Tag: Greek history

Modern Olympic Games

On this day in 1896, the first Modern Olympic Games begins in Athens

On April 6, 1896, the Olympic Games were reborn in Athens, 1,500 years after Roman Emperor Theodosius I banned them in 393 A.D. to curb pagan traditions. At the opening ceremony, King Georgios I of Greece and 60,000 spectators welcomed athletes from 13 nations to the Panathenaic Stadium. The ancient Olympics, first recorded in 776 B.C. at Olympia during a festival honoring Zeus, had thrived for over a millennium, expanding from foot races to include wrestling, chariot racing, and the pentathlon, before their suppression under Roman rule.

On this day in 1957, Onassis buys Olympic Airways

April 6,1957: Onassis buys Olympic Airways and the “Golden Era” begins

On April 6, 1957, Aristotle Onassis acquired Olympic Airways from the Greek government, ushering in what would become known as the “Golden Era” of aviation in Greece. Initially focused on domestic routes, the airline steadily expanded under Onassis’s vision, evolving into one of the world’s premier carriers and linking Greece to destinations across the globe.

Mystras Unesco

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greece 2025

The sun dips low over the rugged cliffs of Meteora, casting golden hues across monasteries perched impossibly atop stone pillars, a testament to human devotion since their inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Far to the south, the Acropolis of Athens, honored in 1987, stands as an enduring symbol of ancient democracy, its marble columns whispering tales of a civilization that shaped the Western world. From the medieval walls of Rhodes (1988) to the sacred stillness of Mount Athos (1988), Greece’s eighteen UNESCO sites weave a tapestry of history, faith, and artistry, each a chapter in a story spanning millennia.

2024 10 Bartholomew GCT Bourdo 57

Prime Minister Albanese’s Message on Greek Independence Day: A Celebration of Heritage and Unity

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered a heartfelt message on Greek Independence Day, celebrating the contributions of the Greek Australian community to Australia’s rich multicultural identity. Reflecting on the shared history between Australia and Greece, he expressed gratitude for the hard work, dedication, and warmth of Greek Australians, acknowledging their vital role in shaping the modern nation. Albanese also highlighted the deep ties of friendship and culture between the two countries, confident that this year’s celebrations would unite and uplift the Greek Australian community with pride and joy. Zito e Ellas!

In Sydney the commemoration of the National Day was celebrated on Sunday March 23

Commemorating March 25, Greek Independence Day

Each year on March 25, Greeks worldwide celebrate Greek Independence Day, marking the 204th anniversary of the 1821 uprising against Ottoman rule. This national holiday honors the start of a fierce struggle that ended four centuries of oppression under the Ottoman Empire. From the fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the decisive Battle of Navarino in 1827, Greece’s journey to freedom was shaped by resilience, resistance, and international support. Today, parades and flag-waving from Athens to the global diaspora celebrate a legacy of courage and the enduring spirit of a nation reborn

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Homer’s ‘Iliad’ to Echo Through Acropolis Museum for World Poetry Day

On Friday, the Acropolis Museum courtyard will host a reading of Homer’s Iliad in modern Greek, marking World Poetry Day with a free event by ERT’s Third Program. From 09:00 to 21:00, Athens University students will recite 12 rhapsodies live, joined by Director Nikolaos Stampolidis and ancient lyre music from Nikos Xanthoulis, streaming worldwide for Greeks to relive their epic heritage.