Greek History Community

What is your favorite moment in Greek history?

1 - 8 of 8 Posts
E

efhernandez_

Active member
Drop them in the thread below!! Mine is Oxi day of course!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: xmelissaa
Oxi Day is a great one! I would say the Greek War of Independence, I love learning about it
 
  • Like
Reactions: cf_fraiser
I agree 100% OXI Day has to be the best moment in Greek history!

186102612.jpeg
 
Of course OXI day❤️🙏🙏🙏
 
  • Like
Reactions: cf_fraiser and greek_ggirl
efhernandez_ said:
Drop them in the thread below!! Mine is Oxi day of course!!
Click to expand...
There are so many important moments! As I take "history" as "Universal (not simply Political) History", my favorite moment is the moment when the Ionian Anaximander started thinking Peri Physeis (About Physis), these words being the title of a book he wrote and were later translated into Latin as De Natura, Natura (Nature) being the realm of whatever is born, emerges, or develops. This was the moment when philosophy was born, namely the search for true knowledge, whose history will include science (or Galileo's "Dialogues Concerning Two New Sciences" -- bodies of true knowledge -- today known as Physics and Science of Materials). The Anaximandrian Physics, which was not experimental, is rather a cosmo-genesis that was prompted by his teacher Thales. Thales held that things are born from water [the fertile Sea] but held that the world is full of [causative] gods, whereas Anaximander's world is autonomous -- a concept that will held by all the Greek philosophical physicists. // Anax. did not invent Physis, which was already in his language! SO, my view: philosophy cannot arise in any culture, since it is pursued through language, rather than in a vacuum or by contact with that which is being investigated. The entities of a language make a whole difference. [This is Value # 1 of the Greek Language; I'm omitting the other values, besides the normal/obvious Communication.] [Sorry, Aristotle: Anax., not Thales. is the first philosopher. You, too, are a physicist.]
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: cf_fraiser and francescool
amygdalE said:
There are so many important moments! As I take "history" as "Universal (not simply Political) History", my favorite moment is the moment when the Ionian Anaximander started thinking Peri Physeis (About Physis), these words being the title of a book he wrote and were later translated into Latin as De Natura, Natura (Nature) being the realm of whatever is born, emerges, or develops. This was the moment when philosophy was born, namely the search for true knowledge, whose history will include science (or Galileo's "Dialogues Concerning Two New Sciences" -- bodies of true knowledge -- today known as Physics and Science of Materials). The Anaximandrian Physics, which was not experimental, is rather a cosmo-genesis that was prompted by his teacher Thales. Thales held that things are born from water [the fertile Sea] but held that the world is full of [causative] gods, whereas Anaximander's world is autonomous -- a concept that will held by all the Greek philosophical physicists. // Anax. did not invent Physis, which was already in his language! SO, my view: philosophy cannot arise in any culture, since it is pursued through language, rather than in a vacuum or by contact with that which is being investigated. The entities of a language make a whole difference. [This is Value # 1 of the Greek Language; I'm omitting the other values, besides the normal/obvious Communication.] [Sorry, Aristotle: Anax., not Thales. is the first philosopher. You, too, are a physicist.]
Click to expand...
A philosophy fan I see, which Greek philosophers do you recommend reading?
 
cf_fraiser said:
A philosophy fan I see, which Greek philosophers do you recommend reading?
Click to expand...
More than a fan, I spent years studying it (and more time on my own). What I liked most was a graduate course on the ancient Greek philosophy. I recommend "The Presocratics", a collection of the fragments of the philosophical writings before Socrates, which are mostly quotations by other authors, It includes Anaximander, the Pythagoreans, Heraclitus, Parmenides, etc.) Then: any or all of Plato's "Dialogues", some of which are called Socratic since they are conversations in the style of the historic Socrates (who never wrote anything) and inquiries about subjects [virtues, love (in the "Symposium"), the soul, etc.] dear to him, while others represent Plato's own inquiries: the "Republic" [Politeia] and, in addition to others, my favorite, the "Theaetetus" (on perception and true knowledge). I love also many works written by the Stoics and their Roman followers, especially Cicero. Aristotle and the Stoics for the creation of Logic! [Logic is he art or science of correct/rational reasoning and argumentation. Related: the study of fallacies -- blunders of the mind, many of which, says Aristotle, are due to the misuse of... guess: language.]
 
Last edited:
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Learning about the Spartan way of life

I find the Spartans fascinating. They seemed to have a different way of life!

The Spartans, known for their military might, also led a lifestyle that was remarkably disciplined and focused on simplicity.

The core of Spartan society was its military-oriented ethos. From a young age, Spartan boys were trained to be soldiers in the agoge, a rigorous education system that emphasized physical training, endurance, and survival skills. This preparation was not just about warfare but about creating individuals who were resilient, self-sufficient, and disciplined.

But Spartan discipline extended beyond the military sphere. Spartans lived a life of austerity and frugality that is quite alien to our modern way of living. Meals were simple, homes were unadorned, and luxuries were frowned upon. This was not out of a lack of resources but a deliberate choice to avoid softness and dependency on material comforts.

Interestingly, this Spartan simplicity also fostered a sense of equality among citizens. By eschewing luxury, Spartans aimed to reduce divisions within their society. Wealth and status were downplayed, while military prowess and moral integrity were valued above all.

What do you guys think about this or what can you add to my thinking?

Greek Independence Day History

Greek Independence Day is coming up! I thought I would share a bit that I know about the history. Please chime in with corrections or anything to add!
  1. The Spark of Revolution: Greek Independence Day marks the day in 1821 when the Greeks began their revolt against the Ottoman Empire, a state that had controlled Greece for nearly 400 years. This revolt was influenced by the surge of nationalism throughout Europe and inspired by the Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
  2. A Poet’s Declaration: The revolution officially began after Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the Greek flag at the Monastery of Agia Lavra in Peloponnese, symbolizing the call to arms. However, it was rumored that the war of independence was actually declared a few days earlier by Alexandros Ypsilantis, a Greek national hero, in the Danubian Principalities.
  3. International Support: The Greek fight for independence was not just a local effort; it garnered substantial international support from prominent figures such as Lord Byron from Britain, who notably spent his own money and later died in Greece, contributing to the Greek cause. This international backing was crucial for the morale of the Greek fighters and helped in diplomatic efforts later on.
  4. The Battle of Navarino: A pivotal point in the Greek War of Independence was the Battle of Navarino in 1827, where the combined fleets of Britain, France, and Russia defeated the Ottoman and Egyptian fleets. This naval battle marked a significant turning point that led to the eventual independence of Greece.
  5. Recognition and Autonomy: Greek Independence was formally recognized in 1830 by the Treaty of London. However, full sovereignty and the delineation of the Greek borders were not achieved until later. It allowed the foundation of the modern Greek state, under the governance of King Otto from Bavaria.

How did the Marshall Plan affect Greece?

I've recently taken an interest in the post-WWII recovery efforts and came across the Marshall Plan, which was introduced by the United States to aid European countries in rebuilding their economies. Given that Greece was significantly affected during the war, I'm curious about the specific impact the Marshall Plan had on Greece.

From what I've gathered, Greece, like many other European countries, faced tremendous economic challenges post-WWII, including infrastructure damage, inflation, and high unemployment rates. The Marshall Plan, formally known as the European Recovery Program, promised substantial financial aid to help rebuild war-torn nations, but I'm curious about how this plan was implemented in Greece specifically and what long-term effects it had on its economy and society.

I am so curious as to how, specifically, this plan affected Greece?

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.

Family Trees

Hey fellow members,

As we traverse the rich tapestry of Greek culture and history on this platform, I've been pondering something quite fascinating: our family histories. How many of us have delved into the intricate branches of our family trees?

Genealogy, the study of family history and lineage, often unveils captivating stories, connections, and traditions passed down through generations. Whether you're just beginning to trace your ancestry or have been meticulously documenting it for years, I'd love to hear about your experiences.

Here are a few questions to spark our discussion:

  1. What inspired you to start researching your family history?
  2. Have you encountered any unexpected discoveries or fascinating tales along the way?
  3. What resources or tools have you found most helpful in your genealogical journey?
  4. Do you have any tips or advice for someone interested in starting their own family tree?
Feel free to share your insights, anecdotes, or even questions you might have about genealogy. Let's embark on this journey together and unravel the stories that shape our identities!

Looking forward to our discussion,

RizeGen
Share and discuss Greek history!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top