In this issue

This month we look back in time to the glory of the Byzantine Empire, from simple wonders like the cuisine of the time to the last Emperor and his valiant attempt to hold the great city of Constantinople. The era is a great and rich one in Greek history and we also share some recommendations of excellent books which further explore various aspects of the time. We also journey to Morea, where the yoke of the Ottoman occupation was finally broke some 368 years later. To walk in Greece is to walk on history - and while there are many winding paths and roads, in some way, they eventually all meet.. creating the magical and majestic story of Greece and its people.

"Culture Is Our Way Out Of The Crisis"

The film “Exodos 1826” is an independent production from Thessaloniki. It recounts the story of the 120 men from Samarina, and surrounding villages, who rushed to help the Exodοs (exit) from Messolonghi in April 1826. The film, based on the Greek folk song “Children of Samarina” and surviving historical facts (and a little bit of fiction), is the first movie in 46 years to be released about the Greek revolution.

7 mins

The Impressive And Abundant Mt. Mainalo A Utopian Land

Home to goddess Demeter and Nymphs, Mainalo echoes with “shepherds’ love songs and Pan’s flute.”

2 mins

Andrea Eis Creating A Visual Voice To Silent Conversations

Artist and teacher... Andrea Eis is a Professor and Director of Cinema Studies at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Her art is a creative blend of her academic influences (classics, anthropology and photography/film/video), bringing together film, photography and even fabric.

5 mins

"Et In Arcadia Ego" "Even In Arcadia, There I Am"

One of my favorite holiday vacations was to Dimitsana, in Arcadia, Peloponnese. Exalted even in Greek mythology, it inspired the myth of Zeus’ bath in the holy river Loussios. It was a two-day escape from the busy city of Athens and a chance to enjoy the special time of year…

2 mins

A Day To Remember

Christmas holidays. Days painted in red, extravagant decorations, intense emotions. Love, laughter and good spirit spread like wanderlust in the air. It’s a time to make wonderful memories!

2 mins

Celebrating 40 Years

The Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities (EUA) is a Special Service of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture & Sportsunder the direction of Dr. Angeliki Simosi. Founded in 1976, its objective is the protection of the underwater antiquities.

4 mins

The Petrified Forest and the Natural History Museum of Lesvos

Part of the Europoean “Natura 2000” network, the Petrified Forest of Lesvos is currently being considered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Forest, which is a fossilized ecosystem, a testament to the Burdigalian Period, which dates back approximately 18.5 MILLION years ago!

1 min

Worlds Apart

A New Film by Christopher PapakaliatisEmploying love as a vehicle, “Worlds Apart” stresses some of the most burning issues in Greece, the refugee and financial crises, which have altered the lives of people in Europe.

2 mins

The Museum Of Cycladic Art

Subsistence, Rituals and Cults in “Cycladic Society 5,000 Years Ago” 

3 mins

Apokries & The Captain

Celebrations on the Cycladic Island of AmorgosApokries, literally it means “without meat”, but this festive time of year is about so much more… It’s a time for celebration, excess, joy and laughter. And on the Cycladic Islands, the Apokries Carnival honors the rich tradition with its own unique flare and customs!

1 min

Lesvos: The island of flora, fossils and fabulous beaches!

It's an island with a long history... Sometimes called Mytilene (the name of its capital city), it has many secrets and wonders to behold. The Petrified Forest, Byzantine villages and homeland of the Ancient Greek Poetess Sappho... this enchanting island is a traveler's must see!

3 mins

Recalling the Polytechnic...

It’s November 17, 2012, the 39th anniversary of the bloody suppression of the 1973 Polytechnic revolt against the military strongmen that seized power in a coup in 1967.

8 mins

food, history, pots and people

how minoan tastes has become more than just a history project…

5 mins

cine doc 

α film festival inspiring change

2 mins

Read all stories from Politismos Magazine for Greek History, Culture and Art

Politismos Magazine for Greek History, Culture and Art Description:

Politismos is the Greek word for "culture." Written from the Greek perspective, the magazine provides an insider’s look into Greece and its modern day contributions to arts, culture, gastronomy and so much more!

Politismos Magazine includes articles by experts in various fields, academics and young professionals. They share the "hidden treasures" of Greece, where to visit and what to see, as well as insightful commentary on a variety of relevant issues including Greek arts and history abroad.