WELLNESS HUB
XpatAthens
Friday, 27 February 2015 15:25
The New Romantic Comedy Chasing Athens
Greece’s economic crisis, culture and landscape inspired award-winning journalist Marissa Tejada to set her first novel, Chasing Athens, in the Mediterranean country where she moved to several years ago. E-book romance publisher Musa Publishing released the romantic comedy as part of its Terpsichore contemporary romance imprint on April 25, 2014.
Set in Athens, Greece, the Greek Islands and Ithaca, New York, Chasing Athens follows Ava Martin, a heartbroken American expat, whose new husband unexpectedly ditches her after their move abroad. Instead of returning to the States, she makes an abrupt decision to stay. Despite pressure from her mother, uncertainty over her divorce, and issues with her long-estranged father, she’s determined to make it on her own. With her Greek friends, she laughs and learns while facing culture shock, language barriers and the charm of Mediterranean men, until a life-threatening emergency back home in sleepy Ithaca, N.Y., forces her to confront her disappointing past, and forces her to redefine the meaning of home.
“The heroine, Ava, gets thrown into Athenian reality including protests and violent riots. She also gets a taste of the alluring islands and vibrant nightlife. I want readers to feel what it’s like to live in a tumultuous, culture-rich, ancient yet modern city like Athens,” said Tejada. “Like many stories about women’s experiences abroad, place takes on a major role. Greece is a strong character in itself. Expat life inspired me and changed my life.”
Chasing Athens sells for $4.99 on the Musa Publishing Web site. It can also be purchased and downloaded from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, all Apple devices and from any vendor that sells e-books.
About Marissa Tejada
Tejada is also an award-winning journalist who has worked across the United States as a television reporter and anchor in Florida, Washington State and Upstate New York. She has also worked in newsrooms in Los Angeles and London and managed high tech PR in San Francisco. Tejada graduated cum laude from the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College.
Currently, Tejada is a full-time freelance writer specializing in food and wine, technology and travel writing. She enjoys blogging for her travel photography blog, my Greece, my travels (www.mygreecetravels.wordpress.com). She currently lives in Athens, Greece.
You can join her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter, Google +, Pinterest, or visit her website at www.chasingathens.com.
CHASING ATHENS
Musa Publishing
Release date: April, 25, 2014
E-book ISBN: 978-1-61937-768-4
Price E-Book: $4.99
Published in
Books
Tagged under
Thursday, 02 April 2015 10:09
Breakfast In Athens
Spring is here – dare we say it? Warmer weather, longer days, sunny skies – and brunch. Yes, don’t ask me why, but for some reason I’ve already had 3 suggestions of ‘let’s go for brunch’ in the past week. Maybe brunch and spring are really connected, or maybe people are just really hungry after a long winter….
I’ve said it before – Athens has never been a huge brunch city. It’s a fairly recent phenomenon, but one that has grown fast. You can actually get some pretty good brunch fare at a growing number of cool spots around town.
I came across a list of Athens brunch places, which I will share here. This is surely not the ‘whole’ list – but it does have a few interesting suggestions.
· The Handlebar – originally a stop-in for cyclists to refuel while getting their bikes fixed, this is now a super-popular Psirri hangout, perfect for a cool, no-nonsense breakfast.
· To Tsai – bistro-style tea house in Kolonaki also serving breakfast, with interesting tea tastings, Chinese tea rituals, etc.
· Mama Roux – great food, good selection, lots of vegetarian options in Monastiraki.
· Hip Café – my personal favourite, healthy and easy, indoor/outdoor seating, very central.
· Prytaneion – well-known spot in Kolonaki – for brunching with businessmen, journalist and politicians.
· Jimmys Coffee Shop – a classic, around for more than 30yrs, and opens from very early.
· Acropolis Museum Restaurant – traditional Greek treats with an incomparable backdrop.
· New Taste – inside the New Hotel, this is becoming the ‘must try’ breakfast spot.
· St. George Lycabettus Hotel – Greek and American style selections – nice view!
· Hilton Athens – this one also has some Chinese selections on the list.
And I know there are plenty more options around! So, I think I will take my friends up on the brunch invites – especially this Sunday with the shops remaining open. Maybe this means I should also dust off my bike…
Until next week,
Jack
I’ve said it before – Athens has never been a huge brunch city. It’s a fairly recent phenomenon, but one that has grown fast. You can actually get some pretty good brunch fare at a growing number of cool spots around town.
I came across a list of Athens brunch places, which I will share here. This is surely not the ‘whole’ list – but it does have a few interesting suggestions.
· The Handlebar – originally a stop-in for cyclists to refuel while getting their bikes fixed, this is now a super-popular Psirri hangout, perfect for a cool, no-nonsense breakfast.
· To Tsai – bistro-style tea house in Kolonaki also serving breakfast, with interesting tea tastings, Chinese tea rituals, etc.
· Mama Roux – great food, good selection, lots of vegetarian options in Monastiraki.
· Hip Café – my personal favourite, healthy and easy, indoor/outdoor seating, very central.
· Prytaneion – well-known spot in Kolonaki – for brunching with businessmen, journalist and politicians.
· Jimmys Coffee Shop – a classic, around for more than 30yrs, and opens from very early.
· Acropolis Museum Restaurant – traditional Greek treats with an incomparable backdrop.
· New Taste – inside the New Hotel, this is becoming the ‘must try’ breakfast spot.
· St. George Lycabettus Hotel – Greek and American style selections – nice view!
· Hilton Athens – this one also has some Chinese selections on the list.
And I know there are plenty more options around! So, I think I will take my friends up on the brunch invites – especially this Sunday with the shops remaining open. Maybe this means I should also dust off my bike…
Until next week,
Jack
Top 10.com Athens Brunch Spots
http://www.10best.com/
http://www.10best.com/
Published in
My Week In Athens
Tagged under
Saturday, 06 June 2015 12:47
Leaving, Or Coming Home? A Review Of Girl Gone Greek
Girl Gone Greek is Rebecca Hall's debut novel. A semi-fictional account of life in Greece, here's what you can expect:
Girl Gone Greek is available in paperback and Kindle format from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
Read more about Rebecca on Life Beyond Borders.
The official launch of Girl Gone Greek was held at The Athens Centre on September 30th 2015. To see a photo album of the evening please click HERE. To see a video of the presentation, please click HERE.
Ever wondered what awaits those real-life Shirley Valentines who leave a life of expected conventionality and comfort for the unknown of a foreign land with a different language, very different habits and a squiggly alphabet?
Rebecca A. Hall’s debut novel “Girl Gone Greek” will give you some of the answers – from the point of view of Rachel, a young English woman who escapes familial judgement and the accepted mores of her homeland to become the newest English teacher in a Greek village. Without nothing more than a sprinkling of Greek words to get her by. And in the midst of the worst economic crisis the country has seen for decades.
What Rachel discovers after arriving in the grimy capital and taking the bus out to the Peloponnesian village confirms some of her expectations, but defies most. Peopled with colourful characters, almost incredible but somehow entirely believable for anyone who’s ever had any contact with ‘real’ Greek society, Rachel’s tale is one of love for the country she discovers tinged with frustrations and confusions of the culture clash that awaits her.
The story is written in an easy, familiar style that had me nodding in recognition and chuckling in sympathy throughout. It’s like being told the tale by a good friend over a week of afternoons featuring delicious, sweet baklava and strong treacly cups of Greek coffee.
To read more, please visit: She Means Well But...
Girl Gone Greek is available in paperback and Kindle format from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
Read more about Rebecca on Life Beyond Borders.
The official launch of Girl Gone Greek was held at The Athens Centre on September 30th 2015. To see a photo album of the evening please click HERE. To see a video of the presentation, please click HERE.
Published in
Books
Tagged under
Thursday, 30 July 2020 07:00
The 10 Oldest Houses In Athens
The oldest houses in the city of Athens date back to the 17th century and tell us wonderful stories with great protagonists.
Do you know when the oldest house of modern Athens was built and who lived there? Have you heard about the person who designed half of Athens' neoclassical buildings? Do you know where he lived? The answers that follow may surprise you!
Do you know when the oldest house of modern Athens was built and who lived there? Have you heard about the person who designed half of Athens' neoclassical buildings? Do you know where he lived? The answers that follow may surprise you!
1. The Benizelos Mansion
The oldest surviving house of Athens is located in Plaka, 96 Adrianou Street, and belonged to the aristocratic family of the Athenian archon Angelos Benizelos - whose daughter would later become known as St. Filothei. The house dates back to the 16th century, but most of what we see today is from the late 17th and early 18th century. A characteristic example of it’s Ottoman architecture, with loggia, patio and well, the house has been restored in recent years and has become a museum.
2. The Logothetis Mansion
Located in Plaka at 14B Areos Street and built in the 17th century, the Logothetis mansion only has the gate, the fountain and a small section of the yard in tact. It was the villa of the British consul Logothetis and his family that hosted Thomas Elgin when he visited Athens. Before the Parthenon Sculptures where sent to Britain, they spent their last nights in this mansion.
3. The George Church Tower
On the corner of School Street and Epicharmou, this three-storey tower with fortification that distinguishes it from all the buildings of Plaka is one of the few Ottoman buildings that survived to this day. Built in the 18th century, it was used as a post by the Ottomans before being sold to a Scottish historian and philhellene George Finley in 1835. Here stayed Finley’s comrade, Richard Church, Irish General, which gave the building the name "Tower of Church". With another name, 'House Dialisma,' the historic house became famous again in 1928, as a matter of the famous Tsarouchis painting.
4. The Residence of Ernst Ziller
You have probably walked passed it countless times without giving it a second look. The impressive neoclassical located at 22 Mavromichali street was designed for himself in 1882-85. It stands out for both it’s two clay Herms, which Ziller designed, and the decorated openings of the upper floor. The building was partially destroyed by a fire in 1977 (when it belonged to the National Opera and was used as a dressing room) and later plundered by burglars, who were arrested. It is currently being renovated slowly but steadily, to become an annex to the Byzantine and Christian Museum.
5. Kleanthis-Schaubert Residence
Also known as the Old University, the amazing building that now houses the Museum of History of the University of Athens on Tholos Street in Plaka was once the home of the architects Stamatis Kleanthis and Edward Schaubert. The two architects who built the first city plan of the newly formed capital of the Greek state restored the home "from the Ottoman ruins" in 1831 and stayed there until 1837. The previous history of the house is not known -the only thing we know is that the two bought the dilapidated building from the Turkish Sante Khanum, while the prevailing view regarding it’s date is the 17th century, perhaps even earlier. Kleanthis and Schaubert rented the house to the Greek government in 1837 to house the first Greek university, who worked there until 1842.
6. Kyriakoulis Mavromichalis Mansion
The beautiful three-storey neoclassical house on the corner of Amalia and Xenofontos now houses the offices of the European Parliament in Greece. It was built in 1870 with plans by Theofilos Hansen, architect of the Academy and the Library. It originally belonged to Kyriakoulis Mavromichalis, grandson of the eponymous hero of the Revolution and Prime Minister of Greece in 1909-1910. It housed the Russian Embassy in 1876-79 and it was here that the ambassador Savourof organized legendary balls, which exceeded luxury like no other in the city. The gossip of the time was that Savourof cost as much as all the Ambassadors together. The Russian Ambassador had four carriages and many horses and dogs in the garden of the Palace, which he donated to the Athenians when he left to take up his new duties in Berlin.
7. Anton Prokesch Von Osten Mansion
Located on Feidiou Street is the residence of the Austrian ambassador, which Hans Christian Andersen in 1841 describes as isolated at the edge of town overlooking the wide desert and high mountains. It was one of the first mansions that was built in Athens in the period 1836-1837. Later he housed the Greek Conservatory of Manolis Kalomiri. Today it belongs to the Ministry of Culture, abandoned and collapsing day by day.
8. Ilision Mansion
The complex currently houses the Byzantine and Christian Museum (Sofias 22) and was designed by Stamatis Kleanthis. It was constructed in the period 1840-1848 out of the city near the banks of the river Ilissos. It was the residence of the aristocrat Sophia de Barmoua Lempren, also known as Duchess of Plakentias.
9. Stathatos Mansion
On the corner of Vasilissis Sofias and Herodotus, the current Museum of Cycladic Art is one of the finest buildings in the city. It was designed by Ernst Ziller and built in 1895 as a residence and headquarters of Ithaca’s shipowner and merchant carbon Otto Stathatos. It was donated by the descendants of the Greek government and subsequently housed the Bulgarian embassy, officers club of Britain (which they dictated in 1945), the Canadian embassy in 1970, and the embassy of Libya. In 1982 it was bought by the Public Real Estate Corporation and in 1991, it was donated to the Goulandris Foundation to house the new wing of the Museum of Cycladic Art.
10. Dekozis-Vouros Residence
The beautiful building on Paparrigopoulou street now houses the Museum of the City of Athens and the café of the Black Duck. It was one of the first houses which was built in liberated Athens in 1833. It was designed by German architects G. Luders and J. Hoffer and it’s one of the first examples of austere classicism in Greece. The house belonged to Chian banker Stamatis Dekozis Vouros (1792-1881) and hosted Otto and Amalia from 1837 until 1843, expecting to complete their palaces -the current parliament.
Originally posted in Greek on In2Life
Translated by Codico Lab
Originally posted in Greek on In2Life
Translated by Codico Lab
Published in
City Discovery
Tagged under
Monday, 01 July 2024 07:00
6 Of The Best Ice Cream Places In Athens
If summer had a flavor, it would certainly be that of ice cream! With so many ice cream shops and different flavors out there, it's hard to choose where to find the best! Whether you prefer classic chocolate or a more experimental flavor like handmade mustard, here's a list of where you can find the top ice cream spots in Athens to suit everyone's flavor of choice!
Le Greche
@le_greche
@le_greche
Located 2 minutes away from Syntagma Square, Le Greche serves delicious gelato and a variety of ice cream sandwiches. Owned by a Greek trained in Bologna, this gelato shop emphasizes quality raw ingredients and is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious ice cream along with a cup of authentic Italian coffee.
Must-Try: Ricotta-bergamot or the sensational chocolate with plums and rum
Gellissimo Biscoto
Gellissimo Biscoto
@gellissimobiscoto
Once a sensation in Thessaloniki, Gellissimo Biscoto has quickly become a staple in Athens since arriving less than a year ago. Famous for their iconic pistachio lava and melt-in-your-mouth pralines, they offer an array of handmade treats including ice cream, waffles, crepes, and pancakes, all crafted from pure ingredients with exceptional care.
Once a sensation in Thessaloniki, Gellissimo Biscoto has quickly become a staple in Athens since arriving less than a year ago. Famous for their iconic pistachio lava and melt-in-your-mouth pralines, they offer an array of handmade treats including ice cream, waffles, crepes, and pancakes, all crafted from pure ingredients with exceptional care.
Where: Astiggos 11, Athens
Must-Try: The famous Pistacchio Lava
Chara
@calli.nicol
@calli.nicol
Open since 1969, this retro patisserie and ice cream parlor on Patission Street is one of Athens' most historic pastry shops. Find a table on the pavement, order a voluptuous ice cream sundae and get ready for some serious nostalgic vibes.
Where: 339 Patission, Athens
Must-Try: The delicious ekmek, an Athenian legend, or the excellent 'Chicago.'
Must-Try: The delicious ekmek, an Athenian legend, or the excellent 'Chicago.'
Mucca
@mucca_gelateria
If you're looking for a genuine gelateria offering ice creams in all kinds of flavors, from all-time classic chocolate to playful bubble gum, this is your go-to shop! The ice cream is served in a handmade cone, cup, or biscuit and you will also enjoy original Italian espresso or cappuccino, a choice in brioche and crepes and waffles.
Where: 146 Charilaou Trikoupi, Nea Erythraia
Must-Try: The Kinder Bueno
Zuccherino
@zuccherino.gr
Zuccherino
@zuccherino.gr
This dessert heaven in Monastiraki offers a wide range of unique ice cream flavors, from watermelon and Ferrero to banoffee and cookies, even profiterole! With its generous portion sizes, it’s one of the best ice cream spots in Athens for a reason and will surely not disappoint you!
Where: 80 Mitropoleos, Monastiraki
Must-Try: Death by Chocolate
Bufala Gelato
Where: 80 Mitropoleos, Monastiraki
Must-Try: Death by Chocolate
Bufala Gelato
@bufalagelato
When you hear premium ice cream, Bufala Gelato immediately springs to mind, and justifiably so! The flavors are endless from choco caramel crunch to limoncello and cheesecake, including vegan and high-protein options. Not to mention you can enjoy your scoop in a freshly baked fluffy waffle sprinkled with Belgian chocolate drops. Such a guilty pleasure!
Where: Artemidos 1, Glifada
Must-Try: Black coconut ice cream
Published in
City Discovery
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Thursday, 20 October 2016 07:00
Lesvos - The Aegean Symphony
The island of Lesvos has showed the world the meaning of compassion and selflessness.
Watch and share the new video which captures the true values of its people and the characteristics of an island that has become an international symbol of humanity. Lesvos, the “Aegean symphony”, as the video portrays, a musical masterpiece of nature’s elements that invites you to a unique holiday experience. #DiscoverGreece
Have you ever known a place that speaks to you?
Well, surrender to the feeling. And a melody rises up around you.
The elements begin to stir, to fall into place, to find their voice,
The land. The wind. Nature. The water.
All share a single tempo; a reason to be heard.
Even the stones command a presence.
Enchanting you,
A noble and sacred serenade that inspires you to greater heights,
Almost without knowing, you’re captivated by the rhythm;
A dance shared with others, yet somehow still your very own,
And just when you think silence has descended…
Don’t be misled. Open up to the secret whispers of a music,
Well, surrender to the feeling. And a melody rises up around you.
The elements begin to stir, to fall into place, to find their voice,
The land. The wind. Nature. The water.
All share a single tempo; a reason to be heard.
Even the stones command a presence.
Enchanting you,
A noble and sacred serenade that inspires you to greater heights,
Almost without knowing, you’re captivated by the rhythm;
A dance shared with others, yet somehow still your very own,
And just when you think silence has descended…
Don’t be misled. Open up to the secret whispers of a music,
The notes of an ancient harmony,
A perfect blend,
That brings all the senses together as one.
A perfect blend,
That brings all the senses together as one.
Published in
Videos
Tagged under
Friday, 15 November 2019 11:16
Boutari Winery S.A.
Boutari Winery is one of the greatest and most historical companies of quality wine making. Since its establishment in 1879, the company has set the foundations for the production of quality bottled wine, it has contributed to the revival and development of indigenous grape varieties and it continuously invests in innovative products and services. Its presence in 35 countries, as well as the numerous distinctions it has received until today, render the company a worthy ambassador of quality bottled winemaking in Greece and abroad.
The company has been honored with the award Winery of the Year for the 18th time by one of the most important publications in the wine sector worldwide, the American magazine Wine & Spirits. This distinction ranks Boutari Winery in the Hall of Fame’s top six wineries in the world.
The company has been honored with the award Winery of the Year for the 18th time by one of the most important publications in the wine sector worldwide, the American magazine Wine & Spirits. This distinction ranks Boutari Winery in the Hall of Fame’s top six wineries in the world.
The company has been active in the regions: Naoussa, Goumenissa, Mantinia, Santorini, Crete while in Attica collaborates with Roxane Matsa Estate since 1980 in the region of Kantza.
CLICK HERE to learn more about wine tastings
and experiences hosted by Boutari Winery.
SANTORINI WINERY
Megalochori, A.C. 84700 Santorini
Tel: +3022860 81011, 81607
Email: santorini.winery@boutari.gr
Opening Hours:
Monday-Friday 10:00-15:00 (Winter Season)
Monday-Saturday 10:00-19:00 (Summer Season)
CRETE WINERY
Skalani, A.C 70100
Tel: +30 2810 731617
Email: crete.winery@boutari.gr
Opening Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00 (From April to October)
By appointment at crete.winery@boutari.gr (From November to March)
NAOUSSA WINERY
Boutari Winery, Stenimachos, Naoussa
Tel: +30 23320 41666
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 09:00 – 15:00 by appointment
Weekends by appointment
Published in
City Venues
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Monday, 23 August 2021 07:00
Melitzanosalata: Greek-Style Eggplant Dip
Every decent taverna in Greece has a category on their menu called alifes or spreads in English. It usually includes popular choices such as tzatziki, skordalia, taramosalata, tyrokafteri, melitzanosalata, and more. These dishes serve either as mezes, to be paired with a variety of other small plates for the main meal, or as dips, which we normally order as an appetizer to start the meal.
Here's an easy-to-make and really versatile recipe for melitzanosalata that pairs great with a variety of dishes, from fish to pasta and even more!
Ingredients
5 medium eggplants
3 spring onions, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
60 ml lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped celery stalk
2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 tbsp red bell pepper, diced
1 tbsp green bell pepper, diced
2 tbsp chopped green olives
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil + extra to serve
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Wash the eggplants and pat dry. Pierce them with a fork all over and place them on a baking tray on the top shelf. Broil for 30 minutes, then flip them and broil them for another 20 minutes, until they go very soft and the skin turns wrinkly and charred.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for 15-30 minutes. Once cooled down and easy to hold, carefully scoop out the softened eggplant from the charred skin using a spoon and discard most of the seeds.
- Place on a colander, add salt, and allow the insides to strain for at least 10-15 minutes. Gently press them with your hands to remove any excess water and finely chop them or pulse them using a food processor.
- Place the eggplant into a bowl and add in the chopped scallions and garlic, the peppers, the olives, the yogurt, and the herbs. Mix well. Gradually add in the olive oil, and then add the lemon juice, cumin, some pepper and adjust the salt if necessary. Mix well with a spoon. Transfer into a bowl, drizzle with some extra olive oil and serve.
Tip 1: Roast the eggplant until its skin is charred, in order to give the dip its smoky flavor.
Tip 2: Let the eggplant strain well before you blitz it.
For more tips and details, please visit: culinarybackstreets.com
Tip 2: Let the eggplant strain well before you blitz it.
For more tips and details, please visit: culinarybackstreets.com
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
Tagged under
Wednesday, 10 January 2024 13:00
Restoration Of Philip II's Royal Palace In Aigai
On Friday, January 5th, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis proudly inaugurated the meticulously restored Royal Palace of Philip II in Aigai, with guidance from the esteemed Honorary Keeper of Greek Antiquities, Angeliki Kottaridis.
Central to this historic site is the palace itself, boasting an impressive expanse of approximately 15,000 sq. m. It stands as the largest building from classical Greece, a testament to opulence in materials, execution precision, technological innovation, and geometric purity. These elements collectively create an unparalleled sense of calmness, elegance, and harmony, where every detail submits to the allure of proportion.
Construction of this architectural marvel began in the mid-4th century, concluding in 336 BC when the grandeur of the palace witnessed the tragic assassination of Philip II in the nearby theater. Within the grand peristyle of the palace, Alexander III was proclaimed the king of the Macedonians, embarking on a transformative journey that would alter the course of history.
Unfortunately, the palace met its demise in the mid-2nd century BC, following the conclusive Roman overthrow led by Metellus in 148 BC. The remnants, concealed by centuries of stone-cutting, were unveiled through excavations commencing in 1865 and persisting into the 20th century, particularly during the 1930s and the 1950s and 1960s.
The peristyle of the Aigai Palace, distinguished by 16 doric columns on each side, represents an architectural marvel that epitomizes the concept of the square—a first of its kind. Encompassing 4,000 sq. m., it could accommodate a crowd of at least 8,000, serving as a communal gathering spot for Macedonians. This gathering place would later evolve into a symbolic courtyard, with the term "courtyard" becoming synonymous with royalty.
The monumental task of maintenance, repair, and restoration was executed by the capable Ephorate of Antiquities of Imathia, under its diligent supervision. Spanning from 2007 to 2023, this co-financed project, supported by successive European programs, carried a total budget of 20.300.000 euros.
The project extended beyond the monument itself, encompassing an area of approximately 25,000 sq. m. Rediscovery, excavation, and meticulous documentation of the site's remains, along with the systematic recording of countless mobile finds and stone architectural elements, were integral to the restoration process. The aesthetic restoration of mosaics and marble inlays (covering around 1,400 sq. m.), foundation repairs, colonnade restoration, and the intricate work of supporting the monument's slope were all part of the monumental undertaking.
At the helm of this ambitious endeavor in all its phases was Dr. Angeliki Kottaridis, an esteemed archaeologist. The final phase received oversight from a team of experts, including Olympia Felekidou (civil engineer-restorer), Kiki Kyrittopoulou (architect), Eva Kontogoulidou (archaeologist), Costas Tzimboulas (antiquities conservator), and George Konstantinopoulos (craftsman).
This restoration stands as a testament to the dedication of those involved, breathing new life into a timeless piece of history for generations to come.
Originally published in Greek on: lifo.gr
Originally published in Greek on: lifo.gr
Translated by Codico Lab
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Wednesday, 25 September 2024 12:32
Lost in Translation: What We Get Wrong About Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece typically comes to mind as a beacon of intellectual achievement, democracy, and high culture. For centuries, it has inspired countless books, movies, and political philosophies. Yet, if we take a closer look at the reality of Ancient Greece, we will see that it was far more complex—and often much less ideal—than we’d like to believe.
Yes, Ancient Greece laid the groundwork for many modern concepts, but day-to-day life at the time was shaped by its own contradictions—exclusive politics, rigid gender roles, and philosophical ideas that wouldn’t necessarily align with many of the values of today.
This article explores some of the things about Ancient Greece that over time have been clouded by oversimplification, and romanticization with an intention to shed light on the importance of context, and seeing reality from its many perspectives.
Yes, Ancient Greece laid the groundwork for many modern concepts, but day-to-day life at the time was shaped by its own contradictions—exclusive politics, rigid gender roles, and philosophical ideas that wouldn’t necessarily align with many of the values of today.
This article explores some of the things about Ancient Greece that over time have been clouded by oversimplification, and romanticization with an intention to shed light on the importance of context, and seeing reality from its many perspectives.
1. Democracy: More Exclusive than Inclusive
One of the most common misunderstandings is the notion that Athens, often called the birthplace of democracy, was a shining example of "rule by the people." While it’s true that Athens developed the earliest form of democratic governance, this system was far from inclusive.
The idea that everyone in Athens could vote is far from the truth. In reality, only male citizens—about 10-20% of the population—were allowed to participate. Women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from the political process. Athenians took their civic duty seriously, but democracy as they practiced it was a privilege enjoyed by a small minority. Even among men, participation required wealth, time, and education, leaving many citizens at a disadvantage.
This narrow version of democracy might surprise modern advocates of equality and representation. It reminds us that while Athens planted the seeds of democratic governance, it was quite different from the inclusive model we think of today.
2. Gender Roles: The Myth of the 'Progressive' Greek Woman
In modern portrayals, particularly in pop culture, Greek women are often depicted as powerful figures, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with men. However, the reality of their lives was far more restricted.
In most Greek city-states, women were expected to live highly sheltered lives. Their primary roles were within the household, where they were responsible for child-rearing and managing the domestic sphere. Athenian women were even barred from owning property independently or appearing in court without a male representative. Marriage, often arranged, marked their transition from being under their father’s authority to that of their husband.
Sparta, often depicted as an outlier, allowed women more freedom, especially in terms of physical training and property rights. However, even Spartan women were largely excluded from the political sphere. The idea of Greek woman being “liberated” was not ancient reality.
3. Philosophy: The Dark Side of the Thinkers
Names like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are synonymous with the birth of Western philosophy. We often imagine Ancient Greece as a golden age of intellectual freedom, yet the reality was far more complicated.
The philosophical achievements of these thinkers came at a time when critical thinking could be dangerous. Socrates, for instance, was sentenced to death by his fellow Athenians for "corrupting the youth" and impiety. His method of questioning authority and established norms was seen as a threat to the state. Meanwhile, Aristotle’s philosophy, which influenced Western thought for centuries, promoted views that we’d find troubling today. He argued that some people were “natural slaves,” thus justifying slavery as a natural and necessary part of society. He also believed women were biologically inferior to men—a perspective that was widely accepted in Greek culture at the time.
While Ancient Greek philosophy laid the groundwork for critical thinking and ethical debates, it was also deeply intertwined with the societal prejudices of its time.
4. Art and Architecture: Not All as Pure as Marble
The image of Ancient Greece is often one of stark white marble sculptures and temples, which over time created notions of purity and perfection. However, at the time of their creation, Greek temples, statues, and buildings were vibrantly painted in bright colors. Over time, these pigments faded, leaving the pristine white marble we’re familiar with today.
In fact, the Ancient Greeks adored color. Archaeologists have discovered traces of red, blue, and gold on many ancient statues and temples. The Parthenon, the enduring symbol of classical architecture, was once decorated with bright murals and ornaments.
5. Greek Mythology: Not Just Epic Heroes & Gods
Greek mythology is a treasure trove of epic battles, powerful gods, and heroic quests. Today, we often focus on figures like Zeus, Athena, and Hercules, celebrating how strong and cunning they were. Yet, these myths were more than just entertainment for the Greeks—they were a way to explain the chaotic and often brutal realities of their world.
The gods of Olympus were not benevolent figures—they were capricious, vengeful, and often unjust. Zeus, the king of the gods, frequently abused his power, and many myths revolve around the tragic consequences of the gods’ whims. Take the story of Prometheus, who was punished for giving fire to humanity, or the tale of Icarus, whose wings melted when he flew too close to the sun. These stories remind us that the Greeks didn’t view their gods as moral role models, but rather as forces to be feared.
Additionally, the lives of many mythological figures, such as women like Medea and Pandora, reflect the misogyny of the time, portraying them as destructive or foolish. These stories were not just allegories—they were reflections of the Greek worldview at the time.
Ancient Greece Within Context
While Ancient Greece has gifted the world with extraordinary ideas and innovations, it's important to remember that these were ancient times, far removed from the standards and ideals we hold today. In many ways, the Greeks were progressive for their era, pioneering democracy, philosophy, and art that have had a lasting influence on Western civilization. However, we should acknowledge their achievements without ignoring the complexities and limitations of society at that time. By acknowledging both the progress and the imperfections, we gain a more nuanced understanding of reality.
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Greek Philosophy & History
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