Archives / 2011 / June

The end of democracy in modern Athens

constantinakatsari June 30, 2011

Yesterday I witnessed the Greek protests in Constitution (Syntagma) square in the center of Athens. The square took its name from the chants of protesters during the uprising of the 3rd September 1843. Back then, the Greek people forced their Bavarian king, Otto, to abide by a constitution. Back then, my country was a protectorate of England, France and Russia. Today, Greece is a protectorate of the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. As in 1843, Greek people today are asking for... »

The Syrian closed currency system in the Roman empire

constantinakatsari June 22, 2011

“Most researchers believe that Egypt was the only closed currency system in the Roman world, e.g. a system in which the fluctuation of currency is restricted due to strict governmental control. In actual fact, there is another well developed closed currency system in the east, the provinces of wider Syria. The local silver coinage, the tetradrachm, was used exclusively in the markets of the Syrian cities. Their complete absence from excavations in neighbouring Asia Minor and Cyprus is prom... »

Ancient history competition 47

constantinakatsari June 21, 2011

This byzantine emperor first had the Patriarch of Constantinople whipped, blinded and paraded on a donkey in the streets of the city. Then he just… restored him to his position! Who was this emperor? »

Asia Minor Epigraphy

constantinakatsari June 16, 2011

“Anatolian society: a joint conference, July 11-12, 2011 As previously announced, the Lexicon of Greek Personal Names and Monumenta Asia Minoris Antiqua projects are holding a joint conference in Oxford on July 11-12, 2011. Please note that the venue is now Wadham College. The theme on July 11 will be Naming in Anatolia and on July 12 Roman Phrygia. Details of speakers and topics follow below. Anyone interested is most welcome to attend, but we would ask those planning to do so to inform M... »

Happiness index: a play

constantinakatsari June 16, 2011

“THE HAPPINESS INDEX What David Cameron can learn from the Greeks and Romans A play by Sue Blundell Performed by David Acton “Overall, how happy did you feel yesterday?” Faced with this question in a government survey, John turns to a couple of ancient philosophers for advice. So what is happiness anyway? And how do you know when you’ve got it? By the end of the evening you should have a better idea what to say to the P.M. when your survey form pops through the letterbox. FOR ONE NIGHT ONL... »

Argentine tango and the Greek revolution

constantinakatsari June 4, 2011

By now it is twelve days since the protests started in the city of Athens. The message of the protesters was adopted by several other cities (Yiannena, Corfu, Patras, Larissa e.t.c.) while the number of people who wish to join seems to be on the rise. Apart from the usual shouting, chanting, marching and occupying public building, the meetings (surprisingly) include cultural activities. The other day in Thessalonike the protesters decided to dance argentine tango outside the White Tower! Several... »

Magic gestures of disapproval in Greece, ancient and modern

constantinakatsari June 2, 2011

During the recent Greek protests we notice the extensive use of “faskelo” or “mountza”. This is an open palm gesture directed against the person you would like to insult. The protesters have been using it against the building of the parliament. See example here http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MrdWO02quAA/S_PdiKvySNI/AAAAAAAAR14/CO4Gt7krY4s/s1600/βουλη+μουντζα The origin of this gesture is contested. Some say it derives from the ancient Greek word sfakelo (spasm). Allegedly, it ... »

Direct Democracy in Athens, ancient and modern

constantinakatsari June 1, 2011

Last night I was checking my twitter account, when the most amazing message appeared on screen. “50.000 Greeks obstructed the exits of the Greek parliament at Syntagma square and did not allow the members of the parliament to leave the building”. Similar messages continued throughout the night. Eager to find out more details on the subject I turned on the Greek tv. The silence of the traditional media was deafening. Not a single channel reported the news. In the meantime, twitter liv... »