Serving up Platefuls of History
Two very popular and charming subjects of 19th century ceramic art expressed national aspirations on dinnerware by illustrating the heroic exploits of the War of Independence and later the figures of reigning royalty.
Article Selection
Orchomenos: a Bronze Age Minyan Cipher
This Bronze Age site once ranked in power and glory with Troy and Mycenae. The Three Graces were worshiped here, Pausanius visited, and Schliemann excavated.
Campers at Work
For the third year running, AFS/Hellas will be bringing young campers from abroad to Greek villages and putting them to work on community projects requiring motivation, muscle and mirth. Both the visitors and the communities they visit will be the richer.
In the Shadow of Mount Athos
In 1972, a Boston University anthropologist went to Ammouliani, a fishing village beneath Mt Athos, to spend 16 months with a Greek community transplanted from Asia Minor. A very special relationship and book resulted.
The Voice of the Turtle
The Greek Sea Turtle Protection Society was founded in 1983 to protect some very special expectant mothers. At stations manned by Greek and foreign volunteers, and up and down the nesting beaches of Zakynthos, “turtlers” are working to educate (and reeducate) visitors and islanders alike about the endangered Caretta caretta
Francohellenic Alliances
During the last few months the French Institute has been celebrating its 15th anniversary. Promoting France’s very special intellectual values while embodying the fine flavor of its daily life, this monument to culture also has its sentimental side. Two of its directors fell in love and married brilliant Greek women.
The Second “Ohi”
General Metaxas’ “No!” is well remembered but Prime Minister Alexander Koryzis, who replaced the dictator, also had his day – when Prince Erbach visited him the morning of 6 April 1941, and was shown the door.
The Chaos Continues
From “The Looting of Greece” to the booting (temporary) of the cabinet, it’s been an interesting month in the capital. Posters announce the people have “had enough”, but PASOK won its vote of confidence in parliament and the circus is still in town.
The Midas of Mycenae and Troy
At seven, a German parson’s son set himself a task: to unearth Homer’s Troy. He was 51 before the deed was done, and there are still those who question whether Hissarlik’s ramparts are Priam’s capital, but one thing is certain: wherever Schliemann went, he struck gold.
Ross Daly: Master of the Cretan “Lyra”
Born in Norfolk, England, Ross Daly has spent the last 20 years researching the traditional music of Crete and the Middle East. Based in Hania, Daly is now performing more often for Athenian audiences with his “music workshop”, Lavyrinthos
