Tag: Recent Greek History

Greek flag: Why is it blue and white, with nine stripes?

Greece, often referred to as the cradle of civilization, is a beacon of light in the world. Its beauty is unparalleled, and it’s a place where the unexpected becomes reality. There’s an abundance of narratives and descriptions that one could attribute to Greece, but it’s equally fascinating to delve into the specifics, such as the symbolism of the Greek flag. This emblem carries significant elements that may not be widely known, adding another layer of intrigue to the rich tapestry that is Greece. Fort Roupel: The legendary monument – symbol ...

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What do the inscriptions on the Monument of the Unknown Soldier mean?

The Monument of the Unknown Soldier, situated in front of the Greek Parliament, is one of Athens’ most significant and enigmatic landmarks. Its mystery lies not in the identity of the soldier, but in the seemingly random arrangement of names etched into the stone. Many visitors are left puzzled by the lack of apparent order or consistency. However, the explanation is often simpler than one might think, saving the effort of racking one’s brain for an answer. Greek flag: Why is it blue and white, with nine stripes? The Monument ...

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The first Greek soldier to fall in battle in the epic of the 1940s

October 28, 1940. From the break of dawn, following the historic rejection and the “no” decision by Ioannis Metaxas, Greece found itself at war with Italy. A war that went down in history as an Epic. A war, in which the country counted dead and the first of them was Vasilios Tsiavaliaris, who... It thus earned a place in history. "Before dawn appeared at 5 a.m. on October 28, 1940, the enemy's cannons began thundering and spreading fire and iron. The 21st outpost of the Greek-Albanian border, on the Golio ...

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Sergeant Itsios: A legendary personality and the historic battle with 33,000 bullets

Sergeant Dimitris Itsios is a legendary figure from the 1940s war, specifically World War II, which took place on Greek soil. His story stands out among the many tales of heroism displayed by Greek soldiers in the forts. These soldiers demonstrated their courage in numerous heroic battles, fighting valiantly until the very end on the battlefield. In 1941, Sergeant Itsios was one of those who bravely resisted the German invaders. His story is indeed special. Fort Roupel: The legendary monument – a symbol of the struggle of the Greeks in ...

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Plaka: How this iconic Athenian district got its name

Without a doubt, Plaka stands as one of the most scenic and charming districts in Athens. A leisurely stroll through Plaka provides a soothing experience, transporting you to a time when Athens was steeped in antiquity. Plaka and its name Plaka, once confined to the area now known as the Lysikratos monument or ‘Diogenes Lantern’ as it’s referred to by the younger generation, is steeped in history and intrigue. The origin of its name has been a topic of much debate among historians and researchers in Attica, with various theories ...

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