The Fragile Future of Timeless Texts – Defending the Classics Against Disruption
by Eugenia Manolidou I recently read an article about the University of Exeter’s decision to include trigger warnings for students studying Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. These warnings alert students to potentially “distressing” themes like infant mortality, sexual violence, and warfare. While the intention may be to shield students from discomfort, it left me questioning whether […]
Eiresione and Ayermoi: Ancient Traditions in Modern Greece
by Eugenia Manolidou The Eiresione (εἰρεσιώνη), the ancient reference to the adorned olive branch, and the Ayermoi (ἀγερμοί), the roots of today’s Christmas carols (kalanta), are two vivid examples of the enduring continuity of Greek culture. The Eiresione symbolizes prosperity, community, and a connection with nature, while the Ayermoi are associated with the sung wishes […]
A Living Lesson in History: The Discovery of Constantine Palaiologos’ Portrait
The recent discovery of the unique in vivo portrait of Constantine XI Palaiologos, the last emperor of Byzantium, in the katholikon of the Old Monastery of the Archangels in Aigialeia is an event of global significance for Greek history and culture.
Classical Education: An Idea That Can Revitalize Education in Greece
Η επαναφορά της κλασικής παιδείας ως η βάση για ένα εκπαιδευτικό σύστημα που να συνδέει τη γλώσσα και την ιστορία με τις ανάγκες του σύγχρονου κόσμου, καθιστώντας έτσι την Ελλάδα πρωτοπόρο στην ενίσχυση των ανθρωπιστικών σπουδών.
Classical Studies of made of Silk
by Eugenia Manolidou The first World Congress of Classical Studies, held in Beijing from November 6 to 8, 2024, brought together professors and academics to discuss the relevance of ancient wisdom in a rapidly evolving world. However, beyond academic debates, the conference unveiled something deeper: China’s determination to establish its own classical identity. In the […]
The Urgent Need to Change the Methodology for Teaching Ancient Greek
By Eugenia Manolidou In his article on September 7, 2024, in the newspaper TA NEA titled “Should Ancient Greek be taught from middle school?” Professor Thanos Veremis raises a critical question: How can we strengthen the ties of the Greek language to its ancient sources? The professor emphasizes that Greek is the living thread connecting […]
Greek Lessons for … a Nobel Prize!
By Eugenia Manolidou The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded each year to an author whose work has made a profound contribution to literature, encompassing writings that deeply resonate with readers and offer new perspectives on the human experience. Recently, the Swedish Academy honored Han Kang, a writer from South Korea, for her “intensely poetic […]
Ancient Greek: Passing the baton
ελληνική γλώσσα, με συνεχή παρουσία πάνω από 3.000 χρόνια, είναι το νήμα που υφαίνει την ιστορία μας, η σκυτάλη που αδιάκοπα παραδίδεται από γενιά σε γενιά, η φωνή που αντηχεί στους αιώνες. Από τα ομηρικά έπη μέχρι τη σύγχρονη λογοτεχνία, η ελληνική γλώσσα φέρει μέσα της τον πολιτισμό, τη φιλοσοφία και την πνευματική κληρονομιά που διαμόρφωσε τον δυτικό κόσμο και συνεχίζει να τον διαμορφώνει μέσω των εφευρέσεων και της τεχνολογίας.
The Importance of Methodology in the Teaching of Ancient Greek
by Eugenia Manolidou The word “method” finds its roots in the rich soil of the Greek language; it derives from the word “méthodos” (μέθοδος). This term originally meant “pursuit” or “a following after,” combining the prefix “meta” (μετά), meaning “in pursuit or quest of,” with “hodos” (ὁδός), which translates to “a path, track, road,” or […]
Teaching Ancient Greek Philosophy as a Tool for Reducing School Violence
Teaching Ancient Greek Philosophy as a Tool for Reducing School Violence by Eugenia Manolidou The initiative to teach Ancient Greek Philosophy in a public elementary school in Belfast is a shining example for modern education. It highlights the timeless and universal value of ancient Greek education, offering a wonderful and effective way to combat violence […]