Tag: ancient Greece

Suvee Joseph Benoit Milo of Croton

Olympian Milo of Croton Won Gold Without Competing as Opponents Feared Facing Him

Milo of Croton, the legendary ancient Greek wrestler, once won an Olympic gold medal without competing, as no opponent dared face him. With six Olympic titles and 30 victories, his dominance and incredible feats of strength, like carrying a bull on his shoulders, left rivals and spectators in awe—until a tragic encounter with wolves brought his storied career to a gruesome end.

sculpt

Anthropologist Alice Roberts Backs Greece’s Claim to the Parthenon Sculptures

Prominent British anthropologist and TV presenter Professor Alice Roberts has voiced her support for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece. Speaking while filming her new documentary Ancient Greece by Train, Roberts echoed Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni’s call for repatriation, stating that the sculptures belong back in Athens. She emphasised the need to acknowledge historical injustices linked to colonial-era acquisitions, comparing the situation to how Britain might feel if pieces of Stonehenge were held abroad. The long-standing dispute over the Parthenon sculptures remains unresolved, though recent discussions signal progress.

An aerial view of the Assos excavation site scaled e1741562680994

Assos Excavations Uncover 2,200-Year-Old Mosaic and Monumental Tomb

Archaeological excavations in Assos, an ancient Hellenistic city in Turkey, have uncovered a remarkable 2,200-year-old mosaic and a 1,800-year-old monumental tomb. Led by Professor Nurettin Arslan, the latest findings shed light on the city’s rich history as a cultural and philosophical hub during the Hellenistic period, with notable figures like Aristotle having taught there. The discoveries continue to reveal Assos’ significance in ancient Mediterranean culture.

martis

Martaki: What does the bracelet we wear in March symbolize?

The tradition of wearing a red and white thread bracelet, known as “Martis” or “Martaki” in Greece, marks the arrival of March throughout the Balkans. Rooted in ancient Greece and potentially linked to the Eleusinian Mysteries, this custom symbolizes protection, particularly for children, from the strong spring sun and illness. Worn throughout March, the bracelet is then traditionally placed on rose bushes or tree branches for swallows to use in their nests. This practice is connected to folklore beliefs about swallows carrying disease and the protective power of the red and white threads. Similar traditions exist in other Balkan countries like Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia, Albania, and Moldova, each with their own variations and interpretations.