Greek History Community

Weird Ancient Greek superstitions

1 - 5 of 5 Posts
A

axariotisxy

Active member
Did you know that some Ancient Greeks wouldn't eat beans because they said they contained the souls of dead people....eeek! Do you know of any other superstitions?
 
  • Like
Reactions: dubai_suzie
I did a google search and it seems that few traditions have remained from the ancient times. I don't know if they were recorded in history
 
axariotisxy said:
Did you know that some Ancient Greeks wouldn't eat beans because they said they contained the souls of dead people....eeek! Do you know of any other superstitions?
Click to expand...

This is something I have never heard before, but I find it fascinating! Is this possibly a "Christmas" tradition that began in Ancient Greece?

www.greekboston.com

What Are the Kalikantzaroi?

Here's an overview of the Kalikantzaroi, which is part of Greek Christmas folk lore.
www.greekboston.com www.greekboston.com
 
I've always been fascinated by how ancient beliefs affect what people still do today. After reading about some of these old Greek superstitions, I ended up talking to someone at trusted-psychics.co.uk just to see how modern interpretations compare. Was surprised how much of the old stuff still comes up, like wearing certain colors or carrying charms for protection. It's interesting how these things stick around.
 
Last edited:
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Why does the Battle of Thermopylae still capture so much attention?

The Battle of Thermopylae is one of those moments in Greek history that still seems to capture people's attention thousands of years later. The story of Leonidas and the small Greek force standing against the much larger Persian army has become a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and resistance against overwhelming odds.

Of course, the real history is more complicated than the legend, and Thermopylae was only one part of the larger Greco-Persian Wars. Still, there is something powerful about the idea of people choosing to hold their ground even when they know the outcome may not be in their favor.

I also think modern books, movies, and popular culture have helped keep the story alive, sometimes blending history with mythology. Why do you think the Battle of Thermopylae still fascinates people so much? Is it the history itself, the symbolism, or the legend that grew around it?

Learning About Ancient Corinth

I’m hoping to visit the ruins of Ancient Corinth on a future trip to Greece, and I’d like to learn more about the history before I go. I always find that I appreciate archaeological sites more when I understand what I’m looking at and know some of the stories behind the ruins.

For those who have visited Ancient Corinth, what would you recommend learning about beforehand? Are there particular periods of the city’s history, important events, or historical figures that help put the site into context? I know Corinth had an important location and a long history, but I’d like to understand more about how the city developed and changed over time.

I’d also love recommendations for books, documentaries, podcasts, or other resources that give a good introduction to Ancient Corinth. What helped you understand the site and its history before or after your visit?

Themistocles: Hero, Politician, or Master Strategist?

This weekend I met someone named Themistocles, which immediately caught my attention. We ended up having a conversation about the famous Athenian statesman and general, and it got me thinking more about his place in Greek history.

Themistocles is often credited with recognizing the importance of naval power and helping secure the Greek victory at the Battle of Salamis. Without his foresight and strategy, the Persian Wars may have had a very different outcome. At the same time, he was also a politician who made powerful enemies and was eventually ostracized from Athens.

It made me wonder how people today view him. Was he primarily a hero who helped save Greece, a brilliant politician navigating a difficult era, or one of history's greatest military strategists? I'd love to hear your thoughts on his legacy and whether you think he gets the recognition he deserves.

Which period of Greek history interests you the most?

Which period of Greek history interests you the most? There are so many fascinating eras that it can be difficult to choose just one.

Ancient Greece usually gets the most attention, especially Classical Athens, Sparta, the Persian Wars, and Alexander the Great. But I also find the Byzantine period fascinating because of its enormous influence on Greek religion, culture, art, and identity. Then there are the centuries of Ottoman rule, the Greek War of Independence, the Asia Minor Catastrophe, and Greece’s experiences during the World Wars and Civil War.

I’m curious which period everyone here finds themselves reading about most often. Is there a particular era, historical figure, battle, city, or event that drew you into Greek history?

I’d also love to hear about periods you think deserve more attention. Which part of Greek history would you recommend someone explore if they wanted to go beyond the usual ancient Greece topics?

How Democratic Was Athenian Democracy?

I’ve been studying the democracy of Athens lately, and I find it fascinating that such an influential system didn’t actually last very long in its original form. It’s often described as the birthplace of democracy, and yet when you look closely, it seems both groundbreaking and limited at the same time.

On the one hand, the idea of citizens participating directly in decision-making was radical. On the other hand, citizenship excluded women, enslaved people, and foreigners, which dramatically narrowed who had a voice. It makes me wonder how “democratic” it really was by its own standards, let alone ours.

I’m also curious how stable it truly felt at the time, given the political upheavals and eventual decline.

For those who’ve studied this period more deeply, how do you interpret Athenian democracy? Do you see it as a bold experiment that laid the groundwork for modern systems, or as something far more fragile and constrained?
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