constantinakatsari | Love of History

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... »

Greek and Roman armies in Northern Balkans

constantinakatsari May 29, 2011

This is a conference very close to my research interests. I would have liked to participate. Is anyone else going? “Call for Proposals – Annual Conference of the Metropolitan Library of Bucharest, Sinaia, Romania, 20-22 September 2011. Section IV c. WORKSHOP “Greek and Roman Armies in Northern Balkans : Conflicts and Integration of the Warrior Communities, Vth c. B.C.- IIId c. A.D. ” This workshop is part of the research project “Warrior Structures and Exchanges bet... »

A new performance of Antigone

constantinakatsari May 29, 2011

“ANTIGONE By Sophocles Translated by Timberlake Wertenbaker Until 18th June at Southwark Playhouse, London A gripping new production of Antigone brings this ancient classic bang up-to-date as a direct response to the ongoing Arab Spring. With leaders across the Middle East struggling to suppress rebellion, Sophocles’ drama has a startling relevance in today’s world. Exclusive ticket offer – Book now and receive a FREE DRINK when you quote ‘DIONYSUS’ when booki... »

Ancient History Competition 46

constantinakatsari May 25, 2011

Which Sicilian city used to bear the name of its 3rd cent. BC founder, who happened to be a tyrant? »

Tribute to Kenneth Dover

constantinakatsari April 8, 2011

“Stephen Halliwell gave a lecture on “Kenneth Dover and the Greeks” in London at the invitation of the Hellenic Society last Monday. You will be able tofind the text of the lecture online by going to the following webpage https://risweb.st-andrews.ac.uk/portal/da/persons/francis-stephen-halliwell%28393e9249-c8a9-44dd-8c2d-3ae1dedddc72%29.html then scrolling down to Activities and Awards and clicking on ‘Kenneth Dover and the Greeks’, where a pdf link will be visible... »

Quotation of the week 33

constantinakatsari April 2, 2011

“Do not on any account attempt to write on both sides of the paper at once.” W.C. Sellar and R.J. Yeatman, 1066 and All That, 1930. Test paper 5. »

Obama celebrates Greekness

constantinakatsari March 25, 2011

The following Obama speech has been brought to my attention. It looks like the US President decided to celebrate the Day of Greek Independence (25th of March) with the following proclamation. As for his views on the USA continuing the Greek democratic traditions, I will let the readers of this blog to comment! Hey, I just realised I could write an article on the topic! “One hundred ninety years ago, Greece regained its independence and became a symbol of democracy for the world for the sec... »

Roman Baths at Carsulae (Italy): Field School

constantinakatsari March 25, 2011

“The field school at the Roman baths at Carsulae will commence its seventh season this summer, and applications for students and volunteers are still being accepted. The Roman city of Carsulae was founded along the via Flaminia, when that road was cut through Umbria in the late third century BC. Located near the town of San Gemini, the area has been associated with healing waters since Umbrian times. The Roman baths, which lie at the threshold of southern entrance to the city, were excavat... »

Archaeological Films on Classical Greece

constantinakatsari March 22, 2011

“The 12th International Meeting of Archaeological Films is taking place in Belgrade (Serbia) on March 30th. Honoured guest this year is Mexico. The following countries participate this year: Belgium, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Spain, FYROM, China and Serbia. The Greeks participate with 2 movies, “The Temple of Artemis Agrotera” and “Diolkos for 1500 years”. The theme of the first movie is about the relationship of the Greek authorities with the arch... »

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