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nadellii

Active member
From what I understand, Metaxas was a somewhat controversial figure in Greece. However, he is the one who stood his ground against the Axis Powers when they wanted Greece to allow occupation during World War II without a fight.

I guess at the time, a representative from Italy gave Metaxas an ultimatum from Mussolini. I heard somewhere that what he really said was: “Alors, c’est la guerre.” Which means, then it is war. The Greek people translated it as "Oxi".

In my mind, this is Philotimo. Standing against Italy and the Axis Powers was the right thing to do.

Does anyone know why Metaxas is generally considered controversial? Does it have to do with Oxi day or something else?
 

k_tsoukalas

Moderator
I think that he was controversial because of his politics. I think it tracked to the 4th of August Regime and the fact that he was appointed by the king. He wanted to remain neutral during WWII but as the events unfolded, he knew that the right thing to do was to stand up against the Axis Powers.
 

When is Ochi Day?

Is Ochi Day coming up? It's a federal holiday in Greece, right?

Does anyone have any resources?

I know that this was an important milestone in world history, and definitely in Greece, but I feel like we don't learn much about it outside of Greece.

Even though Greece was ultimately occupied by the Axis Powers, people around the world were inspired that Greece stood up to them and actually almost succeeded.

Powerful stuff.

What is considered Modern Greece?

So, I always assumed that Modern Greece referred to the time period starting with the War for Independence.

Then, Ancient Greece, I always assumed, ended in BC times.

What about all those periods in between? Is this too simplistic of a way to look at it? How do people classify all the phases of Greek history?

Earliest Civilizations of Greece

When I visit Greece, I love to learn about the history. I want to Greece for a bit this past summer and loved learning about the Minoans. Were they the earliest or was there a civilization before them?

Prior to this trip, I had thought the Minoans were contained to Crete, but I went to Santorini and Aegina, as well, and they also talked about the Minoan influence. Fascinating stuff. I want to learn about the Mycenaeans, too. Were they kind of at the same time as the Minoans?

How did the Spartan "greatness" end?

I realize my question probably has a complicated answer. I am looking for information on how the Spartans met their demise. They were once mighty soldiers and a powerful (were they a city-state) - but that all ended. How?

I know that powerful empires, kingdoms, city-states - it all comes to an end eventually. That's the way history is. I want to study the ending for Sparta. I heard that it was a combination of factors. Wars taking a toll, not being able to sustain the lifestyle that gave them so much success, etc. Any resources you can share so I can do my research are most appreciated, as well.

For Ancient Greeks, Our Modern Democracy is an Oligarchy.

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