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	<title>Love of History &#187; ancient history</title>
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	<description>A historical perspective of current events</description>
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		<title>Greek pride and national sovereignty</title>
		<link>http://loveofhistory.com/greek-pride-and-natinal-sovereignty/</link>
		<comments>http://loveofhistory.com/greek-pride-and-natinal-sovereignty/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2015 12:43:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[constantinakatsari]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Modern]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ancient history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[greek history]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://loveofhistory.com/?p=3605</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is the first time in many years that I am proud to be Greek. Last week, my people voted for an anti-austerity party that promised to restructure the welfare state in Greece. Syriza seemingly belongs to the radical left wing. In fact it is conglomeration of left and centre political parties that have one common denominator: they despise the Troika and its economic measures that impoverished the people. Yesterday, the minister of finance, Varoufakis, made it clear that the new government will no longer continue on the same destructive path. The path that led its middle class homeless in the streets, and its children starving. There is a new hope for Greece but the predominant feeling is that of national pride. I have been following these expressions of pride in numerous social media, newspapers, blogs etc. Most Greek citizens treat Varoufakis as a modern hero! They ask for autographs, while I am sure he has his own groupies! It is the first time a minister of finance receives the unadulterated adoration of the public! The people are proud for his stance, as if they were the ones who stood in front of the camera and shouted F_CK THE TROIKA. Pride has always been the determinant feeling in the construction of a national identity. Patriotism inspired the soldiers, citizens and other forces that fought for the creation of new nations. It was assisted by flags and other symbols that represented freedom, equality or other similar ideals. For the Greeks, pride is directly connected with its past. Let us not forget the manufactured ideological connection of the modern Greek State with its ancient past. After the revolution of 1821, the Greeks, their ruling Bavarians and many other nations started spreading the myth of ancient Greece. The ancient Greek city states suddenly were treated as a united country that faced off the barbaric Persians, in a common fight for freedom, democracy and equality! The most powerful symbol that encompasses &#8216;what Greece is all about&#8217; is none other than the Acropolis. It is situated on the Holy Rock (as it is referred to), in the centre of its most famous (not to say notorious) democratic ancient city-state, Athens. It represents also the modern Greek psyche. It is featured in tourist literature, exhibitions, postcards, souvenirs, logos and anywhere else you can think of. During the lethal economic crisis, the Acropolis resumed two conflicting symbolic roles. The roles of resistance and desperation. You probably heard of the story of Manolis Glezos, one of the two teenagers who removed the German Nazi flag from the acropolis during the Nazi occupation (Second World War). Back then, the symbolic gesture caused the hope and pride of the local population to rise. Today Manolis Glezos is revered more than ever. Despite his advanced age, he is one of the key members of the radical left (Syriza) and a member of the European parliament. The party that was voted to bring hope back to Greece. During the recession, in some cases, both hope and pride disappeared. The Acropolis became once more the &#8216;normal&#8217; place for suicides and other acts of desperation. The Holy Rock became tainted! The &#8216;miasma&#8217; spread to the rest of the country. The people went around with hunched backs, bowing in front of the inevitable loss of sovereignty. Until these elections! My people finally voted for hope. The hope for true democracy has returned. The hope for true national sovereignty is becoming stronger. The hope to create our own destiny is becoming vital for our very existence. The prime minister tied together all of the above through one symbolic move. A move that, for a change, did not involve the Acropolis directly. After he was sworn into government, he visited Kaisariani to leave a few flowers in remembrance of the victims of German Occupation (Second World War). The Nazi forces shot several Greeks in this area. Syriza is a supporter of a political movement that demands Germany to pay back all of the Second World Debt to Greece, including the money it &#8216;borrowed&#8217;. This debt was abolished after the War, in order to suppress further enmity between European nations. Paying homage to the victims of German nazism at Kaisariani and asking for war reparations is pivotal in the 21st century fight against neoliberalism. Germany has become an anti-national symbol that garners all of the Greek forces under one flag. Varoufakis suddenly became the person/ symbol who said NO to the destructive forces. National pride surged and the people are celebrating their newfound freedom, and hope. Everyone is aware that the road will be long, bumpy, and full of obstacles. I am sure, though, that pride will sustain those who are directly involved into the fight for national sovereignty. It is not the first time that the Greeks become the people who defend ideals such as independence, equality, social welfare. The sense of patriotism and pride helped in the past, as it will help now.]]></description>
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		<title>The boldest reformers in the Roman Empire: Diocletian and Constantine</title>
		<link>http://loveofhistory.com/the-boldest-reformers-in-the-roman-empire-diocletian-and-constantine/</link>
		<comments>http://loveofhistory.com/the-boldest-reformers-in-the-roman-empire-diocletian-and-constantine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2015 16:28:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[constantinakatsari]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ancient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ancient history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Roman history]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://loveofhistory.com/?p=3602</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; By the end of the third century AD the Roman Empire has been through 100 years of civil wars, plagues barbaric attacks and Persian invasions that run down the economy and weakened the State.  Although the inhabitants of the Empire lived for years now in conditions of physical danger and economic instability, they never tried to question the decisions of the emperors and they never tried to rebel against the central authorities.  The need for reforms, though, at least in the administrative section became acute both to the upper and the lower classes.  The opportunity came with the rise to the throne of Diocletian, an Illyrian with Greek origins. As soon Diocletian had the power, he attempted to change the empire he was ruling over.  Until then, a single emperor was responsible for the administration of the vast area around the Mediterranean Sea. The task, though, proved to be daunting.  Especially, when the barbaric tribes invaded the Northern provinces or when the Persian tried to conquer Syria.  Diocletian, therefore, decided to recruit additional help, and for the first time in history he appointed a co-emperor.  At Milan in 285 he adopted as his son one of his Illyrian comrades in arms, Maximian, giving him the rank of Caesar. And the next year he promoted him in Augustus, the highest imperial title.  Next, Diocletian kept for himself the Greek East, while he assigned to Maximian the Latin West.  Although the empire remained one political unity, in fact, there were imposed two administrative systems. In 293 Diocletian went a step ahead and proclaimed another two Caesars, one for each Augustus.  Maximian’s Caesar became Constantius, while Diocletian’s Caesar was Galerius.  These Caesars were subject to the Augusti, even if they could take their own military and political decisions within the area of their jurisdiction.  This system of the four emperors has since been called the Tetrarchy.  In fact, it simply applied the familiar practice of putting two junior emperors to the existing diarchy. The successful operation of the new administration allowed the emperors to relax and enjoy the fruits of their efforts. On the twentieth anniversary of Diocletian’s accession to the throne the emperor became seriously ill.  Although he recovered his health, in 305 he decided to abdicate and he persuaded his co-emperor to follow the same course of action.  Their joined abdication allowed Galerius to become Augustus of the East and Constantius to become Augustus of the West. Subsequently, Severan was selected Caesar for the West and Maximin Caesar of the East (both of which were friends of Galerius). Having two Augusti and two Ceasars was a source of strength for the empire, as long as they could co-operate and respect their respective obligations and privileges. However, in this case, tensions appeared almost at once. And these tensions led to the break out of a civil war. The ultimate winner of the continuous battles was Constantine, the son of Constantius and his divorced wife Helene, an innkeeper’s daughter with a &#8216;reputation&#8217; (only much later she was proclaimed a saint and equal to the apostles). Soon Constantine managed to become the ruler of Europe, while the provinces of Asia Minor and Syria remained under the governance of his co-emperor Licinius.  The battle against Maxentius that gave him the right to rule over the western provinces took place near Rome in 312.  It was here that he experienced his famous vision, described by Eusebius: “…a most marvelous sign appeared to him from heaven…He said that at about midday, when the sun was beginning to decline, he saw with his own eyes the trophy of a cross of light in the heavens, above the sun, and bearing the inscription Conquer By This. He himself was struck with amazement and his whole army also.” Constantine interpreted the vision as the favour of the Christian God. And reinforced by his new faith he marched against the opponents and won the battle.  An ancient historian, Lactantius, provides us with another version of the same event: “Constantine was directed in a dream to cause the ‘heavenly sign’ to be delineated on the shields of the soldiers, and so to proceed to battle. He did as he had been commanded, and he marked on their shield the letter X combined with the letter P, thus the cipher of Christ.” In any case, the victory not only made Constantine the absolute ruler of the entire Europe but it also marked his conversion to Christianity.  In January 313 he met with Licinius in Milan and they both agreed to grant Christianity full recognition throughout the Empire. “I, Constantine Augustus, and I, Licinius Augustus, resolved to secure respect and reverence for the Deity, grant to Christians and to all others the right freely to follow whatever form of worship they please, that whatsoever Divinity dwells in heaven may be favourable to us and to all those under our authority”. Constantine, though, seemed to have been a Christian emperor in the wrong part of the Empire, since the Christians were more numerous in the East. When Licinius turned against the Christians of Thrace, Constantine considered it an excellent opportunity to interfere and win for himself the other half of the Roman Empire.  This war ended with the victory of Constantine and the execution of Licinius (although he was promised immunity if he surrendered). In 324 Constantine was the sole ruler of a vast empire. One of his first decisions was the foundation of a new city on the shores of Bosporus, in the place an old Greek city-state called Byzantium.  The new city was named Constantinople, after the emperor’s name, and was destined to become the new capital of the empire.  One of the considerations for such a decision was probably the strategic position of the city.  If someone attacked from the west, then the inhabitants could have retreated in Asia Minor. If he attacked from the east, then they would have retreated to Europe.  It is evident that Constantine gave particular emphasis to the security of the eastern part of the empire.  Until then, the capital, Rome, was placed exactly in the centre of the Empire, since it was equidistant from the Atlantic and from Mesopotamia.  The move of the capital to the East condemned in the long run the western provinces to the continuous barbaric attacks.   A second reason for the foundation of Constantinople was that the emperor needed to distance himself from the old pagan capital.  The new official religion, Christianity, needed to be hosted in a new capital. Constantinople itself became the new symbol of the Christian world.  And Constantine set himself the borders of the city.  The story goes that one fine morning the people saw him walking, tracing out the line of the walls with his spear.  When someone commented that the city is becoming too big, the emperor answered that “I shall continue until he who walks ahead of me bids me to stop”.  Thus the divine foundation of Constantinople was established in the minds and the hearts of its inhabitants.  The capital later was adorned with churches, palaces, a hippodrome and thousands of statues stolen from other Roman cities.  In addition, his mother brought from Jerusalem the True Cross. According to tradition, she distinguished it from the ones used for the two thieves by laying it on a dying woman, who was miraculously restored to health. The reign of Constantine, though, was a problematic one.  Fierce theological debates commenced throughout the empire with regard to the nature of Christ.  On one hand, Arius of Alexandria preached that Jesus Christ was not co-eternal and of the same substance as the Father.  But God had created him as his instrument for the salvation of the world.  Thus, the Son was subordinate to the Father.  On the other hand, the opposition claimed that Christ was of one substance with the Father.  The emperor became actively involved in this debate but without success. He even called for the First Ecumenic synod that took place in the city of Nicaea in 324, in which he presided.  The synod temporarily solved the problem by declaring Arianism a heresy. Christ supposedly was of the same substance and equal to the Father (although this clause could be interpreted in many different ways).  Nevertheless, the emperor did not keep a constant mind, despite his name.  Only four years after the synod, the mother and half-sister of Constantine persuaded him to recall Arius from exile and allow him to settle in Egypt.  The inhabitants of Egypt, though, as well as their archbishop would have none of it. Riots broke out in the region that soon went out of control.  In the meantime, the hermit Great Saint Anthony left the Egytpian desert at the age of 86 and sided with the Orthodox faction.  The upheaval was such that the emperor had no solution but to invite Arius to Constantinople for a further investigation on his beliefs.  During this inquiry  “Arius , made bold by the protection of his followers, engaged in light-hearted and foolish conversation, until he was suddenly compelled by a call of nature retire; and immediately, falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst and gave up the ghost”. Although Constantine was involved in serious theological matters, he has not been officially baptized as a Christian.  And with good reason!  In the course of his life he committed enough murders that would have sent him to hell for an eternity.  Among his victims were his first born son and heir, Crispus, and his second wife.  The later was either stubbed or suffocated by steam in one of the public baths.  That is probably one of the reasons for Constantine to be baptized only a few months before his death.  When the baptism was completed, “he arrayed himself in imperial vestments white and radiant as light, and lay himself down on a couch of the purest white, refusing ever to clothe himself in purple again.”  Finally, after the reign of 31 years he died in 22 May 337.  His was buried in the completed church of the Hole Apostles.  This way he laid claim to the title “Equal to the Apostles’ that he carries until today. &#160;]]></description>
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		<title>Happy and Healthy 2015</title>
		<link>http://loveofhistory.com/happy-and-healthy-2015/</link>
		<comments>http://loveofhistory.com/happy-and-healthy-2015/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2015 15:07:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[constantinakatsari]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Opinions]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[I am so happy this year that I cannot help but want to wish the same for Love of History followers. Let us face it, some of you have been following this blog unfailingly for the past 5 years. As I am getting ready to take it to the next level, I would like to thank you for your support and eager readership. Without the encouraging comments and interesting discussions I would not have been able to keep at it for so long. So, enjoy the new articles and posts I will be uploading from time to time and do not hesitate to share your opinions. And before I forget&#8230; Please, subscribe to this blog, so that you can receive my research in your mail box. The subscribe button is at the footer, instead of the traditional sidebar. Once more, I really appreciate your support and I am always happy to help in every way I can!]]></description>
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		<title>The power of the Roman state in the cities of Northern Turkey. The coin evidence</title>
		<link>http://loveofhistory.com/the-power-of-the-roman-state-in-the-cities-of-northern-turkey-the-coin-evidence/</link>
		<comments>http://loveofhistory.com/the-power-of-the-roman-state-in-the-cities-of-northern-turkey-the-coin-evidence/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2015 08:05:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[constantinakatsari]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ancient]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://loveofhistory.com/?p=3586</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Pontus and Paflagonian Coinage in the Late Republic and the Early Empire Already before the annexation of northern Asia Minor by the Romans, the cities of Pontus (around 12 of them) produced their own bronze currencies, which circulated throughout the region. Most of the types on these coins include Mithridatic connotations based on the association of the royal line with the God Dionysus. During the period immediately before the Roman annexation (85-65 BC), we observe a profusion of 12 different types. The main mint was the city of Amisus, while smaller mints were established in the cities of Cabeira, Chabacta and Comana. This proliferation of types and coins was significantly curtailed when the Roman presence started influencing all aspects of life in the region. The city of Amisus, which previously dominated the production of bronze coinage, now issues only very few coins; these on the obverse employ civic types (Apollo), while on the reverse we notice a combination of civic and state ideological notions (the personifications of Amisus and Roma standing side by side). At the same time, two other cities decided to undertake the task of producing their own currencies. One of these was the city of Amastris, which produced in the past also Mithridatic coins. Amastris chose to issue bronze coins by the name of Papirius Carbo in 60 BC as well as a series of bronzes (with Tyche) during the Pompeian era (64/63 BC). These were followed by a few issues minted in the 40s, 30s and 20s, which bear the Head of Tyche on the obverse and the inscription AMASTREWS and crossed torches within wreath on the reverse. The second city that ventured into the minting of coinage under the Romans was the colony of Sinope. During the Roman Republic this city seems to have been the most important mint in the Pontic region. It was founded as a colony by Caesar in 45 BC, which is also the most likely date of its first Roman coins. The civic authorities chose a combination of civic and state types to be employed on the obverse and the reverse of the coins. Specifically, on the obverse we encounter the heads of Tyche (civic) or Ceres (civic) or the laureate head of Caesar (state). On the reverse, we notice the presence of sacrificial implements (civic/ state), crescent above plough (state), clasped hands holding cornucopia (civic) or a bare head (unknown). On the whole, the following charts demonstrate the predominace of civic types in the case of the obverse types of all cities and the reverse types of Amastris. On the other hand, we observe the predominance of a combination of state with civic themes especially in the cases of the reverse types of Amisus and Sinope. &#160; With regard to the Julio Claudian period, the cities that continue the production of local coinages are Sinope, which remains that stronger mint, and Amisus, while Comana resumes production during the reign of Caligula. Sinope introduces issues that on the obverse bear heads of females and males (civic), heads belonging to members of the imperial family (state) and the God Sol (civic). On the obverses, we find the recurring type of a plough or ploughing (state), cornucopia and globe (state), depictions of members of the imperial family (state), a vase (civic), Tyche (civic), inscriptions in wreath (state), Capricorn and globe (state) and the Dioscuri (civic). On the obverse of the coins of Amisus we notice a combination of state and civic types (although some of them cannot be clearly defined). Specifically, there are the heads of members of the imperial family (state), Athena (civic), Hermes (civic). Also on the reverse, we find the common theme of Amisus and Roma (civic/ state), Nike (state), Athena (civic), members of the imperial family (state), Dikaiosyne (civic), owl (civic), star (civic) and AMISOS in wreath (civic). In Comana, the obverses include the heads of unknown people, while on the reverse we find club in wreath or bust with club (civic), a theme with obvious allusions to the worship of Hercules.  On the whole, we may conclude that the proliferation of civic themes that we observed on the obverse of Republican coins is gradually coming to an end. On the other hand, the state themes dominate the issues of the colony of Sinope, while civic themes are more popular in Comana and Amisus. &#160; The most surprising results are the patterns emerging from the analysis of the obverse types, which were usually chosen to advertise the political authority that guaranteed the value of the coins.  In the Pontic cities the obverses of issues carried local civic as well as Roman state types.  The most likely explanation for this was that the colonial authorities immediately acknowledged the religious authority of the local city gods, and in this respect grafted the new political institutions of the colony onto the Hellenistic religious infrastructure.  This limited the potential clash between the newcomers and the indigenous populations to the secular field, while at the same time opening up an area in which common religious beliefs could develop in the future. This mixed pattern seems typical of the late republican period before the clear-cut imperial ideology of the Augustan age became more popular in the provinces. The obverse types used to bear mainly portraits of the emperor or of other members of the imperial family, exemplifying the authority that eventually legitimized provincial currencies.  State themes are also heavily dominant in the reverse types. It is apparent that the choice of types and legends used by most of the colonies during the Julio-Claudian period suggests that their citizens identified themselves strongly with the collective Roman State.  They emphasized their attachment to the imperial household and to the newly forged ideology of Augustan victory, peace and prosperity.  In some cases, local civic types are commonly used.  The cities proclaimed the extent to which they had become assimilated into the fabric of ‘Greek’ civic culture. Each city thus established its own individual character within the spectrum of different civic constitutions.  The representation of state themes would distinguish the urban centers from the rest of the cities, while the representation of local themes would distinguish them from each other.  The establishment of differences rather than similarities helped to create particular combinations of state and civic identity in the individual cities.  &#160; &#160; &#160;]]></description>
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		<title>Happy New Old Life!</title>
		<link>http://loveofhistory.com/happy-new-old-life/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2014 11:40:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[constantinakatsari]]></dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://loveofhistory.com/?p=3489</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; Christmas is time for deep reflection on the past and happy thoughts for the future. At least for me! I always use the free time to understand better what I achieved so far, and what I would like to target in the future. For some disturbing reason, this year I decided to return to the past! As a historian, it would seem to be the obvious choice for many. And yet, it is not the obvious choice for me. For the past year I was dealing almost exclusively with innovative companies. In a sense, I kept my eye firmly towards the future. As New Yea’s Day is coming close, I am determined to go back to my roots: coins.  I first started studying coins at the National Foundation of Greece in the then called KERA in 1993. Under the guidance of Aikaterine Liampi I researched thousand of fine Greek and Roman specimens for the good part of three years. Since then I have been hooked on the sport. By 1996 I was ready to start my PhD at University College London, which launched my career as an academic, numismatist and historian. I may have been frustrated at times but I have never regretted one little bit of it. Over the years, my thought developed and, in some cases, took alien paths. I tiptoed in slavery, sexual history, identities and anything else you can think of. I always returned, though, to my first love: coins. When I decided to leave academia after 20 years of toil, I thought that I was done with the past. Little did I know that the past is always there to haunt you. My yearning for studying the coins returned in a very visious manner. And I can no longer ignore it! So, I decided to explore my options, once again! Of course, I do not plan to return to academia! Being there, done that! Instead, I would like to try new avenues. I will start by publishing the numismatic articles I have forgotten in the drawers of my computer. Do not worry, I do not plan to hide them behind paid walls. I will just upload them in my blog, hoping that someone will be interested enough to read them. I have to warn you, though, that they are not for the faint hearted! And then, who knows! I may return to auctions, bidding and trading. But that would be another story&#8230; CHECK OUT THE NEW ARTICLES *OPEN ACCESS* &#160;]]></description>
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		<title>The licentiousness of the Greek colonists of Sybaris</title>
		<link>http://loveofhistory.com/the-licentiousness-of-the-greek-colonists-of-sybaris/</link>
		<comments>http://loveofhistory.com/the-licentiousness-of-the-greek-colonists-of-sybaris/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Oct 2013 09:19:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[constantinakatsari]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ancient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ancient history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Archaic Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[classics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greek colonies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[licentiousness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[southern Italy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sybaris]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://loveofhistory.com/?p=2989</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By the end of the 8th century BC the Greeks had already colonised large parts of Sicily and Southern Italy. The reason behind such an expansion was undoubtedly profit: they were probably looking for new agricultural lands, trading ports and metals. Some of these colonies became very rich as they were exporting large quantities of agricultural produce back to mainland Greece. The outcome was the breeding of a new aristocracy in the colonised cities. The new aristocrats were rich and ambitious as money was flowing liberally into their pockets. One of the most important examples in history is that of Sybaris, a city in Southern Italy. Sybaris was renowned for its wealth and love of luxuries in antiquity. In fact, it became an iconic city of Southern Italian wealth. Atheneus, a Hellenistic writer, in his Deipnosophistae, describes the excessively luxurious lifestyle of the Sybarites. He says: “The Sybarites used to wear also garments made of Milesian wool [Miletus was a city in Asia Minor], from which there arose a great friendship between the two cities, as Timaeus relates. For of the inhabitants of Italy, the Sybarites gave the preference to the Etruscans, and of foreigners to the Ionians, because they were devoted to luxury. But the cavalry of the Sybarites, being in number more than five thousand, used to go in procession with saffron-coloured robes over their breastplates; and in the summer their younger men used to go away to the caves of the Nymphs of the river Lusias, and live there in all kinds of luxury. And whenever the rich men of that country left the city for the country, although they always travelled in chariots, still they used to consume three days in a day&#8217;s journey. And some of the roads which led to their villas in the country were covered with awnings all over; and a great many of them had cellars near the sea, into which their wine was brought by canals from the country, and some of it was then sold out of the district, but some was brought into the city in boats. They also celebrate in public numbers of feasts; and they honour those who display great magnificence on such occasions with golden crowns, and they proclaim their names at the public sacrifices and games; announcing not only their general goodwill towards the city, but also the great magnificence which they had displayed in the feasts. And on these occasions they even crown those cooks who have served up the most exquisite dishes. And among the Sybarites there were found baths in which, while they lay down, they were steamed with warm vapours. And they were the first people who introduced the custom of bringing chamber-pots to banquets. But laughing at those who left their countries to travel in foreign lands, they themselves used to boast that they had grown old without ever having crossed the bridges which led over their frontier rivers.” (Translation, C.D. Yonge (1854) http://www.attalus.org/old/athenaeus12a.html) OK, Atheneus may have been exaggerating. The account seems to have been designed to cause the reaction of the audience. I am not certain, though, what kind of a reaction would that be? Jealousy, disgust, awe, surprise? Maybe all of the above. In any case, the narrative probably includes historical elements of truth. There is no doubt in my mind that the Greek colonies achieved unprecedented wealth, due to their superior geographical position, trading connections and political stability. They must have used large parts of this wealth in status objects and other consumer products that would announce to the world the superiority of the city.]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>Herodotus, the Father of History or Blogging?</title>
		<link>http://loveofhistory.com/herodotus-the-father-of-history-or-blogging/</link>
		<comments>http://loveofhistory.com/herodotus-the-father-of-history-or-blogging/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Oct 2013 17:47:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[constantinakatsari]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ancient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ancient history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dareius]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[father of history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[greek history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Herodotus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[persian wars]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://loveofhistory.com/?p=2982</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Herodotus, The Father of History or Blogging? Herodotus was a Greek historian that has been acknowledged as the Father of History ever since antiquity. Of course, the title does not reflect accurately the state of historical studies at the time, since other similar historians preceded him. The fact is the Herodotus was the first write to use prose in order to describe lengthy events; The Greek-Persian Wars. He was born in Halicarnassus, modern Bodrum in Turkey, in the early 5th century BC. The city was known for its participation in constant fights against the Persians, who eventually invaded also mainland Greece. Herodotus probably spent many evenings listening to the stories of the people who participated in these wars. When he visited Athens he probably got more food for thought, as he most likely met the famous tragoedians, Aeschylus and Sophocles, while he must have been acquainted to powerful political figures, such as Pericles. As he seemed to have been enamoured with traveling, he ended up in the Athenian colony of Thurii in Southern Italy, where he died at some point after 430 BC. Even though scholars used to consider Thucydides a more &#8216;serious&#8217; historian, Herodotus was the one who distinguished between myths and historical facts. He tried to find the truth behind the narratives of eye witnesses and he was very careful to use oral history. Above all, his works were not commissioned by any contemporary political figures but they probably reflect his own views of the past. As I already mentioned in the beginning, he was especially interested in the prolonged conflict between the Greeks and the Persians. Of course, he blatantly took the side of the Greeks, a fact that affected the way we look at the conflict. Only in the past few decades have more information surfaced from the Near East that shed light on the Persian side. So, we no longer believe in the superiority of the Greeks in terms of moral values and love of freedom. One of the most important inscriptions that surfaced from Persia is the so called Behistun or Bisitun stone. On that stone King Dareius of Persia carved the military achievements of his predecessors. It adds significant information to the narrative Herodotus provided. Despite its usefulness in filling up the gaps, we should bear in mind that Dareius had an ulterior motive; with this inscription he was attempting to legitimise his own rule and thus presented his predecessors in an exceptionally favourable light. We do not know the material on which Herodotus wrote. We assume that he used scrolls of Egyptian papyri. Initially, they would not have been published but they may have been read in front of an audience. In that, we may compare his work with modern blogs that are written with few revisions and they are delivered in front of an interested audience. His work was published much later, after his audience seemed to like his Histories. In that sense, shall we give him the title &#8216;Father of Blogging&#8217;? I know the idea is stretched but the similarities in the way he wrote his works and disseminated them remain. For those who are interested in the Behistun Inscription, I attach here a small passage and a link to find the rest. &#8220;(9) Darios the King says: Ahura Mazda bestowed this kingdom upon me. Ahura Mazda brought me aid until I had held together this kingdom. By the favour of Ahura Mazda I hold this kingship. (10) Kambyses had a brother, Bardiya by name, of the same mother and the same father as Cambyses. Afterwards Cambyses slew Bardiya. When Cambyses had slain Bardiya, it did not become known to the people that Bardiya had been slain. Afterwards Kambyses went to Egypt. When Kambyses had set out for Egypt, the people became disloyal. The Lie grew greatly in the land, in Persia, Media, and the other countries. (11) Darios the King says: &#8216;Afterwards there was one man, a Magus, Gaumata by name&#8230; He lied to the people thus &#8216;I am Bardiya the son of Cyrus, the brother of Kambyses&#8217;. Afterwards all people rebelled against Kambyses and went over to him, both Persia and Media and the other countries. He seized the kingship&#8230; Afterwards Kambyses died his own death. (12) Darios the King says. &#8216;The kingship which Gaugata the Magus had seized from Kambyses, had from ancient times belonged to our family&#8230; He became king. (13) Darios the King says: &#8216;There was no man, neither a Persian nor a Mede nor anyone of our family, who might have taken the kingship from that Gaumata the Magus. The people feared him greatly, since he used to slay in great number the people who previously had known Bardiya&#8230; Afterwards I prayed to Ahura Mazda. Ahura Mazda brought me aid. In the month Bagayadis, ten days had passed (29 September 522), then I with a few men slew Gaumata the Magus and the men who were his foremost followers&#8230; I took the kingship from him. By the favour of Ahura Mazda I became king. Ahura Mazda bestowed the kingship upon me. (The inscription translated by Maria Brosius in Asheri, D., Lloyd, A., Corcella, A. et al. (2007), A Commentary on Herodotus, Books I-IV, Oxford, pp. 529-537). Online Book. Brosius, M. (2006), The Persians, London. http://home.lu.lv/~harijs/Macibu%20materiali%20,teksti/Gramatas%20Seno%20Laiku%20Vesture%20(%20Elektroniski%20)/Ancient%20East/Iran/Brosius.%20Persians.%202006.pdf]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>Theater re-opens after 1700 years in Greece</title>
		<link>http://loveofhistory.com/theater-re-opens-after-1700-years-in-greece/</link>
		<comments>http://loveofhistory.com/theater-re-opens-after-1700-years-in-greece/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 08:54:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[constantinakatsari]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ancient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Archaeology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ancient history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ancient theatre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[archaeology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[greece]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://loveofhistory.com/?p=2575</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I am not sure if the re-opening of the ancient theatre of Messene is connected to the economic crisis in Greece or not. Either way, it is a fact that cannot be ignored. As part of the Greek Festival the opening night will be the 3rd of August 2013. In the first instance 2500 people will be able to attend, although after its full restoration it will host more than 5000 people. The restorations will continue over the summer with the help of funds from Niarchos foundation and the European Union. Famous Greek opera artists will perform on the night. It would be worth giving a few information on the ancient theatre itself. It is located in the northwestern part of the archaeological site of ancient Messene. It was in continuous operation from ca. 300 BC to 300 AD. Later, the byzantine inhabitants of the area dismantled large parts of it and used the marbles as part of new constructions (temples and houses). The theatre did not host only ancient performances. It became also the famous scene of political meetings. For example, the king of Macedonia Philip V and the Aratos of Sikyon met there in 214 BC, a day after the magistrates of the city have been slaughtered. Also, according to Livy many of the inhabitants gathered there demanding to see the famous general of the Achaean League, Philopoimen the Megalopolitan, whom the Messenians captured in 183 BC. Source: Naftemporiki]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ancient Greek Cuisine</title>
		<link>http://loveofhistory.com/ancient-greek-cuisine/</link>
		<comments>http://loveofhistory.com/ancient-greek-cuisine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 07:21:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[constantinakatsari]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ancient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ancient Greece]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ancient history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://loveofhistory.com/?p=2528</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The current economic crisis in Greece led to unprecedented conditions of poverty. I watched many times people who look for food in the dustbins. The most fortunate ones changed their cooking habits and they employ inferior ingredients. Indicative of the situation is the fact that the most popular best seller in Greece is a cookbook, which includes recipes from the German Occupation period. This is why I was so surprised to see the following article in the Greek Reporter http://greece.greekreporter.com/2013/04/12/students-learn-ancient-greek-diet/ . According to the journalist &#8220;Pork with plums, stuffed pork, pork belly with sweet and sour sauce with honey, thyme and vinegar, accompanied by chickpeas paste, chicken with coarsely ground barley and swordfish with berry sauce, are only some of antiquity’s recipes showing that the ancient Greek cuisine was in all respects gourmet! The students of the 2nd Vocational Education School of Giannitsa, in northern Greece, discovered this side of the diet in ancient Greece, with the help of Chef George Palisidis, researcher in the Department of the Science of Dietetics-Nutrition of Harokopio University, in the context of the program, Ancient cultivation and flavors. Dimitris Evaggelidis was the scientist responsible for the project&#8230;&#8221; I guess there is still interest in ancient gourmet cuisine at school, even if there is little to eat at home.]]></description>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Girl dying from the plague in the Peloponnesian War</title>
		<link>http://loveofhistory.com/girl-dying-from-the-plague-in-the-peloponnesian-war/</link>
		<comments>http://loveofhistory.com/girl-dying-from-the-plague-in-the-peloponnesian-war/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Dec 2012 16:49:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[constantinakatsari]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ancient]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ancient history]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[classics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Myrtis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peloponnesian war]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[plague]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://constantinakatsari.wordpress.com/?p=1823</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In the beginning of the Peloponnesian war and, specifically, in 430 BC a Plague epidemic crippled the city of Athens. The plague spread in the city during its siege by the Spartans and it killed a quarter of the population. Among them we count the famous statesman, Pericles. Several diseases have been suggested but there is no definitive proof for any of them. And yet, some time ago the skeleton of a little girl has been found that may shed some light on the problem. The archaeologists who found the girl decided to call her &#8216;Myrtis&#8217;. Since the archaeological context indicated that she died from the aforementioned plague, her teeth have been transferred to the Dentist School for further analysis. Scientists confirmed that she died of typhoid fever. Prof. Manolis Papagrigorakis used the rest of her facial bones for the reconstruction of her head. You can see beautiful Myrtis here: Thermou, M, at To vima http://www.tovima.gr/culture/article/?aid=490218]]></description>
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