James Jakob Williams, the African American Philhellene & War Hero
The Ghost Village of Epirus

The Ghost Village of Epirus

The picturesque village of Paleo Mavronoros in Greece's Epirus region stands as a testament to bravery against oppressive forces and boasts an innate charm.

ΦΟΝΙΣΣΑ Movie

ΦΟΝΙΣΣΑ Movie

On a dystopian Greek island circa 1900, Hadoula, the widow of Ioannou Fragou, is a woman who has learned to survive in a male-dominated, patriarchal society by serving what her mother passed down to her – a difficult baton that perpetuates humiliation and inferiority in women. Hadoula is rebelling inside and it won't take long for this to happen outside as well. The little girls of the island become victims of her outburst. By taking their lives, she herself feels that she is freeing them from the social burden that their existence entails. Her actions at some point become autonomous and bring her face to face with the law. She leaves her home and finds refuge in nature. But as much as her morals dictate that she did the right thing, in reality her chronic trauma follows her everywhere. The end comes as redemption.

The Ellinikon Urban Park

The Ellinikon Urban Park

What? Athens’s new coastal development is on track to revitalize its defunct airport as Europe’s largest coastal park. The Ellinikon will be an urban center built with sustainability and accessibility from the outset.

Chaos in Greek Mythology

Chaos in Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, "Chaos" refers to the void state preceding the creation of the universe or cosmos. It's a term that represents the initial formlessness, a vast, dark, indefinite space or abyss from which the first entities appeared. The concept of Chaos can be found in ancient Greek literature, notably in Hesiod's "Theogony," which describes the genealogy and origins of the gods.

The Minoan Period C.3200 BC to C.1100 BC

The Minoan Period C.3200 BC to C.1100 BC

The existence of a sophisticated, flourishing society on ancient Crete was discovered by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, from 1900-1905, when he organized the excavations at Knossos. The labyrinth-like maze of rooms called to mind the myth of King Minos and the Minotaur, and Evans named this very old society "Minoan."

The Ancient Buried City of Akrotiri

The Ancient Buried City of Akrotiri

Sailing into port in Santorini on a cruise ship is a breathtaking experience. Cliffs with five red and brown ribbons of pumice and ash rise above, with the picturesque, whitewashed towns of Thera and Oia at the crest. A donkey path or funicular are your only options to ascend from the sea.

The 12 Labors of Herakles

The 12 Labors of Herakles

The Twelve Labors of Hercules, or Herakles, occupy a special place in the pantheon of Greek mythology, and in the worldview of the ancient Greeks.

The "Greek Foot"

The "Greek Foot"

In ancient Greece, having a second toe longer than the big toe was considered a standard of beauty.

The History & Mythology of the Amazons

The History & Mythology of the Amazons

The Amazons are a group of warrior women from Greek mythology known for their fierceness in battle and their society where men were excluded from most activities and decision-making processes.

Greek Cypriot refugee Solomos Solomou

Greek Cypriot refugee Solomos Solomou

In this picture, Greek Cypriot refugee Solomos Solomou is attempting to climb a flagpole in order to remove a Turkish flag from its mast in the United Nations Buffer Zone in Cyprus. He was then shot and killed by a Turkish officer (Deryneia, Cyprus 1996).

Ancient Greek Prostitutes

Ancient Greek Prostitutes

In Ancient Greece, prostitutes were classified into two classes; the Pornai and the Hetairai. The Pornai served many men at once, and frequently worked on the street. In contrast, Hetarai were educated, had few clients, and provided companionship and intellectual discussion as well as sex.

Ancient Greek Midwives

Ancient Greek Midwives

In ancient Greece, men weren't allowed to become midwives because it was required by law one had to have given birth themselves to qualify as one.

Greek Superstitions Defined

Greek Superstitions Defined

The Greek culture, from ancient to modern times, goes hand in hand with superstition. Today, we will explore some of the most common, as well as uncommon, superstitions followed by ancient (as well as modern) Greeks.

Hidden from the Nazis

Hidden from the Nazis

When Nazis invaded Greece, the staff of the Archaeological Museum in Athens buried all statues and artifacts in concrete fortified trenches stretching from the basement. The Nazis found an empty museum. No one gave away the secret!