Earthquake rattles with 5.4 R southern Greece, felt in Athens

 An strong earthquake rattled with 5.4 on the Richter scale parts of southern Greece early on Saturday morning. The tremor occurred in the sea area between western Crete and south Peloponnese at 7:16 a.m. local time, the Athens Geodynamic Institute reported. Its focal depth was 57.6 km.

Greek media reported the earthquake was felt from Athens to Crete.

It was “about five seconds long, quite strong even in the basement of a building,” one witness in the city of Chania on Crete, wrote on the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) testimony board.

Greece’s fire brigade service said it had no reports of damage.

“Because of its considerable depth, the tremor was felt in a wider area,” Efthymios Lekkas, head of Greece’s organisation for anti-seismic planning, told Greek state broadcaster ERT.

ECB’s decision on Greek bonds a “message of confidence”, says Greece

A decision taken by the European Central Bank on Greece is a strong message of confidence and a signal of acknowledging the progress made by our country, Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said on Friday, commenting on an ECB’s decision on Greek bonds.

The European Central Bank will offer threefold support to Greece after the end of the extraordinary quantitative easing program (PEPP) in March, and despite Greece’s exclusion from the conventional QE program (APP). Frankfurt will reserve the option of purchasing Greek bonds worth at least 20 billion euros and therefore cover the Greek state’s issuing activity.

That support will come through the extension of the bond reinvestment period, the flexibility that the reinvestment will have, and the possibility of reactivating the PEPP if required. Importantly, all ECB Governing Council members were in favor of that support to Greece, thanks to the systematic work by all Bank of Greece officials involved over the last six months.

“This is a very strong signal for Greece,” said ECB chief Christine Lagarde at a press conference, noting that the country “has clearly recorded great progress, especially at the front of reforms, and its credit rating has improved considerably.”

Staikouras stressed that this decision and the comments made by ECB’s president added to the chain of recent reports by partners, institutions and credit rating companies, which all certified that the country was moving towards the right direction and that its economic policy and the sacrifices of the citizens were bearing fruit.

He stressed, however, that the government and its economic team have no room for complacency that it will continue implementing reforms, and a prudent fiscal policy.

The FinMin noted that that the government and the economic team are working with a plan and with determination and confidence to further strenthen the country and to obtain, the soonest possible, the investment grade.

 

State Department approves potential frigate sale to Greece, despite agreement with France

WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department on Friday approved a pair of potential deals for frigate construction and modernization with Greece, as the Hellenic Navy navigates a complex effort to upgrade its surface fleet.

Greece has an ongoing competition for a three-part plan: upgrade its four Hydra-class MEKO 200 frigates; obtain an interim capability it can operate while the MEKOs are at the maintenance yard; and buy four new frigates. Additional objectives, as outlined to the U.S. Navy, were to involve the Greek industrial base and to increase interoperability with the U.S. as a NATO ally and frequent collaborator in the Mediterranean Sea and elsewhere.

Pope Francis arrived in Lesvos

At just a few minutes after 10:00AM, the plane carrying Pope Francis to Lesvos landed at Mytilene airport.

Pope Francis will visit refugees in the “Welcome Center and Authentication” at Kara Tepe.

The President of the Republic, who arrived on the island half an hour earlier, will accompany the Primate of the Roman Catholic Church during his visit.

The two of them had a short conversation upon his arrival, while Metropolitan Iakovos welcomed him to the island.

The Vice President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schoinas, and the Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Notis Mitarachi, will also be in Kara Tepe.

The Pope will stay for about an hour at the “Reception and Identification Center” and at 12:15 he will leave Lesvos for Athens.

At 16:45 he will perform a Divine Liturgy at the Athens Concert Hall.

Kythera: An Enchanting Greek Island Where History Meets Beauty

Kythera is a unique Greek island full of majestic beaches and green mountainous terrain, so there is something there for everyone.

Kythera is a lesser known Greek island, as it is overshadowed in fame by Antikythera and the its amazing Antikythera Mechanism, discovered off its shores.

The island is opposite the south-eastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula. It was inhabited in ancient times and has the oldest sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite.

Through the 19th century it was a trade crossroads of several civilizations and cultures, including Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman.

History of the Greek Island of Kythera

The Venetian rule marked the culture and idiosyncrasy of Kytherians. It contributed to their excellence in the arts, politics and commerce.

Due to the historical relationship between the Ionian Islands and Italy, many Kytherians studied in Italian cities.

Several Greek politicians and prominent academics hail from Kythera. General Panos Koroneos served as Minister of War in the mid-1800s; Panagiotis Tsitsilias was a Liberal Party MP; Spiridon Stais was MP for Harilaos Trikoupis’ party and Minister of Education.

Also, Grigorios Kassimatis was a distinguished academic; MP Grigorios L. Kassimatis fought in the Resistance; Giorgos Kassimatis was one of the most distinguished professors at the Law School of Athens and a writer.

In the arts and literature, Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) – also known for his roots in Lefkada – is Japan’s national poet and lived in Kythera in the second half of the 19th century.

Painter Georgios Drizos, the engraver and lithographer Vasilios Charos, the painter and engraver Manolis Charos, photographers Panagiotis Fatseas and Manolis Sofios, were all artists whose body of work makes a priceless cultural heritage for the island.

Kytherians in Australia

If you visit Kythera, you will be surprised by the percentage of Australian tourists among visitors. The reason is that thousands of Kytherians went to Australia in the first wave of migration to the land down under in the early 20th century.

It is estimated that there are over 60,000 Greek-Australians of Kytherian descent living in Australia and the Kytherian community of Sydney is one of the oldest communities in the

In the dawn of the 20th century, hundreds of Kytherians could not sustain and raise a family on the island due to its small size and mountainous terrain.

Many were forced to migrate to Australia, since America had made migration policies more strict by that time. So Kytherians settled in Sydney and Brisbane instead.

So it is natural that the second and third generation Greek-Australians of Kytherian decsent to want to make a connection with their ancestral roots, while having a great holiday.

Once there, let yourself be enchanted by Kythera

Kythera is ideal for relaxation and is great for families and nature lovers. The more adventurous types can enjoy hiking, cycling or splash in the waterfalls.

Off the beaten track despite its ferry connections and an airport, the island still somehow has remained a hidden Greek treasure.

Don’t be surprised if you go to a small beach and find that you can have it all for yourself for a few hours.

In Kythera you can stay in Palaiochora, Agia Pelagia, Diakofti, Livadi, Avlemonas and other villages.

Ten great beaches on the Greek island

Kythera has many great beaches, typical of the Aegean Sea, with clear turquoise waters and golden sands.

Kaladi is on the east side of the island, near Paleopoli. The beach has average size pebbles, while the waters are deep, and ideal for diving.

Vroulea is on the southeast part of Kythera, near Kalamos. It is rather isolated and has pebbly sand.

Kapsali, is also south, but this is a large beach with pebbly sand and shallow waters. It is a busy family beach with deckchairs, umbrellas, restaurants, snack bars, and cafes.

Chalkos  is in Kalamos and it is an average size beach with big rocks and pebbles. It has blue-green waters with beautiful reflections. The beach is lined with deckchairs, umbrellas and snack-bars like Kapsali.

Fyri Ammos is a large beach also in Kalamos, with coarse red sand, it is a rocky beach with deep waters and a cave. You can find deckchairs, beach umbrellas and a snack-bar there.

Fournoi is rocky beach on the northeastern part of the island with the same offerings as Fyri Ammos.

Gerakari is a small isolated beach in the northwest. It has pebbly sand and offers lots of privacy so couples can enjoy a romantic sunset.

Lorentzo in Agia Pelagia is in the north part of Kythera. It has coarse crimson sand and is famous for its caves.

Limni Kakias Lagadas in Agia Pelagia is a small isolated beach with small pebbles between a lake and the sea.

Fyri Ammos of Agia Pelagia is in the northeast part of the island. It is very busy with deep waters, coarse red sand and pebbles.

Other natural wonders on Kythera

There is more to Kythera than just lying on the sand or swimming in the crystal clear waters.

The ravine of Mylopotamos with its running waters starts from the center of the village and ends at Kalami beach.

Surrounded by plane trees and poplars, the water creates waterfalls and small beautiful ponds, ideal to jump in. The ravine is bordered by 22 watermills.

The mountainous part of the island is great for cycling, but requires a lot of effort and the legs of an athlete. Hiking is also an activity on offer for the more athletic types.

There is a wild and very beautiful gorge known as Kakia Lagada. It starts in Palaiochora, a Byzantine citadel formally called Agios Dimitrios, and stretches all the way to the northern coast of Kythera, east of Agia Pelagia, to Limni.

 

Six Things You Shouldn’t Say to a Greek

When visiting Greece it may be difficult for you to understand some of the cultural norms to follow during your stay in this beautiful country. To help you avoid embarrassing conversations and awkward situations, here’s a list of things to avoid saying to a Greek. You’re welcome!

Things you shouldn’t say in Greece

1. “Can I have some Turkish coffee?”

No, you may not. Truly, you never want to ask this question – not in a Greek’s home or in a cafeteria. Two reasons: first of all, it is Greek coffee and you will be told entire back story — so be sure to get comfy! Secondly, you’re in Greece — so again, it’s Greek coffee!

2. “Which way is the ocean?”

Greece is not located in the ocean! We have the Mediterranean Sea and it is divided into the other seas – the Ionian, Aegean and Cretan. If you have ever been to an island in the ocean you know there are huge waves. In Greece we are very proud of our beautiful, relatively calm blue seas, which are perfect for swimming, sailing and water sports.

3. “Where is the Pantheon”?

Wrong country. You mean the Parthenon. For Greeks, history and historical ruins are an interwoven part of culture and society. So before you come to Greece looking for the Pantheon — an Ancient Roman building located in Rome — please do a Google search!

4. “Can you teach me something to say in Greek?”

This is a bad question to ask, as many Greeks get a kick out of telling foreigners to try out the almost impossible to say, tongue-twisting word describing an ancient Greek festival dish invented by Aristophanes. Go on, try it and see how you do! It’s “Lopathotemachoselachogaleokranioleipsanodrimipotrimmatosiliphiokaravomelitokatakechimenokichlepikossiphophttoperisteralektruonoptokefalliokiglopeleiolagoosiraiovafitraganopterugon.”

5. “Here’s my address, look me up if you come to my country.”

Don’t say this unless you actually mean it! If you give your address to a Greek it is pretty much a given that if they are ever visiting your country, they will look you up. Greeks are known for their hospitality and after having welcomed you into their country, or island, or village, they will assume that you wish to do the same.

6. “Istanbul.”

Greeks still call this city Konstantinopoli. Nothing bad is going to happen to you if you call it Istanbul, but it’s a really sensitive subject for many Greeks for several reasons.

In fact, if you buy a plane ticket from Greece to go to Istanbul, you will find that it says Konstantinopoli in Greek.

Even the on the news, reporters refer to Istanbul as Konstantinopoli. Here’s why: The city is not only steeped in Greek history, it is also because of its deep religious ties. Konstantinopoli means “City of Constantine,” and was named after the Byzantine emperor who established the city as the capital of the Christian Byzantine Empire.

The Ottomans took over the city in 1453 and its name was officially changed to Istanbul in the beginning of the last century. Actually even this name means “to the city” — meaning Constantinople — but that’s a story for another day.

 

Moderna seeks EU authorization for Covid-19 vaccine in young kids

Moderna Inc on Tuesday sought conditional marketing authorization with the European Medicines Agency for use of its Covid-19 vaccine in children in the age-group of 6-11 years.

The vaccine was authorized for use in teens aged 12 to 17 years by the European Union in July, but several countries including Sweden have paused its use for people aged 30 and younger due to rare heart-related side-effects.

The drugmaker sought US authorization of its vaccine for use in teens in June and is awaiting a decision by the US Food and Drug Administration.

“This marks our first submission for the use of our vaccine in this age group,” said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive of Moderna, adding the company will submit the data to other regulatory agencies around the world.

The Greek Monkey Mystery – and an Important Clue to Bronze Age World

Ancient frescoes like that of the Greek monkeys on Santorini suggest Europe and south Asia had trade links as long as 3,600 years ago. 

By Tracie McKinney & Marie Nicole Pareja Cummings

The blue monkeys painted on the walls of Akrotiri on the Greek island of Santorini are among many animals found in the frescoes of this 3,600-year-old city. Historians have studied the murals for decades since they were unearthed in the 1960s and 1970s on the island, which was once known as Thera. But when we and a team of other primatologists recently examined the paintings, we realized the monkeys could provide a clue that the Bronze Age world was much more globalized than previously thought.

Archaeologists had assumed the monkeys were an African species, with which the Aegean people who built Akrotiri probably came into contact via trade links with Egypt. But we think the paintings actually depict Hanuman langurs, a species from the Indian subcontinent. This suggests the Aegean people, who came from Crete and the Cycladic islands in the Aegean Sea, may have had trade routes that reached over 2,500 miles.

The wall paintings of Akrotiri were preserved by ash from a volcano that destroyed the city some time in the 16th or 15th century BC and offer an incredible glimpse of an early civilization in Europe. We haven’t been able to translate the earliest Aegean writing, but the paintings suggest just how developed these people’s society, economy and culture were.

Much animal art from this period is generalized, meaning it’s hard to confidently identify individual species. In the case of the monkeys, we also don’t have any physical remains from Aegean settlements to provide additional evidence of which species are depicted.

The reason why archaeologists and art historians have assumed they came from Egypt is because that was the nearest location with an indigenous monkey population that had known trade links with the Aegean. As a result, the Akrotiri monkeys have been variously identified as baboons, vervets and grivet monkeys, all African species that live across a wide area.

Marie Pareja decided to take a different approach, gathering a team of primatologists who study apes, monkeys, and lemurs, including renowned taxonomic illustrator Stephen Nash. Together, we examined photos of the art and discussed the animals depicted, considering not only fur colour and pattern but also body size, limb proportions, sitting and standing postures, and tail position. While we all agreed that some of the animals depicted were baboons, as previously thought, we began to debate the identification of the animals from one particular scene.

Identifying the langurs of the Greeks’ monkeys

The monkeys in the paintings are grey-blue. But although some living monkeys have small patches of blue skin – the blue on a mandrill’s face, for example – none have blue fur. There is an African forest monkey called the blue monkey, but it is mainly olive or dark grey, and the face patterns don’t match those in the paintings. So we needed to use other characteristics to identify them.

They were previously believed to be vervets or grivets, small monkeys weighing between 3kg and 8kg (roughly the size of a housecat) that are found in the savannas of north and east Africa. Despite their silvery white fur, they also have dark-coloured hands and feet and an overall look that matches the depictions in the paintings.

However, Hanuman langurs, which weigh a more substantial 11 kg to 18 kg, have a similar look. They also move quite differently, and this was crucial to the identification.

Both primates primarily live on the ground (as opposed to in trees) and have long limbs and tails. But the langurs tend to carry their tail upward, as an S- or C-shape or curving towards the head, while vervets carry their tail in a straight line or arcing downward. This tail position, repeated across multiple images, was a key factor in identifying the monkeys as Hanuman langurs.

International links

We know from archaeological evidence that Aegean peoples had access to minerals such as tin, lapis lazuli and carnelian that came from beyond the Zagros mountains on the western border of modern Iran. But the artistic detail of the Akrotiri paintings, compared to other monkey art of the period, suggests that the artists had seen live animals, perhaps while traveling abroad.

It’s understandable that earlier scholars thought the monkeys were African, since relations between the Aegean and Egypt were already well known and supported by archaeological evidence. If you expect to find an African monkey, you will only look at African animals for possible explanations. But as primatologists, we were able to bring a fresh look at the evidence without preconceived notions of ancient peoples or trade routes, and consider species living further afield.

This study is an excellent example of the importance of academics from different disciplines working together. Without the expertise of primatologists, it may not have been possibly to confidently identify these animals. Conversely, primatologists may not have considered these ancient human-primate interactions without a prompt from archaeologists.

Tracie McKinney is a Senior Lecturer in Human Biology, University of South Wales.

Marie Nicole Pareja Cummings is a Consulting Scholar, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania.

Greek Islands Win Gold as “Most Desirable Region” in Travel Awards

The Greek islands have earned the top spot as the “most desirable region” for travelers in the Wanderlust 2021 Awards, which take place every year.

The awards, which are organized by Wanderlust, a British travel magazine, are based on votes from the publication’s readers.

The Fascinating Ancient History of Athens’ Monastiraki Square

Located in the heart of Athens, Monastiraki Square is a unique blend of styles, cultures and eras, ever-changing and vibrant. It is without question one of the most charming and lively areas in the Greek capital.

If you just stand at the center of Monastiraki Square and take a good look around you, you can form a more or less complete picture of Athens’ past and present, all within just a few square meters.

The stunning diversity of the architecture of its buildings alone epitomizes the turbulent history of Greece.

Layout of Monastiraki Square reflects the history of Athens

On one side of the square is the Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary Pantanassa, and on the other is the Ottoman-era Mosque of Tzistarakis.

Built in the second century AD, the pillars of Hadrian’s Library can still be seen through the arches of the mosque, while – directly above them – the Acropolis dominates your view, forming a stunning backdrop for the scene.

A number of neoclassical buildings which surround the square, including the Metro Station, add yet another era to the list of those which are already exemplified in this small space.

Recently renovated, the Square itself is now paved with mosaic “flows” of marble, stone and wrought iron, symbolizing the diversity of the Mediterranean.

There is so much more to this charming place than one might think. Let’s take a dive into Monastiraki’s fascinating history, and what makes it so completely unique today.

The history of the iconic square

The iconic metro station of Monastiraki was built in 1895 when the above-ground metro was constructed. It was actually a train, not an actual underground subway, which is why Athenians still call it the “treno.”

The treno connects the Port of Piraeus to Athens and Kifissias, a neighborhood in the north of Athens.

Presently, the underground metro line which connects the airport to the city passes through Monastiraki as well, making it a major transportation hub today.

Just like everywhere else in Athens, the creation of the metro led to discoveries of ancient ruins and artifacts, some of which are showcased in the station itself.

When the construction work for the new metro station began in 2004, there were many difficulties in this part of the city, since it abuts the riverbed of the Eridanos, which was a sacred river to the ancient Athenians.

The Eridanos River flowed from its source on the slopes of Lykabettos Hill in Athens, which rises 300 meters (908 feet) above sea level. Its waters then flowed through the Agora of ancient Athens to the archaeological site of Kerameikos, an ancient cemetery, where its bed is still visible.

The Ancient Agora of Athens

In ancient Greek times, the Agora of Athens served as the commercial, social, and political hub of the entire city, where an open-air market would be also be held at certain intervals.

It was the best place for citizens to meet up and to debate about the future of the city and any of the many other issues of the day.

Various temples built to worship the Greek gods surrounded the Agora, which meant that this space also functioned as a vital religious center.

The Ancient Agora now

Although most of the buildings in the Agora are unfortunately not well preserved, some of the most prominent buildings, including the Stoa of Attalos, an ancient “department store” which currently houses the Ancient Agora Museum, have been beautifully reconstructed.

The Agora is also home to the Temple of Hephaestus, who was the god of craftsmen. This building, one of the best-preserved temples of ancient Greece, was constructed between 449 and 415 BC.

The ancient Agora is without a doubt one of the most important landmarks in the capital. Although most of the buildings in the area have been terribly damaged over the millennia, this site’s historic importance makes it a must-see for all visitors to Greece.

Kerameikos, Athens’ Ancient Cemetery

One of the most important — but least visited — archaeological sites in Athens is Kerameikos, the ancient cemetery of Athens, which was in continuous use from the ninth century BC until Roman times.

Before the area was made into a cemetery, a number of pottery workshops existed there, leading the area to be named Kerameikos, from “keramos,” which means “pottery” in Greek.

The neighborhood was split into two parts by the ancient walls of Athens, the so-called Themistoclean Walls.

The outer part, situated outside the city walls, was made into a cemetery, but the inner section continued to be an inhabited area.

Modern archaeological excavations of the area began in 1870; the German Archaeological Institute of Athens has been in charge of the excavations from 1913 until the present day.

Over the decades, archaeologists have unearthed temple columns, marble statues and funeral offerings as well as thousands of tombs and the remains of various public buildings.

One thousand additional tombs, dating from the 4th and 5th century BC, were found during the works for the construction of Kerameikos Metro Station.

Visitors can see all the fascinating archaeological discoveries at a small museum located next to the entrance of the site.

The Tzistarakis Mosque

Located just to the right of Monastiraki station, the Mosque of Tzistarakis Aga stands as a symbol of the days of Ottoman rule over the city of Athens.

Tzistarakis was the one-time Ottoman ruler of Athens who made the fateful decision to build a mosque in 1759 on the square of the Bazaar (market), as this square was previously known.

Legend has it that Tzistarakis ordered that an ancient column from the Temple of Zeus be destroyed and made into plaster to whitewash the walls of his mosque.

However, a terrible plague devastated the city the next year, and the city’s populace accused Tzistarakis of causing the sudden breakout of the disease.

According to ancient Greek folk tradition, all ancient artifacts are imbued with spirits, and they should never be disturbed — for any reason.

As they saw it, Tzistarakis’ decision to destroy the columns angered the spirits, who took revenge by sending a plague upon the city.

In the end, the Ottoman ruler was arrested by an order of the Sultan and he was sentenced to death by decapitation.

After the modern Greek state was established, the Mosque was turned into a storage room and an armory — and it was even used as a prison at one point.

Since its restoration in 1915, it has functioned as a museum for handicrafts, and since 1975 it has exhibited a collection of early 20th century pottery from Greece, Cyprus, and Ottoman and modern Turkey.

Hadrian’s Library

Hadrian’s Library, which is found right next to the Tzistarakis Mosque, is the most impressive ancient building to be found in all of Monastiraki.

Part of the ambitious construction program of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, the library was built in the second century AD.

When finished, it was one of the most lavishly-decorated buildings of ancient Athens and was the largest library in the city.

The back wall of the library was where the most precious books and scrolls were kept. The vast complex also included reading rooms and auditoriums, and featured a long reflecting pool in its center, creating a serene environment which was suitable for the building’s function.

Unfortunately, in 267 AD the invasion of an East Germanic tribe named the Herulians resulted in the destruction of the building, and the Athenians never succeeded in restoring the library to its former glory.

The Monastery of Pantanassa

A small church dedicated to the Virgin Mary Pantanassa also lies on the corner of Monastiraki Square.

Scholars debate on the exact date when the church was built, but the prevalent theory indicates that it was constructed in the 10th century.

The small Byzantine chapel devoted to the Virgin Mary “Pantanassa” (the Universal Queen) is all that remains of a convent which existed until the time of Greek Independence, where the actual open square now lies; hence the name Monastiraki (meaning “Little monastery”).

The small church, which functioned as a Roman Catholic chapel during the reign of the Germanic people called the Franks in the 13th and 14th centuries, was also the private property of a Venetian nobleman at one time.

The Byzantine church’s appearance was drastically changed by an extensive restoration program in the seventeenth century.

In the recent past, the church was restored as much as possible to its initial form and it still operates as one of the most ancient and historic churches in the city of Athens.

From huge libraries to ancient rivers, cursed mosques, and millennia-year-old churches, Monastiraki Square is undoubtedly a place of enormous historical importance and great beauty.

Choose a free guided tour, or just wander around by yourself and explore the fascinating history this amazing Athens neighborhood has to offer.