. The war officially began on October 28, 1940, which is the day that Metaxas’ rejected Mussolini’s ultimatum, and lasted until April 23, 1941.

The Italians were driven from Greek soil, which did much to bolster not only the morale of the people of Greece, but of the whole world. They saw the Greek victory as representative of the possibility that the Axis could be defeated. People all over the world marveled at the bravery of the Greeks and it seemed to give the Allies a new sense of confidence that it was possible to defeat the Axis. However, eventually the Axis Powers returned to Greece and the country was occupied by the Germans for a time.

Oxi Day Celebrations Today

Today, Oxi Day always falls on October 28 and celebrations, such as parades, occur throughout Greece. Although this action resulted in entering Greece into World War II, people all over the world admired Greece’s bravery for standing up to the Axis. Also, Greece eventually did succumb to Axis occupation, but Greece’s bravery during key battles, such during the Battle of Crete, inspired the rest of the world. This is the first time a country had stood up to the Axis Powers with any amount of success. It gave the rest of the world hope that the Axis could, in fact, be defeated.

It’s true that the actions of Metaxas concerning Mussolini propelled Greece into a war that eventually led to the Axis Powers occupying Greece. However, it is also true that Metaxas represented a spirit of bravery that is still celebrated by the Greek people today. This was the first tangible moment that the Allies realized that there was a hope to defeat the Axis Powers. Rather than give into the dictator, he stood up for Greece and ultimately did what was right.

Sources:

Wikipedia – Oxi Day

Wikipedia – Greco-Italian War

Wikipedia – Battle of Crete

Wikipedia – Axis Powers

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March 25th is a significant day because it marked the official beginning of the Greek War for Independence, as declared by the rebels and freedom fighters. In 1814, the secret society, the Filiki Eteria was formed with the goal of liberating Greece from Ottoman control. This group had planned the insurrection to take place on March 25th but in some parts of Greece, the fighting occurred sooner.

The end result of this war is that the Greeks did successfully gain their independence. Here’s some more information on the history of how Greece eventually won its freedom.

Tourkokratia – Ottoman Rule in Greece

For hundreds of years, much of Greece belonged to the Ottoman Empire until the 1820’s when much of the country eventually overcame Turkish rule. But, how did they come to Greece in the first place? There were several factors that contributed to occupation and each part of Greece succumbed to occupation at different times.

One of the major factors that led to Ottoman occupation is that the Byzantine Empire, which ruled for roughly 1100 years, was in a severe state of decline. Over the course of their decline, various parts of Greece began to fall to Turkish control. Eventually,  the Ottoman Empire’s push into Greece eventually began when they captured Constantinople in 1453. Once the capital of the Byzantine Empire was taken, it was only a matter of time before the rest of Greece succumbed.

Unrest Develops in Greece

The Ottoman Empire ruled for around four hundred years, and this wasn’t easy for the Greeks. The two cultures were vastly different, and the Greek people looked at this as a period of oppression. Those who were unable to flee Greece and establish new lives in Western Europe suffered. Turkish reign was oppressive for many reasons.

One problem was that they had an apparent disregard for Greece’s glorious past. At one point, they used the Parthenon to store munitions and didn’t treat it as the beautiful, historical landmark it really was. Another problem was that Orthodox Christians weren’t able to express their faith in public. Since most of Greece is Orthodox, this caused a feeling of unease amongst the Greek people.

Those are just two examples of problems that arose between the Turks and the Greeks. Generally, because the Greeks felt oppressed, this caused unrest throughout occupied Greece. There were several resistance movements that formed through the duration of Turkish rule. However, it wasn’t until March 25, 1821 that these movements posed any real threat to the Ottoman Empire.

So what was different about the act of resistance that would eventually lead to Greece’s freedom? Well, there were several factors at play. First, the Greek people were finally tired of Turkish rule, so they organized their resources and formed a resistance movement that was finally successful.

Greece also had help from other countries, particularly the British, with whom it was the fashion to embrace anything from Ancient Greece. They understood that without Greece’s influence, modern intellectual, artistic, and scientific knowledge might not be as advanced as it is today. In the Battle of Navarino, British, Russian, and French forces destroyed an Ottoman fleet. This battle was a major victory which eventually led to the signing of the Treaty of Erdine in 1829 which finally established an Independent Greek state.

Though what ensued was a period of uncertainty in Greece, the country was officially independent. Today, cities throughout the world hold parades and display the Greek flag with pride. How will you honor Greek Independence Day this year?

Sources:

Wikipedia – Greek War of Independence

Wikipedia – Ottoman Greece

Encyclopedia Brittanica – Greek Independence Day

Encyclopedia Brittanica – Treaty of Erdine

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Here’s a look at the history of the gyro in Greece:

What is a Gyro?

The name “gyro” comes from a Greek word that means “round.” The food is named for the rotisserie that houses the meat. Slabs of meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, or even chicken are seasoned and packed against a special spit. The meat cooks as it rotates and is then thinly sliced to make the popular sandwich. Traditional Greek gyros include slices of meat, tzatziki, chopped onion, chopped tomato, and sometimes even fries. These ingredients are all encased in a round of pita bread.

Although you may find some slight variations, this is largely considered to be the most traditional version. However, the fries are optional. In Athens, there is a version of this sandwich known as “kalamaki.” All the elements of the sandwich are the same except the sliced meat is replaced with souvlaki.

What Are the Origins of the Gyro?

The history of the gyro has actually been debated for years. Food historians believe that the gyro actually arrived in Greece in the early 1920’s as refugees from Asia Minor, mainly from Constantinople (now Istanbul) and Smyrna (now Izmir). Many of these people had  Greek ancestry, and they brought the tradition of the gyro with them. Some legends indicate, however, that the first gyro handlers in Athens were actually of Armenian decent.

It was fairly common for these refugees to open small shops, mainly in Athens, and that helped increase the food’s popularity. As the people of Athens caught on, the dish started spreading to other areas of Greece. Eventually, Greeks who began leaving Greece for other countries, such s the United States, brought the food with them and the tradition continued in countries such as the United States and Canada.

No matter where they came from, it is clear that the gyro is now embraced throughout the world. For example, Americans love the Greek gyro so much they actually celebrate “Gyro Day” each year on September 1st! If you would love to make some of your own gyros, be sure to check out our unique Greek gyro recipes here.

Source:

Gyro – Wikipedia

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The origins of the traditional uniform that the Evzones wear are closely tied to Greek military history. In fact, the term can be traced all the way back to Homer’s time, which indicates that the Evzone soldiers were present in some capacity in Ancient Greece.

Today, the Evzones take on a ceremonial role. One of their main duties is to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens. In many ways, their role is a symbolic one and their uniform is the very embodiment of Greece’s military legacy. Here’s more information:

Origin of the Word “Evzone”

The first mention of the word “Evzone” (or back then, the Ancient Greek term was “evzonoi”) can be traced to Ancient Greece. However, back then, the word didn’t refer to a uniform of any kind. The word first appears in Homer’s Iliad and is an adjective that means “well-belted.” Literally, it was a reference to an “elite man” and not necessarily a soldier of any kind.

Now, the word simply refers to the soldiers whose purpose it is to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It can also reference the traditional uniform itself.

Tsolias – Colloquial Word for the Evzone Soldier

Evzone isn’t the only word that is used to describe the soldiers themselves. As a side note, Evzone soldiers are often referred to as Tsolias colloquially. However, the term “Tsolias” is usually reserved for members of Greece’s modern military. Though, these soldiers could take on the ceremonial duties, such as becoming a member of the Presidential Guard. In that case, they would become “Evzones” and would wear the traditional Evzone uniform.

Uniform During Turkish Occupation

The uniform can be found in some form during the time when the Ottomans occupied Greece. However, it is important to note that the uniform was in existence before then. During these four hundred years, the Evzone uniform underwent some changes.

The Klephts, who were the soldiers that fought against Turkish rule during the war, wore the uniform. It was during this time that the foustanella, or kilt, was added to the uniform. In today’s design, the foustanella is said to have four hundred folds, one for each year that the Turks were in Greece. This is also the time when the tsarouchia, or clogs, was added to the uniform.

Bavarian Style Uniform

After the Greek War for Independence concluded, King Otto of Bavaria became King of Greece. Though it lasted for thirty years, his reign was a turbulent one. He was never fully embraced by the Greek people, especially since he and his

wife were considered outsiders.

During this time, even the Evzone’s manner of dress underwent some changes. In 1833, a Bavarian-inspired Evzone uniform was introduced. It featured blue trousers, a tailcoat, and a shako, a type of military helmet. It was changed in 1837 to something that more closely resembles today’s uniform.

The Evzone Uniform of Today

Today’s Evzone uniform is complicated. It has around twelve parts, and each needs to be in place. The Evzones form the Presidential Guard, a prestigious discipline for the soldiers. Their main function is to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier but they also march in official parades,as well. Note that there are also some differences depending on which part of Greece the uniform originated.

The uniform is highly symbolic and it can change slightly at different times of the year. In addition to the typical Evzone uniform, they could wear the traditional Cretan Evzone dress and Ponti Evzone uniform. The Cretan design doesn’t include a foustanella, but rather dark blue trousers. The soldiers often wear different uniforms to honor different aspects of Greek military history.

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They were a time honored tradition, but eventually stopped being held when Greece was occupied by the Romans, who were Christians. Since the Olympics were looked at as a pagan festival, they were thought to go against the Romans’ Christian beliefs.

It would take around 1500 years for the Olympic Games to come into place once again. People throughout the world realized that even though the Olympic Games had their roots in a religious festival, it was about something much greater than that. Individuals such as French historian Pierre de Coubertin lobbied for the Olympics to be held once again, and his efforts led him to be the first chairman of the International Olympics Committee.

Pierre de Coubertin realized that there was a collective consciousness during his time for people to get together and compete. This idea lead to the games beginning once again.

Now, the games take place every four years in both the summer and winter, and the summer and winter games are spaced two years apart. Here are some of the answers to the most common questions asked about the first modern Olympic Games:

When Was the First Modern Olympic Games?

The first Summer Olympics of our modern era took place 1500 years or so after the Roman Emperor, Theodosius I, banned them. Over the course of history, Greece had a period of turbulence and faced various occupations, such as the occupation of the Ottoman Empire in Greece, which finally ended in 1832 because of the Greek War for Independence. This had an impact on the people of modern Greece, and somehow, the idea of resurrecting the Olympic Games was never really part of the conversation.

When Greece finally won their independence from the Turks, they felt a huge sense of relief, but they still needed to build their country again. During this time, they were concerned with finding government, building their economy, and healing from the war. As a result,  it still took some time for the the Olympics to fall back in favor.

Finally, the modern games did come together. The first modern Summer Olympics, referred to as the First Olympiad, occurred from April 6, 1896 to April 15, 1896 and it has been a worldwide tradition ever since.

Where Were the First Modern Olympics Games (1896) Held?

It is interesting to note that the idea of having an Olympic Games once again wasn’t unique to 1896. Other places had replica Olympic Games. The idea came about as early as the 1700’s. However, it would take some time to organize the game into something that the entire world would enjoy. Finally, after decades of trying to get something start, everything came together.

Athens was the host city of the first modern Summer Olympics. The Olympic Committee that was chosen to organize the games considered several choices, but they decided that the most appropriate place to hold them was in Athens. Although the original Ancient Olympics were held in Olympia, Greece, Athens was considered the ideal city because of its size and because of its many resources. Most importantly, the organizers wanted to kick off the modern games by holding them in Greece where the games first originated.

Why Were the Olympic Games Revived in 1896?

In the 1800’s, there were festivals named after the Olympics that were held throughout Europe. Over time, festival organizers got together because their goal was to create a unified games that held to the same ideals as the original Ancient Olympics. They wanted a forum for nations of the world to come together and compete. So, they formed a committee and eventually the 1896 Summer Olympics were born.

The main motivator is that people wanted to relive a part of the former glory that the original games gave the competitors. The gams also brought people together. In ancient times, it brought people together from all over Greece. At the time, Greece wasn’t a cohesive country or empire – it was made up into a series of self-governed kingdoms or city states. Today, they unite people from all over the world.

Which Events Were Present at the First Modern Olympics (1896)?

During these games, there were a total of 280 athletes from a total of 13 nations who competed in a total of 43 events. In the Ancient Olympic Games, popular events such as wrestling, running, chariot racing, and boxing were commonplace at the games. In the modern olympics, some of those original events were still present, such as wresting and running. Other events that were part of the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens were cycling, sailing, shooting, swimming, fencing, and gymnastics. Most of the events that were on the schedule back then are still are still part of the Olympics today.

Now, the game are held every four years. It used to be that the  Summer Olympic Games and the Winter Olympic Games were held on the same year. Now, they’re actually held two years apart from one another in order to space them out. The Olympic Games have been going on since 1896 and there is both a summer and winter round. They’ve grown considerably since those first games, and now it is widely recognized as being a global sport that all nations aspire to participate in.

Sources:

Wikipedia – Pierre de Coubertin

Wikipedia – International Olympic Committee

Wikipedia – 1896 Summer Olympics

Wikipedia – Ancient Olympic Games

Olympic.org – Athens 1896 Olympics

History.com – First Modern Olympic Games

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What the Greek Flag Represents

There is some lore that surrounds the meaning and symbolism behind the flag. The flag is also recognizable and distinct and represents certain aspects of Greek culture and history. The white cross in the upper quadrant of the flag represents Greek Orthodox Christianity, the religion that the majority of people in Greece practice. The nine blue and white stripes represents each syllable in the phrase, “Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος”, which means, “Freedom or Death” in English.

This was an important battle chant during the Greek War for Independence, which eventually led to the Ottoman Empire finally leaving Greece. However, another theory is that the nine stripes represent the nine muses from Greek Mythology. It is possible that the stripes could represent both! The blue and white colors themselves are said to represent the very contrast between the sky and sea of Greece.

Beginning of the Greek Flag

There are a few theories as to how the Greek Flag came about. The distinct elements that we talked about above can all be traced back to past elements of Greek History. For instance, the official flag of the Kallergis Family of Crete looks almost exactly the same as Greece’s flag. Was the Modern Greek Flag adapted because of this particular family? Since there aren’t any known records of exactly how the modern flag was adopted, it’s difficult to know why, exactly, the flag looks the way it does today.

Adopting the Modern Greek Flag

Most people don’t realize that the current Greek flag wasn’t officially adopted until December 22, 1978. Prior to that, the flag has had several designs with a few similarities. Prior to 1978, the flag may or may not have contained the signature stripes and maybe would have only contained the white cross with the blue background. When King Otto from Bavaria was in power, he added his family’s coat of arms to the flag. After he was no longer in power, the flag changed again.

Despite the fact that it was so recent, there doesn’t appear to be much official information as to why that particular design is the one that became the official design. There’s only speculation – but perhaps that’s part of the lore of the flag itself? In a lot of ways, the multiple designs that the Greek flag has had since the Greek War of Independence is a reflection on the changing nature of Modern Greek History.

As you can see, the Greek Flag is a distinct part of the nation. Although the official design wasn’t adopted until 1978, Greece never seemed to be without a flag or some kind.

Sources:

Wikipedia – Flag of Greece

Wikipedia – Eleftheria i Thanatos

Wikipedia – Greek War for Independence

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Officially titled “Ýmnos is tin Eleftherían“ in Greek  and the “Hymn to Liberty” or the “Hymn to Freedom” in English, this song is a reminder of not only how far Greece has come since the Ottoman Empire was officially defeated, but also of the journey that the people took that ultimately led to their freedom. Here’s a look at the history and biographical details of the iconic Greek national anthem:

Written By a Famed Poet

The Greek National Anthem was written by the famed poet, Dionysios Solomos, in 1823. He was born and raised in Zakynthos, but his family were refugees from the island of Crete. As a member of a prominent wealthy family, Dionysios was well educated, which eventually drove him to become a poet. Although he studied abroad in Italy for several years, he eventually penned his poems in his native Greek language.

The Hymn to Liberty wasn’t the only poem he wrote, but it is the most famous. He wrote in a specific style, which is referred to as the Heptanese Style of poetry that originated from the Heptanese School of Literature, or literally the Literature School of the Seven Islands. It is also referred to as the Ionian School. He

Hymn to Liberty is Written

When it came time to write the Hymn to Liberty, he didn’t initially realize that it would become part of the national anthem. his motivator was to create a poem that honored those who fought for Greece’s independence. Once it was written, it was immediately embraced by the people and the first two stanzas eventually became the anthem.

The Greek Revolution began in 1821 and was going on as he began his career as a poet. In addition to being the revolution that finally ended the Ottoman occupation, it served as a source of inspiration for this poem. Solomos wanted to put to words the feelings that he had about the struggles of the Greek people and the inevitability of the win.

Inspiration for a Cause

Once the poem was released to the public, it struck a nerve with the people. In fact, many people interpreted the poem as a battle cry! This is what it means when translated into English:

I recognize you by the fearsome sharpness,

of your sword,

I recognize you by your face

that violently defines the land(i.e. the land’s borders).

From the sacred bones,

of the Hellenes arisen,

and valiant again as you once were,

hail, o hail, Liberty!

The words were a source of inspiration to the people who devoted themselves to the fight. It effectively touches on not only the struggles that the people faced because of the Ottomans, but also of their fight towards victory. The Greek people were tired of being oppressed, and it was time to change all that. Over time, the poem was eventually set to music.

Adopting a National Anthem

This poem, which was set to music by Nikolaos Mantzaros, a composer from Corfu, was first adopted as the Cretan National Anthem in 1864 before they joined Greece. Currently, it is both the national anthem of Greece (adopted in 1865) and the anthem of Cyprus (adapted in 1866). Even though the Cypriot constitution actually makes no mention of an official national anthem, the Hymn to Liberty is still officially considered the Anthem.

Today, the National Anthem is always played during official occasions put forth by the Greek government. It is also played at sporting events and has a prestigious place during the closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games. For the Greek people, it is always a reminder of how far they’ve come since the days of the Ottoman occupation.

Sources:
Wikipedia – Hymn to Liberty
Wikipedia – Dionysios Solomos

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Originated Classical Antiquity

As it turns out, the concept of the evil eye dates back to Classical Antiquity, or the time period that encompassed the Classical Era in Ancient Greece. During this time, the Greek civilization was at its intellectual peak. A common theme in literature at the time was that the eyes were a source of deadly rays that could bring harm to others. Plutarch, the Ancient Greek writer, is one of those who wrote about this concept. The belief in the evil eye tended to spread as Alexander the Great brought the Greek culture to the East.

Differences in Belief

Depending on who you talk to, people have different beliefs concerning the evil eye. Some people believe that it isn’t simply negative emotions that can cause the evil eye to another. Even something simple, such as admiring a newborn baby, could result in the curse. In some parts of Greece, it is believed those with blue or green eyes are particularly able to give the curse to another person, which is a major reason why the evil eye talismans, or the mati symbols, are depicted as a blue eye.

Protecting Against the Greek Evil Eye (Mati)

According to the people who believe in it, there are some things you can do to protect against the Greek evil eye (mati). These talismans are called “apotropaic” in Greece and can refer to anything from the evil eye (mati) pendant to the rituals that are designed to ward it off. For instance, some people recite a special incantation to ward it off, and the exact words are a closely protected secret that only a select few are allowed to know. Other tactics include spitting, as is usually done on a newborn baby, and throwing salt over your shoulder.

In Greece, the Mati pendant actually dates all the way back to the 6th Century B.C in ancient times. The process of casting away the evil eye is called “xematiasma” and is made up of a specific set of rituals. It all starts with the incantation, which is then recited three times. If the person is afflicted with the evil eye, both parties, the person who has it and the healer, will begin to yawn. Aside from that, rituals can differ according to the family, the region, and the situation in which the Greek evil eye (mati) occurred.

The evil eye (mati) is most certainly a part of the Greek culture and learning what you can about it is the way to go!

Source:

Wikipedia – Evil Eye

Wikipedia – Classical Antiquity

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The first Modern Olympic Games took place in Athens, Greece in 1896 to honor the legacy the Ancient Greeks started. To commemorate the one hundred year anniversary, Athens tried to win the bid for 1996 but failed. They bid again and the city finally achieved its goal when they won the bid to host the 2004 Summer Olympics. After several years of preparation, the games were held from August 13, 2004 to August 29, 2004.

Expenses of Hosting the Olympic Games

There is no doubt that hosting the Olympics is a massive undertaking for any city. For Athens, the preparations were numerous and very costly. It has been estimated that it cost Athens around 10 Billion Euros to host the games. This figure doesn’t even include the cost of construction for venues, lodging, and other Olympic related facilities.

Olympic Construction Projects

In order for Athens to get ready for the Olympic Games, several massive construction projects needed to be completed. As late as March 2004, several large-scale construction projects were behind schedule. Despite this set back, the Athens Summer Olympic Games were underway right on schedule.

Some of the major construction projects that needed to be undertaken including the main Olympic Pavilion, the indoor aquatics center, the outdoor aquatics arena, and other venues. Not only that, but also the players and visitors needed a more reliable public transportation system and places to stay while attending the games.

Successful Completion of the Olympic Games

Despite security concerns that the events of September 11, 2001 raised, the Olympic games in Athens were a success. Here are some of the notable events that happened during the Olympics.

• Olympia, Greece. To honor the Olympics’ ancient history, the shot put event was held in the ancient stadium in Olympia.

• Panathinaiko Stadium. This is the site of the first Modern Olympics in 1896 and is also where the archery event took place.

• Medal count record. Greece’s medal count at this Olympics is the highest it had ever been with six gold medals, six silver medals, and four bronze medals.

• 400-Meter Hurdles. Greece took the gold medal in the 400 Meter Hurdles when top athlete Fani Halkia came out of retirement to compete.

Legacy of the 2004 Olympics

The biggest legacy the 2004 Summer Olympics left Athens with is a modernized and improved infrastructure. Because of the event, the city was forced to do things such as update their public transportation system to accommodate the visitors, build additional hotels, update the pedestrian areas in the historical sections, and build a whole new airport.

Also, plans are in the works for converting the event venues to give them other uses. For example, the Athens Olympic Stadium, home of the opening and closing ceremonies and several events, is now the home field for Panathinaikos FC, a soccer team.

However, any plans that weren’t completed before 2012 have been stopped because of the debt crisis. Despite the challenges, the Olympic Games were a positive thing for the city of Athens.

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One of the most popular ways to while away a lazy afternoon or connect with friends during a night out, tavli, or backgammon has become something of a cultural mainstay. In fact, Greece has taken this game to a whole new level, with their own traditions, history, and game strategy.

Origins of Tavli in Greece

The game that we now know as tavli, or  backgammon, likely originated about 5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia. This is suspected because early examples of the telltale dice used in the game have been found and dated to this period.

Later, the Pharaohs of Egypt were known to have enjoyed a similar game. A board used for playing a game very similar to modern backgammon – called Senet – was discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamen, as well as at archaeological sites throughout Egypt.

Introduction and Popularity in Greece

Around this time, these versions of backgammon played across Egypt and Mesopotamia made their way to Greece. Since that time, references to backgammon pop up in several important works of ancient Greek literature, such as Homer’s Odyssey, and over the last 2,000+ years it has remained a popular pastime in Greece.

The Greeks were also known to invoke or reference their gods while in the middle of playing heated rounds of this table game. A good dice roll was commonly referred to as an “Aphrodite”, after their goddess of beauty and happiness, while a bad dice role was called our modern equivalent of a failure, or “a dog”.

Perhaps the greatest evidence for backgammon’s popularity in ancient Greece was the way in which this popularity found its way – like many other aspects of Classical Greek culture – into later cultures such as the Romans. Such famous, and infamous, emperors as Claudius and Nero were known to be great aficionados of the game.

From the Romans, backgammon spread to the rest of Europe. References to the game have appeared in Canterbury Tales and works of Shakespeare, and the modern term backgammon was coined in England in the 17th century. Today, backgammon is popular in many places besides Greece, but is still overshadowed by the popularity it still possesses in its adopted homeland.

Playing Tavli in Greece Today

The object of the game of tavli, or backgammon, is for each player to move all their “checkers” into their home board and then “bear them off.” Dice plays an important role in the game, determining how many spaces the checkers can be moved during each round.

There are a few differences between traditional Greek “tavli” and what is known in the west as backgammon. The main difference is the use of the “doubling cube” dice in western backgammon. Another interesting difference are the rules determining when it’s the next player’s turn to roll the dice.

If the player who’s just rolled the dice is still touching their checker, the other player isn’t yet allowed to take their turn rolling the dice. This allows for very fast-paced games to be played fairly.

f you ever find yourself in Greece, be sure to look out for this ubiquitous board game being played in streets, squares, and cafes across the country.

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One of the most striking features about these homes is that they seem to blend in well with the landscape. Whether gazing on the houses in a mountainside village or those perched on a cliff on one of the Greek islands, you can’t help but feel as if the homes somehow belong where they stand. This is done on purpose, as the homes are designed to flow naturally with the environment.

Here is some more information about the unique way that Greek homes are constructed:

Brief History of Stone Construction in Greece

Building homes using stone is not a new concept in modern Greece. This is a practice that has been followed since ancient times. The Ancient Greeks quickly learned that stone is reliable, sturdy, and long lasting. It was also readily available. Many structures that have survived from Ancient Greece today were made with ancient stone building techniques. For example, ancient temples, such as the Parthenon in Athens, were made of stone.

Drystone Building Methods

The method for constructing these stone houses in Greece is called “drystone”. Although versions of this method is popular in other countries throughout the world, the Greeks really do have a unique way of approaching it. The techniques are most commonly used to build stone walls. Although there are plenty of drystone walls located throughout Greece, this technique can also be used to make other structures and even homes. However, this is an older tactic for construction that was common in Ancient Greece and although you can still find homes made in this way, it isn’t typical for new construction.

“Koutounto” Method of Home Constructions

Most homes in Greece nowadays use a traditional method known as “koutounto”. Using this method, Greek architects are conscious of Greece’s terrain and they develop homes in a way that works well with the surroundings. For example, it isn’t uncommon to see a home build on a hill using local materials so that the home blends seamlessly with the hill. The overall effect is that houses become part of the landscape itself. Stone is typically used because it can be acquired from the local area and it usually helps keep a home cool. It is also not uncommon for homes to have a uniquely shaped roof to enable for rain to be collected and stored in a reservoir and then used as part of the household’s water.

Stone construction is something that is very popular in Greece and has been since ancient times. It is also visually appealing and each structure becomes a unique part of the landscape. For the most part, they are made of stone because the materials are readily available and also flow naturally with the environment.

Sources:

Wikipedia – Dry Stone

Wikipedia – Ancient Greek artchitecture

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Overview of Tunnels in Greece

In the ancient world, such as in Ancient Greece, tunnels were built for a variety of reasons. It is thought that the idea of “tunneling” came about through the practice of mining, military engineering, aqueducts, and roads.  Today, tunnels are used regularly in the system of transportation. Roads regular have tunnels incorporated into them, especially in mountainous areas. Some roads in Greece, such as the Aegean Motorway and the Egnatia Motorway, have some of the longest tunnels in Greece.

Famous Ancient Tunnels in Greece

There are plenty of ancient tunnels located throughout Greece, and some are incredibly famous and draw in plenty of visitors this year. Perhaps the most well known of these is the Tunnel of Eupalinos, which is located on the Greek Island of Samos. It runs through the length of Mount Kastro on the island and is famous for its innovative engineering. It is one of the only known tunnels in the world that was excavated through both ends. This tunnel is considered to be an aqueduct and is open for visitors.

Longest Modern Tunnels in Greece

Today, there are several tunnels located throughout Greece and most of these are being used for transportation. There are a lot of them but there are a few standouts. Here’s a look at the longest tunnels the country has to offer:

• Tempi Tunnel – Located on the Aegean Motorway, this tunnel is about 6 kilometers long (about 3.7 miles).
• Disko Tunnel – Located on the Egnatia Motorway, this tunnel is 4.6 kilometers long (about 2.8 miles).
• Panagopoula Tunnel – Located on the Olympia Motorway, this tunnel is 4 kilometers long (about 2.5 miles).
• Metsovo Tunnel – Located on the Egnatia Motorway, this tunnel is 3.5 kilometers long (about 2.2 miles).
• Dodoni Tunnel – Located on the Egnatia Motorway, this tunnel is 3.36 miles long (about 2 miles).
• Klokova Tunnel – Located on the Ionian Motorway, this tunnel is 3 kilometers long (about 1.8 miles).
• Platamonas Tunnel – Located on the Aegean Motorway, this tunnel is 3 kilometers long (about 1.8 miles).
• Domokos Tunnel – Located on the Central E65 Motorway, this tunnel is 3 kilometers long (about 1.8 miles).
• Ag. Konstantinos Tunnel – Located on the Nea Odos Motorway, this tunnel is 2.5 kilometers long (1.5 miles).
• Kastania Tunnel – Located on the Egnatia Motorway, this tunnel is 2.22 kilometers long (1.36 miles).

Greece is an extremely mountainous country, which means that tunnels are a necessity and are regular part of the infrastructure. Although the above tunnels are considered to be amongst Greece’s longest, there are a lot of tunnels throughout Greece and each is interesting in its own way.

Sources:

Wikipedia – Tunnel

Wikipedia – Tunnel of Eupalinos

Longest Tunnels in Greece

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Early Life of Princess Alice

Princess Alice was born in Windsor Castle on February 25, 1885. Among those present for the princess’s birth was the legendary monarch Queen Victoria, her maternal great-grandmother. As a toddler, Princess Alice was diagnosed as being hearing impaired, but turned her disability into an opportunity. The young princess would learn to lip-read and speak both English and German. Alice spent most of her youth studying in London, Malta, Jugenheim, and her father’s home city of Darmstadt.

In 1903, Alice married Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and began calling herself Princess Andrew. The marriage between the prince and princess produced five children, including Prince Philip, the husband of Great Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. During the Balkan Wars, Prince Andrew served in the Greek army while Princess Alice served as a nurse, which earned her the Royal Red Cross from King George V. World War I and the years after were a whirlwind for the couple until Prince Andrew was banished in 1922 by anti-monarchy revolutionaries.

Health Issues and World War

After being banished from Greece, Prince Andrew and Princess Alice lived in Saint-Cloud, a suburb of Paris. It was there that Alice found a new devotion to her faith and converted to the Greek Orthodox Church. Alice also claimed to experience visions of both Christ and Buddha. When she began acting in a more disturbed manner, Alice was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and committed to a sanitarium in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland for two years. During this time, Alice and Andrew also became estranged, seeing each irregularly until his death in 1944.

In 1938, Alice went back to Greece and worked in Athens to help the poor. When the German army invaded the country during World War II, Alice sought to help the Jewish community. Alice hid the Jewish widow Rachel Cohen and two of her children from Gestapo intent on sending them to the death camps. For her actions, she was named Righteous Among Nations by Israel and Hero of the Holocaust by Great Britain.

Later Years and Death

After World War II, Alice continued to devote herself to the Orthodox Christian faith. In 1949, Alice founded the Christian Sisterhood of Mary and Martha, a nursing order for nuns. Despite Alice’s best efforts at training and fundraising, the new order failed to attract many interested candidates. In 1967, an increasingly frail Alice was forced to once again flee Greece after the Colonels’ Coup overthrew King Constantine II. Alice spent the remainder of her days under the watchful eye of her son, Prince Philip, at Buckingham Palace, dying on December 5, 1969. Although Princess Alice was originally interred at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, to honor one of her final requests, her family had her remains moved to the Church of Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem in 1988.

The life of Princess Alice of Battenberg is a story of triumph over adversity. Although Princess Alice faced trials at every turn, she never waivered in her faith or in her mission to help others. For this, she is remembered throughout the world for her compassion and selflessness.

Source:

Wikipedia – Princess Alice of Battenberg

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Mission of the Philoptochos Society

According to the society’s website, the mission of the Philoptochos centers around philanthropy. They are devoted to helping others, but they also have the role of bringing together the people in the Greek community in a positive way. For example, the Philoptochos may host a community dinner and the proceeds from that dinner will be used for their philanthropic mission.

Here’s a summary of the mission of the Philoptochos society:

• To help those less fortunate, such as the poor, hungry, and destitute,
• To promote their philanthropic and charitable works through lectures and education,
• To preserve and grow the Orthodox Christian faith and its ideals to help bolster families and the church community,
• To bring the community together through planned activities.

Female Orthodox Christians are encouraged to join the Philoptochos society and parishioners of all ages and genders are encouraged to participate in the planned events. Part of their mission is to bring people together.

History of the Philoptochos

According to the National Philoptochos Society website, the idea for the organization came from a Greek concept known as Philanthropia, which dates back to the days of the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine Empire is officially recorded as the first State government to offer citizens in need aid and assistance. However, the society itself didn’t develop until the late 1800’s, around the time when Greeks began journeying to the United States to escape the problems of Greece and start a new life.

The society had its official beginnings in 1894 when individuals in the Greek community in New York City started it. Father Paisios Ferentinos, Mrs. Amalia Feramoschos, and Mrs. Penelope Eleftheropoulos were given the task of welcoming new Greek immigrants to the United States. They realized that this task was an overwhelming one, so they begin to look for ways to make this process easier. Inspired by the old Byzantine Greek idea of Philanthropia, the National Philptochos Society was born. It has been going strong every since. The society today gives aid to all those who need it, not just Orthodox Christians.

When asked what the Philoptochos means to them, the ideas of community, family, and philanthropy are what comes to mind. They are devoted to helping those who need it and to also spread the love of the Orthodox faith to the church parishioners, their communities, and the world as a whole.

Source:

Philoptochos Official Website

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One thing that is fascinating about the Greek language is that when you look at the Indo-European language chart, Greek stands on its own. Nearly every language in that family, whether it is Latin or Germanic, developed into other languages over time. For example, Spanish, French, and Italian, were derived from Latin.

Yes, the Greek language has its own branch of the Indo-European language tree. However, that doesn’t mean that the language itself hasn’t changed and evolved since ancient times. What follows is an overview of the history of the Greek language.

Mycenaean Civilization

The earliest surviving texts of the Greek language can be traced to the Mycenaean Civilization around 1300 BC. Once this civilization collapsed, the Linear B script of the Greek language pretty much disappeared. It was then replaced by writing inspired by the Phoenicians.

Ancient Greek Classical Period

During the Classical Period of Ancient Greece, the language developed into several dialects. The two major dialects of that time period were called Ionic and Attic. Attic was spoken in the Athenian city-state. Eventually, the two dialects morphed into a form of Greek known as the Attic-Ionic dialect.

Hellenistic Greek

During the Hellenistic period, the Greek language developed into what we now know as Biblical Greek. This is the Greek language with which certain parts of the New Testament were written. Prior to that, however, Hellenistic Greek was the language spoken during Alexander the Great’s time. He spread the language so far east that it was adapted by most of the ancient world as a second language. This dialect of Greek is also referred to as “Koine”.

Backlash Against Koine

During the “Koine” period of the Greek language, there were people who longed for the classical period. They held the Attic dialect as the highest standard of Greek. This developed into a period known as “Atticism”. This movement greatly influenced Greek literature and continues to do so to this day.

Byzantine Greek

Directly following Hellenistic Greek and Atticism, Byzantine Greek took place during the rule of the Byzantine Empire. This empire began when Constantinople was established in 330 AD and fell in 1453 AD when the Turks defeated the city. Today, Constantinople is known as Istanbul. This led the Greeks into a dark period of Ottoman rule that lasted four hundred years.

Modern Greek

During the Ottoman rule over the Greeks, the language slowly evolved into the Greek that we know today. It is interesting to note that the island of Crete managed to prevent the Ottoman Empire from controlling them until 1669 AD. Modern Greek folk literature can be traced to the poetry and literature that came from this island prior to their occupation.

After the Ottoman Empire fell in 1830, the Greek people sought to establish their standard Greek dialect. The Greek dialects spoken in Athens and the Peloponnese became the standardized language spoken in modern Greece. However, even now, the language continues to change and evolve – especially with outside cultural influence being more prevalent.

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First Hellenic Republic

The constitution that is in place in Greece today actually has its roots in the Greek War for Independence that took place from 1821 to 1832. After the Greeks declared their independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821, a provisional government was put in place, which represented the first democracy the country enjoyed for hundreds of years. This government is often referred to as the First Hellenic Republic. However the government, and the constitution that was in place at the time, was replaced when it was decided that Greece would become a kingdom, with Otto of Greece becoming the first king.

Constitution During the Monarchy

There was a constitution put into place in some form during the time of the monarchy, and each of them made specific points that talked about the freedoms of the people: Here’s a list of the different constitutions:

• Constitutional monarchy, which was in place from 1843 to 1862
• Crowned democracy, which was in place from 1864 to 1909 and then again from 1911 to 1924
• The Constitution of 1927, which guaranteed further protection for individual rights
• Crowned democracy, which took place from 1952 to 1967

Presidential Parliamentary Democracy

After the military dictatorship ended in 1974, Greece needed to form a new government. Instead of reverting back to the monarchy or setting up another system of government, Greece decided to implement a Presidential Parliamentary Democracy. On December 8, 1974, Greece conducted a referendum where the people ultimately decided on a parliamentary republic instead of a constitutional monarchy. The constitution was composed based on the versions that were in place in 1927 and 1952 and it has been in place since then. However, there have been three revisions since then, which take place in 1981, 2001, and 2008. The revision in 2001 was fairly extensive where 79 articles were amended. Currently, the Greek Parliament has 300 seats, 250 of which are elected. Fifty of those seats are a “gift” awarded to the party that won the popular election.

What followed after Greece became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1832, the country spent over a hundred years trying to find the best government that would allow the country to thrive. This is one of the biggest reasons why there were so many constitutions in place throughout Greece’s modern history. Today’s constitution best reflects the democratic government that is in place today.

Source

Wikipedia – Constitution of Greece

Wikipedia – Hellenic Parliament

Wikipedia – Greek War for Independence

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These Cats Are Mostly Strays

For the most part, the cats that you see wandering around Greece are usually strays. They tend to behave in a similar way as other wildcats and tend to mark out a territory that they call their own. In the case of the cats you see, the neighborhood, restaurant, villa, beach, etc where you see them is considered to be their territory. Since there are no harsh winters in Greece, this makes it easy for the cat to survive. In certain parts of Greece, they are able to easily find food, shelter, and water, and they are often helped by the kindness of humans.

Humans Sometimes “Adopt” Them

Most cats in Greece aren’t domesticated. However, for the most part, their presence is accepted by the human population. In some instances, a cat will include a neighborhood or a restaurant in its territory where they know the humans will help care for them. If you are dining outside, you may be approached by a few cats. They tend to stand aloof on the fringes unless you offer them treats from your plate. They may also be waiting for you to drop your food.

The same is true for a home or neighborhood. Sometimes, people leave food and water outside for the stray cats and help look after them. These kind people also often look out for the medical needs and may even help pay for them to be sterilized to help keep the neighborhood population of cats under control.

How to React When You See a Cat

When you are first approached by one of these cats, you may be slightly wary. Although there are exceptions to this rule and you are cautioned to always be careful, the cats are usually extremely friendly. A restaurant proprietor or shop owner may realize that not everyone will respond kindly to the cats, so they may try to shoo the cats away. However, it is likely that they are just looking for some food and attention. If you don’t feel scared of the cats and don’t mind being approached, don’t hesitate to let them know that the cats aren’t bothering you and that you would be happy to interact with it. Most cats who have a cranky disposition don’t tend to approach humans.

If you see cats in Greece, there is no need to be concerned. They may be strays, but they can also be incredibly friendly. Don’t hesitate to give them a treat from your own plate, or maybe even pet it, if the mood strikes you. Just don’t rub its belly – this tends to freak cats out, especially if the cat is pregnant.

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Greek War for Independence

The Greek War for Independence took place from 1821 to 1829 and the end result is that the people finally won their independence from the Turks. Greece declared its independence on March 25, 1821 but fought for eight years afterwards to really earn it. March 25 is the day that Greeks all over the world celebrate Greek Independence Day.

First Hellenic Republic

Shortly after the Greek War for Independence began, Greece set up a provisional government, which was in place from 1829 to 1832. In fact, the governments were actually set up during the War for Independence. In 1828, the first Hellenic State was set up but shortly after the leader was assasinated, the people decided to make King Otto of Bavaria the new Kind of Greece.

Kingdom of Greece

The Kingdom of Greece began in 1833 when King Otto of Bavaria became the King of Greece and lasted until 1924. In 1862, there was a military coup and Otto left the country. In 1863, King George I became the King of Greece and his reign lasted until 1913. What followed was a period of political and economic turbulence, including World War I, until the Second Hellenic Republic was established.

Second Hellenic Republic

The Second Hellenic Republic lasted from 1924-1935. At this time, Pavlos Kountouriotis became the first president of Greece. This time period was extremely unstable and there were many attempted military coups. They weren’t successful until 1935 when Georgios Kondylis succeeded and abolished the republic.

Restoration of the Kingdom of Greece

After Kondylis successfully disbanded the Hellenic Republic, the Kingdom of Greece was restored. At this time, the first king who was actually born in Greece, George II, took the throne. The Kingdom was in place from 1935 to 1967. During World War II, George II, his family, and the rest of the government fled. There were several kings during this time, but a military coup in 1967 ended the kingdom forever.

Military Dictatorship

From 1967 to 1974 Greece was under a military dictatorship that was run by George Papadopoulos, the dictator who declared himself president. The Greek regime eventually sponsored a coup that was ultimately successful. In 1974, the dictatorship ended and democracy was restored in Greece.

Third Hellenic Republic

The Third Hellenic Republic began in 1974 and is going on to this day. Currently, the government is on a parliamentary system and the people are experiencing the first stable democracy they’ve had in a long time. Greece underwent a period of prosperity during this time and although they’re experiencing economic difficulties at the moment, the people are hopeful that they will be prosperous once again.

As you can see, a lot has happened in Greece since they achieved their independence from the Ottoman Empire!

Sources:

Wikipedia – History of Modern Greece

Wikipedia – Timeline of Modern Greece

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What is Apokries?

Technically speaking, Carnival season in Greece begins 40 days before the start of Great Lent. As is the case with many things in Greece, this celebratory time is closely tied to the Orthodox Church. The opening of the season always takes place on a Saturday in the church when the Triodion, a sacred book, is officially opened. This is a quiet, contemplative moment that takes place within the church. However, most Greeks understand that this is the start of a festive season. Carnival Season officially ends on Clean Monday, which is the official start of Lend is also a public holiday in Greece.

Celebrate Tsiknopempti

Tsiknopempti, translated as Burnt Thursday, takes place on a Thursday exactly eleven days before the start of Great Lent. The day is named for the multitude of grilled meats that are served during this day. The weekend following Tsiknopempti is where the highest number of parties and festivities usually take place associated with Mardi Gras (Apokries) in Greece. According to the Greek Orthodox Church, the Sunday of that weekend is the last day where meat is allowed before Easter.

Top Apokries Celebrations in Greece

Although Carnival is celebrated all over Greece, there are some places that stand out more than others. It is typical to dress in costume while attending these celebrations. Typical costumes include those of the Greek gods and goddesses, historical figures, clowns, and more. The goal of the costume is to make it difficult for people to recognize you, and that’s often why people wear masks.

Here’s a look at the best places to visit during Apokries:

• Patras. This city contains the biggest Carnival celebration in Greece, and one of the biggest in the world. The festivities actually have their roots in ancient festivities dedicated to the Greek god Dionysius. Officially, Carnival Season in Patras begins on January 17th, or Saint Anthony’s Day. The day is filled with parades and celebrations and is broadcasted on television.
• Corfu. Although it is smaller than the celebration in Patras, Corfu is also known for its lavish celebrations. There are also parades here, and people gather in the streets to party.
• Crete. If you would like to experience Apokries with a Venetian twist, be sure to head to Rethymnon, which has a clear Venetian influence.
• Thassos. Many places in Greece have gotten a bit crowded during Greek Mardi Gras. If you want to avoid these crowds but still have a festive atmosphere, head to the island of Thassos!

You might notice that Greek Mardi Gras (Apokries) often takes place during a different time than Mardi Gras or Carnival does in the Western world. That is because the date for Greek Easter is often different.

Sources:

Patras Carnival

Carnival

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