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Wednesday, 15 June 2022 07:00
Daily Life In Ancient Greece: What It Was Like To Live In Athens & Sparta
Daily life in ancient Greece varied by the city-state. In Athens and Sparta, people lived according to such contrasting traditions that it almost seems as though they were from different countries entirely.
Despite the fact that they shared the same heritage and language, ancient Athens and Sparta were wildly different with clashing lifestyles, cultures, and values.
Often, the two city-states were not on the friendliest of terms.
The Spartans were warriors, disciplined and strong, and always ready to die for their homeland—hence the word “Spartan,” which is also used today, meaning someone who lives an austere life and is indifferent to pleasures and luxuries.
Athenians, on the other hand, were educated, and those who were not soldiers were philosophers, politicians, writers of tragedies and comedies, musicians, and sculptors.
Growing up in Sparta: a life of self-denial
Life in Sparta was one of simplicity and self-denial. Children were children of the state more than of their parents. They were raised to be soldiers, loyal to the state, strong and self-disciplined.
When a Spartan baby was born, soldiers came to the house and examined it carefully to determine its strength. They bathed the baby in wine rather than water to see its reaction.
If a baby was weak, the Spartans would throw it off a cliff (the Kaiadas) or take it away to become a slave (helot).
Life in ancient Athens was different than in the rest of Greece
Men were the only people considered citizens, so they were frequently seen around the town conducting their business along with slaves.
Men went to the market, met with friends to discuss politics, and went to temples to worship. Interestingly, it was men who did all the shopping and errands outside of the house. Athenian men had a special room in the house just for themselves. This room was for lounging around and entertaining male guests; no women except for slaves and entertainers were allowed inside this room. Contrary to Spartan men, the educated, well-to-do Athenians were very much interested in the arts, philosophy, and aesthetics.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Despite the fact that they shared the same heritage and language, ancient Athens and Sparta were wildly different with clashing lifestyles, cultures, and values.
Often, the two city-states were not on the friendliest of terms.
The Spartans were warriors, disciplined and strong, and always ready to die for their homeland—hence the word “Spartan,” which is also used today, meaning someone who lives an austere life and is indifferent to pleasures and luxuries.
Athenians, on the other hand, were educated, and those who were not soldiers were philosophers, politicians, writers of tragedies and comedies, musicians, and sculptors.
Growing up in Sparta: a life of self-denial
Life in Sparta was one of simplicity and self-denial. Children were children of the state more than of their parents. They were raised to be soldiers, loyal to the state, strong and self-disciplined.
When a Spartan baby was born, soldiers came to the house and examined it carefully to determine its strength. They bathed the baby in wine rather than water to see its reaction.
If a baby was weak, the Spartans would throw it off a cliff (the Kaiadas) or take it away to become a slave (helot).
Life in ancient Athens was different than in the rest of Greece
Men were the only people considered citizens, so they were frequently seen around the town conducting their business along with slaves.
Men went to the market, met with friends to discuss politics, and went to temples to worship. Interestingly, it was men who did all the shopping and errands outside of the house. Athenian men had a special room in the house just for themselves. This room was for lounging around and entertaining male guests; no women except for slaves and entertainers were allowed inside this room. Contrary to Spartan men, the educated, well-to-do Athenians were very much interested in the arts, philosophy, and aesthetics.
To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
Published in
Greek Philosophy & History
Tagged under
Wednesday, 15 June 2022 07:00
Delicious Greek Dishes Ideal For Vegans
Traditional Greek cuisine consists mainly of Vegetarian and Vegan recipes. From luscious salads to healthy oily stews, hearty homemade pies and so much more. All cooked in a homely manner that fills your belly and keeps you going through the day.
These foods are what make our everyday meals, and are also, to begin with, one of the reasons why the Greek diet is considered very healthy.
Greek Yemista - Stuffed Vegetables With Rice
@panos_louis
In a Vegan diet, the lack of dairy and animal protein may sometimes leave you with a growling stomach. Rice can make up for this, giving you a very satisfying and energy-boosting meal. These Rice Stuffed Veggies aka Yemista, are an absolute must in this case. They're slowly baked in the oven, stuffed with a fresh vegetable, mint, & rice filling, and potatoes on the sides. Yummy!
Greek Butter Beans - Gigantes Plaki
@vasokatsanikaki
One of my all-time favorite dishes. Butter beans or "Gigantes" as we call them in Greece. Tastier than any other type of bean!
Traditional Greek Stewed Green Peas
@greka_foods
If you like peas, then you will definitely love this recipe. And well, even if you aren't really fond of them then you may wanna give this recipe a go. The fresh tomato, along with the carrots give an extra sweetness to peas, that makes them more flavorful than ever. They taste so much better than steamed peas do. Trust me!
Spanakopita - Greek Spinach Pie With Homemade Phyllo
@effigeorgia
Spanakopita is a well-known and well-loved Greek food. But it gets even better when you make it from scratch. Spinach is a real superfood, that's full of flavor, especially when combined with fresh herbs, olive oil, and a very crispy, homemade phyllo pastry.
Vegan Eggplant Gyros
@_minibattheveggiefoodie_
One of the all-time- favorite Greek dishes "Gyros" comes in the form of eggplants in this recipe. Eggplants are a very flavorful meat substitute. Wrapped up in warm pita bread along with juicy tomatoes and crispy cucumber.
To read this article in full, please visit: realgreekrecipes.com
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
Tagged under
Wednesday, 15 June 2022 07:00
Tickets Reduced For Acropolis Museum’s Birthday
Entrance to the Acropolis Museum on Monday, June 20, will be reduced to half price to mark the 13th anniversary of the opening of the attraction.
The reduced, 5-euro rate will apply throughout the day, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At 3 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy music from the Woodwind Quintet of the Athens State Orchestra on the ground floor of the building. [AMNA]
Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
The reduced, 5-euro rate will apply throughout the day, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At 3 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy music from the Woodwind Quintet of the Athens State Orchestra on the ground floor of the building. [AMNA]
Originally published on: ekathimerini.com
Published in
Local News
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Monday, 13 June 2022 07:00
Akadimia Platonos Revamp Set To Go Through
Greek authorities announced that actions would soon be taken to redevelop the archaeological site of Akadimia Platonos (Plato’s Academy), an underdeveloped archaeological site of 135,000-square meters in western Athens that was the site of Plato’s Academy.
The announcement came after the Municipality of Athens, the Greek Culture Ministry, and the Academy of Athens, Greece’s oldest research institution, signed a memorandum of cooperation for the redevelopment of the archaeological site at Akadimia Platonos.
Describing the project as a “very important step towards the revival of Akadimia Platonos”, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis went on to note that it will focus on three key areas: “the necessary archaeological excavations, the creation of a new park, and of the City of Athens Museum”.
Excavations are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, while work on the park, which includes the reconstruction of the playground, landscaping, signage, and lighting, will follow shortly after. Funding has been secured through the municipality’s “Adopt Your City” program from sponsors.
City authorities also announced that an architectural competition for the City of Athens Museum would be announced in the coming period.
To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr
The announcement came after the Municipality of Athens, the Greek Culture Ministry, and the Academy of Athens, Greece’s oldest research institution, signed a memorandum of cooperation for the redevelopment of the archaeological site at Akadimia Platonos.
Describing the project as a “very important step towards the revival of Akadimia Platonos”, Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis went on to note that it will focus on three key areas: “the necessary archaeological excavations, the creation of a new park, and of the City of Athens Museum”.
Excavations are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, while work on the park, which includes the reconstruction of the playground, landscaping, signage, and lighting, will follow shortly after. Funding has been secured through the municipality’s “Adopt Your City” program from sponsors.
City authorities also announced that an architectural competition for the City of Athens Museum would be announced in the coming period.
To read this article in full, please visit: news.gtp.gr
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Friday, 10 June 2022 14:19
Hard Rock Café Athens Celebrates Its 50th Birthday
Hard Rock Cafe was born on June 14th 1971 in London and this year we are turning the clock back to 1971 with VINYL PARTY!
The Party starts at 16.00, on June 14th, Specials of the day:
We go back to Seventies and “VINYL IS ALIVE”!!!
♪ Our Dj’s Gerasimos Fatouros and Manolis Kilismanis will entertain us with their unique collection of Vinyl’s!
♪ Happy Hours Cocktails (16.00 to 19.00)
♪ Complimentary Special Dessert of the day Coke Float (no minimum purchase required, dine in only).
So head down to Hard Rock Café Athens, Andrianou 52 and join us as we celebrate in style!
Published in
Food & Drink
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Monday, 25 July 2022 15:50
Athens English Comedy Club | Open Mic Night @ The Cube
Founded in 2019, the Athens English Comedy Club is the first, and only, purely English comedy club in Greece, bringing you local and international comedians, right in the heart of Athens.
The Cube is a co-working, startup cluster space in the heart of the city, hosting the best of Athens innovators in technology & making space.
Join us on Sunday July 31st on the rooftop of The Cube, for an open mic night under the stars, with a view of the Acropolis!
10 comedians, 5’ each, all in English.
It'll be a mix of everything. A potluck of comedy. Experienced comedians trying out new material, new comedians trying out their hand at comedy, and everything in between.
MC: George Zacharopoulos
Tickets: €8 early-bird / €10 on the door
Published in
Performing Arts
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Thursday, 09 June 2022 15:21
Athens Pride 2022
Human rights are universal and non-negotiable.
As individuals we are all born free, without distinction.
We have the right to free speech, to education, to marriage, to have a family, to work and to be safe.
As individuals we are all born free, without distinction.
We have the right to free speech, to education, to marriage, to have a family, to work and to be safe.
Of course, none of the above applies in practice when our sexual orientation, characteristics, expression and gender identity come under the microscope. Arbitrary restrictions based on non-existent considerations suddenly appear, which intensify the insecurity and discrimination that we constantly experience.
We can form a civil partnership but we cannot get married.
We can have children of our own but only as individuals.
We can foster children but not adopt them.
We can be free but only in our beds.
We can feel safe but only if we hide.
We can have children of our own but only as individuals.
We can foster children but not adopt them.
We can be free but only in our beds.
We can feel safe but only if we hide.
However, our identities, our bodies and how we look involve our entire life. We deserve a life of enjoying the rights and fulfilling the obligations we share with the rest of the world. We and our families demand true equality without hearing “yes, but”, safely, without conditions and asterisks. This is unconditional.
At this year’s Athens Pride we demand an UNCONDITIONAL celebration.
For Unconditional education
For Unconditional equality to marriage and family
For Unconditional safety
For an Unconditional life
For Unconditional education
For Unconditional equality to marriage and family
For Unconditional safety
For an Unconditional life
Join us again this year to claim the UNCONDITIONAL acceptance, visibility and equality we are entitled to in the Athens Pride Parade on Saturday, June 18 at 7:00 PM. Starting point: Hellenic Parliament.
Events: June 10-18 throughout the city
Main full-day event, Parade, Concert: June 18, 2022: SYNTAGMA SQUARE
Main full-day event, Parade, Concert: June 18, 2022: SYNTAGMA SQUARE
Published in
Community
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Tuesday, 07 June 2022 14:04
Olympians & International Swimming Stars In The Authentic Marathon Swim
Preparations for the most historic swimming route continue as the Authentic Marathon Swim is expected to welcome amateur and professional swimmers from around the world for the 3rd consecutive year, on July 1-3, 2022, at Artemision. The participants will enjoy unique open water swimming routes at Pefki of Evia in the Municipality of Istiea - Edipsos.
3 marathon swimming Hall of Famers for the first time in the event
World-class names with Olympic distinctions and unique records will visit Pefki, Evia to participate in this historic event. Two years after his first participation, the Bulgarian Olympian Petar Stoychev with 4 participations in Olympics, 11 consecutive titles in major international open water marathon swimming FINA series and his impressive position at the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame returns once again to Greece.
For the first time, the German world champion and marathon swimming Hall of Famer Christof Wandratsch, who holds the speed record in the English Channel with 7:02 hours as well as many world championships, cups and records will also take part in the event.
Moreover, the English Hall of Famer Kate Steels, will visit Greece for the first time. She was named the Woman of the Year 2021 at the WOWSA Awards of the World Open Water Swimming Association.
The history of Greek swimming & our new champions
From Greece, the open water masters’ world champion, Vicky Kouveli, the three-time Greek champion and two-time English Channel marathon swimmer, Sofia Psilolignou and the English Channel marathon swimmer, Giannis Kotsiopoulos will swim in the event along with Greek champions such as Stellina Aplanti, Ilectra Lebl, Dimitris Negris, Panagiotis Bolanos, George Skotadis who competes with the colors of the Dutch national team, while Olga Ntalla also returns to the event.
The races’ schedule
On Saturday, July 2, 2022, at 08:15am the authentic 14.5km route “Skylias & Hydna” will be held allowing swimmers from around the world to swim over the shipwrecks of the naval battle of Artemision that took place in 480 B.C., for the first time. Athletes will follow the example of Skyllias and his daughter Hydna, the very first “marathon swimmers”, according to the Father of History Herodotus (8.8) and other historians, who helped the Greek forces in the historic naval battle of Artemision against the Persian fleet. The swimmers will cover 80 stadia, the equivalent of 14.5km. On the same day, the 5km route and the 3km route, will also be carried out at 10:00am and 16:00pm respectively. On Sunday, July 3, 2022, the 10km marathon at 08:15am, the 1.5km race at 09:00am, as well as the children’s 500m race at 09:00am will take place. The routes of 5km, 3km, 1.5km and 500m. have Pefki beach as their starting and finishing point. Check the event's races & parallel actions schedule HERE!
Register now
Participants can now register and take part in the impressive open water swimming routes of 14.5km, 10km, 5km, 3km, 1.5km. All citizens of Istiea-Edipsos and people with disabilities can take part in the 5km, 3km and 1.5km routes, completely free of charge. Registrations for the 500m children’s race are also free. Register now here: https://bit.ly/3jRw20t
Open Water Sea Kayaking for the first time in a Greek sports event
The certified and experienced South Evian Gulf team that was founded in the Southern Gulf of Evia from its deep love for the sea and nautical travel, will not only accompany swimmers in the 5km, 3km and 1.5km races, but will also offer lessons on the basic techniques of open water sea kayaking, while getting participants acquainted with the boats on land and then allowing them to puddle at the straits of Artemision. You may register here now, as there is a limited number of entries.
Local products festival
As part of the Authentic Marathon Swim, an exhibition of local food products and tasting will also be held in collaboration with Evia’s Federation of Trade and Entrepreneurship “Evia Epichirin”.
Music Concert by the Hellenic Navy Music Band
Moreover, on Saturday July 2, activities will include the presence of a Music Convention with the participation of the Hellenic Navy Music Band, connecting the historic naval battle of Artemision with the present and honoring the naval feat. The Hellenic Navy’s Music Department will hold a music concert in honor of the Artemision naval battle and the Authentic Marathon Swim.
Book you room at the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos
The Authentic Marathon Swim already collaborates with hotels in the region, with the aim of revitalizing North Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. Up to this point, this year’s event is enormously supported with special prices starting from 40 euros, by the following hospitality sponsors: Altamar Hotel, Maria Louiza Apartments, Island, Mirtia Hotel, Hydna Studios, Villa Anastasia, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Arethousa Hotel, Ellaeon Throesma, Prigkipessa Studios, Sunset Pefki, Viki Studios, Galini Hotel Pefki, Apolonio, Lito Hotel, Kerasiotis Apartments, Asimina Rooms.
Participants and visitors can take advantage of the special offers, providing reduced accommodation prices and late check out while discovering beautiful hotels in the areas of Pefki, Loutra Edipsos, Artemision, Istiea, Kanatadika, Neos Pyrgos, Orei and Agiokampos.
Visit the event’s specially designed page and discover the hospitality options and the special offers that apply to the participants.
Easy and direct ferry connection
Just an hour and a half from Athens, participants can take a ferry boat with itineraries that serve from 07:00 am to 23:00 pm. The itineraries Arkitsa-Edipsos better serve visitors coming from Southern Greece, while the itineraries Glyfa-Agiokampos serve participants traveling from Northern and Central Greece. Learn how to get directly and quickly to Pefki and take advantage of the ferry boat offers that will be valid during the races.
Races Safety
For the safety of all races, the event will be held in accordance with FINA regulations, in order to ensure the health of all athletes and attendees. The event will provide once again everyone with a safety lifeguard buoy since its use by professional and amateur athletes is mandatory. For each participant in the 14.5km and 10km routes there will be an escort-boat and its cost is included in the registration price.
NP Insurance and Philosofish are the event’s Official Sponsors.
Luanvi is the event’s Official Clothing Partner.
South Evian Gulf Team is the event’s Athletic Partner.
The event is assisted by Hellenic Red Cross with Chalkida’s Regional Department.
The event is organized by the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos and the entire Local Government with the Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.S.T.E.) and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece. The Authentic Marathon Swim is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism.
Use the event’s official hashtag #authenticmarathonswim and upload on social media the unique images and exciting moments you experienced in the previous years in the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos as you prepare for the 3rd and most exciting year.
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Thursday, 09 June 2022 07:00
International Films Being Shot In Greece This Summer
An increasing number of places in Greece are becoming locations for international film shoots. Among them is the southern town of Argos, where traffic restrictions were enforced on June 3rd for the filming of the German action series “Autobahn,” made by Avaton Films.
Shooting for “Autobahn” in Nafplio and Argos started several days ago, but it will be extended to other Greek cities too.
Meanwhile, Thessaloniki in northern Greece is the location of the new action film “Tin Soldier” starring Robert De Niro and Jamie Foxx. Filming is expected to last until July 30.
The film also includes scenes in the town of Drama.
Originally published on: greece-is.com
Shooting for “Autobahn” in Nafplio and Argos started several days ago, but it will be extended to other Greek cities too.
Meanwhile, Thessaloniki in northern Greece is the location of the new action film “Tin Soldier” starring Robert De Niro and Jamie Foxx. Filming is expected to last until July 30.
The film also includes scenes in the town of Drama.
Originally published on: greece-is.com
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Wednesday, 08 June 2022 07:00
First Smoke-Free Beach In Attica Is Underway
The first smoke-free beach in Attica is getting ready to welcome swimmers and sunbathers, the mayor of Rafina-Pikermi and the CEO of the Rafina Port Authority announced.
The smoke-free beach is part of an environmental program “Small acts, Big Crimes” that authorities implement in the area of eastern Attica, some 50 km away from Athens. Preparations for the smoke-free beach Marikes will start as soon the Port Authority passes over beach jurisdiction to Rafina Municipality, mayor Evangelos Bournous said.
Marikes will be the second smoke-free beach in Greece after the one on the island of Serifos, where smoking is allowed in a specific zone only.
The smoke-free beach is just one of the environment-friendly projects of the program.
Good six months ago, a pilot program regarding cigarette butts started in the port and the beaches of Rafina. The program started in October 2021 by the Aegean Rebreath organization in cooperation with Rafina local authorities and was funded by a private company.
Special bins have been placed in the areas where cigarette butts can be disposed. Furthermore, an artificial intelligence algorithm uses images from the Copernicus satellite and tracks problem areas.
Studies have shown that cigarette butts make 30%-40% of the trash landing at Greek beaches and that with the right information campaign and infrastructure, such rubbish can be reduced by up to 60 percent.
To read this article in full, please visit: keeptalkinggreece.com
The smoke-free beach is part of an environmental program “Small acts, Big Crimes” that authorities implement in the area of eastern Attica, some 50 km away from Athens. Preparations for the smoke-free beach Marikes will start as soon the Port Authority passes over beach jurisdiction to Rafina Municipality, mayor Evangelos Bournous said.
Marikes will be the second smoke-free beach in Greece after the one on the island of Serifos, where smoking is allowed in a specific zone only.
The smoke-free beach is just one of the environment-friendly projects of the program.
Good six months ago, a pilot program regarding cigarette butts started in the port and the beaches of Rafina. The program started in October 2021 by the Aegean Rebreath organization in cooperation with Rafina local authorities and was funded by a private company.
Special bins have been placed in the areas where cigarette butts can be disposed. Furthermore, an artificial intelligence algorithm uses images from the Copernicus satellite and tracks problem areas.
Studies have shown that cigarette butts make 30%-40% of the trash landing at Greek beaches and that with the right information campaign and infrastructure, such rubbish can be reduced by up to 60 percent.
To read this article in full, please visit: keeptalkinggreece.com
Published in
Local News
Tagged under