Greece

In the second part of his series, Charles Seltman focuses on the life of Pythagoras in Italy and how he became one of the greatest thinkers and most remarkable men in history.

Lord Byron’s death there in April 1824 created an enduring legend. But the real story of the poet’s mission to help Greece in its revolution against Ottoman Turkish rule is one of hard-headed politics, which goes straight to the heart of the country’s present-day crisis, says Roderick Beaton.

Cyme, near the modern Smyrna, was one of the ports that served the Phrygians during the centuries from 1000-700 B.C., when they dominated Asia Minor. Freya Stark studies the civilization of this ancient people, from whom the Greeks derived one of the three modes of classical music.

The journeys of Gospel books from 11th century Europe, M.A. Braude writes, illustrates their historical significance.

In legend, Marathon is one of the decisive battles of the world; in fact, Stuart E.P. Atherley suggests, it marked the repulse of a comparatively small “colonial” expedition from Persia.

Charles Seltman

Charles Seltman analyses the role of the darker deity in Ancient Greece. Second of a two part series. The first part can be read here.

Charles Seltman visits the Holiest Place of the Greeks. Part I of a two part series. Second part can be read here.

James Barker describes the impact of an SOE mission in wartime Greece 70 years ago this month to demolish the Gorgopotamos railway bridge.

Roger Hudson sheds light on a haunting photograph from the Greek Civil War.