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auroracoor1

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This is the description straight from the article. "Still more compelling is the reference to Greek culture in the tomb inscription. The epigraph states that Marcus Venerius Secundio “gave Greek and Latin ludi for the duration of four days”. Ludi graeci were theater performances in Greek language. “It is the first clear evidence of performances at Pompeii in the Greek language, which had previously been hypothesised on the basis of indirect indicators,” says the Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, Gabriel Zuchtriegel."

 
This is the description straight from the article. "Still more compelling is the reference to Greek culture in the tomb inscription. The epigraph states that Marcus Venerius Secundio “gave Greek and Latin ludi for the duration of four days”. Ludi graeci were theater performances in Greek language. “It is the first clear evidence of performances at Pompeii in the Greek language, which had previously been hypothesised on the basis of indirect indicators,” says the Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, Gabriel Zuchtriegel."

That is an extraordinary discovery because it implies that, if plays were performed in Greek, there must have been a Greek-speaking population for an audience. Since we have no Pompeian literature, scholars have usually assumed that Pompeii was a Roman (resort) city and that, for instance, the innumerable paintings in the city (often on Greek subjects) were not created by local Greeks and were copies of works in Hellas. They even forgot the nearby Oracle of KymE [Cumae in Latin] and the comic Atellan Plays in the same Campanian region, not to mention the books in Greek by Parmenides and the other Eleatic philosophers.
 
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That is an extraordinary discovery because it implies that, if plays were performed in Greek, there must have been a Greek-speaking population for an audience. Since we have no Pompeian literature, scholars have usually assumed that Pompeii was a Roman (resort) city and that, for instance, the innumerable paintings in the city (often on Greek subjects) were not created by local Greeks and were copies of works in Hellas. They even forgot the nearby Oracle of KymE [Cumae in Latin] and the comic Atellan Plays in the same Campanian region, not to mention the books in Greek by Parmenides and the other Eleatic philosophers.
Thanks for the additional context
 
That is an extraordinary discovery because it implies that, if plays were performed in Greek, there must have been a Greek-speaking population for an audience. Since we have no Pompeian literature, scholars have usually assumed that Pompeii was a Roman (resort) city and that, for instance, the innumerable paintings in the city (often on Greek subjects) were not created by local Greeks and were copies of works in Hellas. They even forgot the nearby Oracle of KymE [Cumae in Latin] and the comic Atellan Plays in the same Campanian region, not to mention the books in Greek by Parmenides and the other Eleatic philosophers.
Not a Reply but an Addition to the things scholars have constantly forgotten: Pompeiians had books written in Greek. This is not hearsay, because, through delicate modern techniques, Italians have reconstructed a book (by Epicurus, 3rd century B.C.) by analyzing the charred pages due to the volcanic eruption of 79 A.D. Most of the works written by this hedonistic philosopher from Samos have been lost who advocated Ataraxia [tranquillity; ...] as the good of life.
 
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Not a Reply but an Addition to the things scholars have constantly forgotten: Pompeiians had books written in Greek. This is not hearsay, because, through delicate modern techniques, Italians have reconstructed a book (by Epicurus, 3rd century B.C.) by analyzing the charred pages due to the volcanic eruption of 79 A.D. Most of the works written by this hedonistic philosopher from Samos have been lost who advocated Ataraxia [tranquillity; ...] as the good of life.
So cool to see how we were all connected back then without technology, thanks for sharing
 
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This is an amazing discovery. I read somewhere that Pompeii in its early days was part of Magna Graecia (part of Ancient Greece) but then switched over to Roman control...
 
This is an amazing discovery. I read somewhere that Pompeii in its early days was part of Magna Graecia (part of Ancient Greece) but then switched over to Roman control...
In the 8th century B.C., various Greek trading posts [for pottery etc.] were etablished in southern Italy`. There followed Greek settlements [colonization] and founding of new cities... On a critical occasion, Pericles sent various Greeks to repopulate a city [Thourioi]; the sophist Protagoras and Herodotus were amongst them. Thourioi was attacked by Hannibal, but refugees founded what happens to be my native town. The hellenization was so vast that the Romans called southern Italy "Magna Graecia", which included Pompeii [near Naples/Neapolis and KymE]. For the sake of expansion in the Mediterranean, the Romans took administrative control of Magna Graecia, where they built roads to port-cities and their language became predominant. Pompeii and the island of Capri became Roman resort places, whereas the Sicilian Syracuse (the homeland of the great Archimedes) was conquered militarily. The Romans chased the vandalizing Hannibal off Italy and drove Pyrrhus of Epirus off Magna Graecia, but did not stop the invading Longobards, so that eventually my native town became an "oppidum Longobardorum" [town/fief of the Longobards] and lost its former freedom. Some toponyms and a bunch of words is what is left of its Greek culture. I have analysed the words of my native language: they are Greek and, at least in origin, Latin, and Italian (including some Italianized Longobardic words).
 
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In the 8th century B.C., various Greek trading posts [for pottery etc.] were etablished in southern Italy`. There followed Greek settlements [colonization] and founding of new cities... On a critical occasion, Pericles sent various Greeks to repopulate a city [Thourioi]; the sophist Protagoras and Herodotus were amongst them. Thourioi was attacked by Hannibal, but refugees founded what happens to be my native town. The hellenization was so vast that the Romans called southern Italy "Magna Graecia", which included Pompeii [near Naples/Neapolis and KymE]. For the sake of expansion in the Mediterranean, the Romans took administrative control of Magna Graecia, where they built roads to port-cities and their language became predominant. Pompeii and the island of Capri became Roman resort places, whereas the Sicilian Syracuse (the homeland of the great Archimedes) was conquered militarily. The Romans chased the vandalizing Hannibal off Italy and drove Pyrrhus of Epirus off Magna Graecia, but did not stop the invading Longobards, so that eventually my native town became an "oppidum Longobardorum" [town/fief of the Longobards] and lost its former freedom. Some toponyms and a bunch of words is what is left of its Greek culture. I have analysed the words of my native language: they are Greek and, at least in origin, Latin, and Italian (including some Italianized Longobardic words).
I love the Roman Empire, one of my favourites for sure. Thanks for sharing
 

Learning about the Olympic Games

It's an Olympics year so I thought I would chat a bit about the Olympic Games!

The original Olympic Games, held in Olympia, Greece, were primarily a festival celebrating Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. These games began around 776 BC and featured a range of athletic competitions, from foot races to combat sports like wrestling and boxing. Interestingly, the games were so significant that wars were put on hold, and conflicts paused to allow athletes and spectators to travel safely to Olympia. This ancient tradition of the Olympic Truce or "Ekecheiria" is a testament to the power of sport in fostering peace and unity, a principle that remains at the heart of the Olympics today.

I find it absolutely intriguing how these ancient games laid the groundwork for the modern Olympics, introducing concepts of sportsmanship, excellence, and the idea of bringing people together through the universal language of sport.

Has anyone visited ancient Olympia? Do you guys enjoy watching the Olympic Games?

What is Oxi Day?

I am most knowledgeable about the cuisine of Greece. I love to cook, and I learned how to make traditional Greek foods from my family.

Food is what we discussed, talked about, and enjoyed together over the years.

We barely talk about history - so when I happened to learn about Ohi Day in passing by poking around some Greek sites, I was surprised it wasn't talked about in my household growing up.

I want to know more about Ohi Day and why we celebrate. Any advice as to where to start?

Athens and the creation of democracy

I've been thinking about Athens and how it's the birth of democracy. I wondered if other societies had experimented with the concepts or if Athens was unique? Does anyone know? I know that there's been some evidence that other societies experimented with community leadership, but none had a true democracy like what Athens developed.

It was unique in developing a system where a significant portion of its inhabitants could participate directly in decision-making processes. This early form of democracy was largely initiated under the leadership of Cleisthenes in 508/507 BC. His reforms reorganized the population into ten tribes based on their residence rather than lineage, promoting a broader and more inclusive political engagement.

In this Athenian democracy, citizens had the right to attend the Assembly (Ekklesia), where they could speak and vote on legislation and executive decisions. The Council of Five Hundred (Boule), selected by lot for each of the ten tribes, proposed legislation and handled daily affairs. This lottery system for public office sought to prevent power monopolies and encourage civic participation.

I know that this work truly influenced other democratic governments through the world!

Feel free to chime in with your thoughts- I find this stuff interesting.

Learning about Greek Independence Day

March 25th marks a significant celebration in Greece, but I realize my knowledge on its historical context is quite limited.

From what I understand, this day commemorates the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821, where Greece sought to end several centuries of Ottoman rule. However, I'm eager to learn more about the intricacies of this period, the key figures involved, and how the struggle for independence unfolded over time.

Additionally, I'd be interested in understanding how this day is celebrated across Greece today and whether any particular traditions are tied to it. For example, are there specific ceremonies, parades, or family traditions that uniquely mark this day in Greek culture?


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Interesting Greek History Topics I Like

The Persian Wars: The wars fought between Greece and the Persian empire in the 5th century BC were some of the most consequential conflicts of ancient times. Learn about the key events, such as the Battle of Marathon and the Battle of Thermopylae, and the strategies that allowed the Greeks to repel the Persian invaders.

The Rise of Athens: Arguably the most influential city-state in ancient Greece, Athens was the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the arts. Follow the rise of Athens from a humble village to a powerhouse of trade and culture.

The Peloponnesian War: The decades-long conflict between Athens and Sparta was a turning point in Greek history, leading to the decline of Athens and the rise of Macedon under Philip II and his son Alexander.

The Life of Alexander the Great: The young conqueror who led his armies across the known world, Alexander the Great is one of the most famous and admired figures of ancient history. Learn about his upbringing, his conquests, and his legacy.

The Olympic Games: A tradition that continues to this day, the ancient Olympics were a celebration of sports, culture, and political power. Explore the origins of the games and the events that took place.
Share and discuss Greek history!

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