LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Thursday, 27 June 2019 07:00
A Brief History Of Coins
Ancient coins are among the most well-preserved archeological findings and allow useful insight into antiquity; they offer a glimpse into the past in terms of international trade, prominent figures, culture, and traditions.
Even though lately there is a trend for digital money and cryptocurrencies, it is the archaic invention of coinage and its use as an official means of trade that shaped the course of history as we know it.
In ancient Greece, thin long metal rods called 'ovolos' preceded the coin. Six 'ovoloi' equaled an ancient drachma, which derives from the ancient Greek word 'drattomai' that means grasp or handful. Coinage was born when the 'ovoloi' took on a more convenient rounded shape during the Archaic Age, preceding democracy (508-507 BC).
According to Aristotle, the first coins were minted by Hermodike II, daughter of King Agamemnon of Aeolian Kyme, while Herodotus credits the Lydians, a western Anatolian people.
Although it remains unclear who first developed this method of transactions, the ancient Greeks are regarded as the earliest adopters of minted coins.
Even though lately there is a trend for digital money and cryptocurrencies, it is the archaic invention of coinage and its use as an official means of trade that shaped the course of history as we know it.
In ancient Greece, thin long metal rods called 'ovolos' preceded the coin. Six 'ovoloi' equaled an ancient drachma, which derives from the ancient Greek word 'drattomai' that means grasp or handful. Coinage was born when the 'ovoloi' took on a more convenient rounded shape during the Archaic Age, preceding democracy (508-507 BC).
According to Aristotle, the first coins were minted by Hermodike II, daughter of King Agamemnon of Aeolian Kyme, while Herodotus credits the Lydians, a western Anatolian people.
Although it remains unclear who first developed this method of transactions, the ancient Greeks are regarded as the earliest adopters of minted coins.
"...money has become by convention a sort of representative of demand; and this is why it has the term money (νόμισμα), because it exists not by nature, but by law (νόμος) and it is in our power to change it and make it useless."
- Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics
To read this article in full, please visit: Portes Magazine
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Greek Language & Culture
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Wednesday, 12 September 2018 10:49
XpatAthens Teams With Storytelling Platform Guts & Tales
We are delighted to announce our most recent collaboration with the storytelling platform, Guts & Tales. XpatAthens loves sharing personal and inspiring stories from our community and beyond, and we've teamed with the perfect partner to bring more of these stories to you!
Guts & Tales is a global storytelling platform that shares stories of people from all walks of life that took a leap of faith in pursuit of a more fulfilling life. People that decided to go from making a living to making a life – as the tagline announces. On XpatAthens we’ll be sharing stories of people living in Greece that have changed their lives, their careers and sometimes their country of residence in order to live a life they truly want to enjoy and live.
Guts & Tales is a global storytelling platform that shares stories of people from all walks of life that took a leap of faith in pursuit of a more fulfilling life. People that decided to go from making a living to making a life – as the tagline announces. On XpatAthens we’ll be sharing stories of people living in Greece that have changed their lives, their careers and sometimes their country of residence in order to live a life they truly want to enjoy and live.
Eleni, the founder of Guts & Tales, is of Greek-Dutch origin and left Greece at a young age. Her deep love for the country drew her back to Greece in 2016, and it is from here that she started pursuing her personal and professional dreams. One fine afternoon in Athens, Eleni and Elena, the Director at XpatAthens, connected! Having many things in common, they decided to join forces and connect their platforms in order to share inspirational stories with the all of you!
We hope you'll enjoy our newest collaboration and would love to hear from you. Visit the People’s section of XpatAthens for the latest stories. If you have a story you’d like to share on Guts & Tales and XpatAthens, click here.
Watch more about Guts & Tales here:
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Local News
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Friday, 10 August 2018 17:31
September 4 - A September To Remember
Summer might be over, but there are still lots of thing to do during September in Athens! Discover our Top-10 picks for events, the best open air cinemas and roof gardens with breathtaking views of the city. All of which will make this month a September to remember!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Thursday, 09 August 2018 17:19
August 28th - News & Updates
Summer may be coming to an end but news is still hot! What's around the corner for Greece after the Bailout? How can you help EU's plastic reduction campaign? Which neighbourhood of Athens was named ''The Coolest in the World''? Discover all the answers in this week's newsletter!
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Newsletters
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Tuesday, 11 September 2018 08:06
The Experience Of Driving Greece's Egnatia Odos - A Modern Ancient Highway
The Egnatia Odos is part of the European E90 highway that runs from Istanbul to Italy and as BBC writes, "one of the most fascinating (and fastest) drives across Greece." Completed in 2009, it starts from the Turkish border crossing of Kipi in Thrace and goes to the Ionian Sea at Igoumenitsa.
From BBC Travel, "While (not only) Greek drivers get a thrill out of shooting for 200km/hour speeds on the highway's long, flat expanses, for travellers the major reward lies in the close access the Egnatia Odos provides to many towns of historic and culinary interest, all complemented by an ever-changing scenery quite different from elsewhere in Greece."
"When approaching from Turkey the earthy eastern plains of Thrace are first to emerge, with their vivid patches of sunflowers, rolling fields of wheat and storks' nests dotting the telephone poles. The first major settlement, Alexandroupoli, is a pretty port town with good seafood restaurants, and just west of the Evros Delta, an important migratory route perfect for bird-watchers. Alexandroupoli is also the jumping-off point for ferries to Samothraki island."
To read this article in full, please visit: BBC
Published in
Travel Greece
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Monday, 29 July 2019 07:00
From Greece, With Love - Portes Magazine Launches
Love Greece? Portes Magazine Limited Edition Prints Debut
The world of print welcomes a gem, one that celebrates the unique aura of Greece, a perfect addition to the coffee table of those individuals seeking to discover the lesser known details of a legendary land steeped in magic.
Printed in Greece on quality matte paper that teases the touch and perfectly matches the publication’s dreamy pastel tones, Portes Magazine’s 100+ pages journey readers, perfectly weaving the present with the past through curated stories and select images highlighting the interesting, innovative and inspirational.
The publication’s minimal, yet sophisticated design pays tribute to the beauty of ancient and modern Greece through articles, photography, poetry, recipes and crafts.
Numbered, limited edition print copies are available on the Portes Shop and at various locations in Athens.
Discover more at: portesmagazine.com
In Athens In August? Join Portes Magazine Editors For Their Book Launch At Free Thinking Zone
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Local News
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Tuesday, 11 September 2018 03:23
Athens Flying Week 2018
The greatest air show of Greece, Athens Flying Week (AFW) Tanagra International Air Show 2018, with more than 350,000 loyal fans from around the world, returns for the 7th year in a row, and takes off for the third time from the Tanagra Air Base, on 22 and 23 September 2018!
Are you ready to take off with us?
At the Tanagra airport, you will experience an exciting and unique experience, having the chance to:
Enjoy easy and quick access to the main area of the show from the FREE parking located INSIDE the airport, RIGHT NEXT TO the spectators’ area.
You will experience take-offs and landings by the most popular jet and turbo prop aircraft, just a stone’s throw away.
- Enjoy a spectacular Air Show
- Take a picture of yourself next to the planes, with the fighter jet pilots as well as the world-famous aerobatic pilots, at the largest static aircraft display in recent years.
- Browse and make your purchases at the trade fair, but also learn about every type of aviation training from the competent air schools, Αero clubs, and the Hellenic Aeronautical and Air Sports Federation (ELAO).
- Our young friends can spend carefree moments at the exceptionally safe playground
- Take a short break & dine in the fully-equipped restaurants with shaded areas
- Enjoy full visual access to giant screens which will be installed in various parts of the airport
- Enjoy aeromodelling demonstrations
- Have fun at the numerous unique happenings and events
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Performing Arts
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Monday, 01 October 2018 03:11
Spartacus By The Grigorovich Ballet - Odeon of Herodes Atticus
At last, after years Bolshoi legend Yuri Grigorovic returns to Odeon of Herodes Atticus! With all the actors of Grigorovich Ballet (150 people: ballet, orchestra, choir) and with top soloists of the Bolshoi Theater he presents Spartacus by Aram Chatasurian.
This is the world tour of celebrating 50 years since the first premiere in Bolshoi. Yuri Grigorowicz's wish is this tour to be hosted on the Odeon of Herodes Atticus which is the natural setting of the show.
As Grigorovich himself says in his memo:
When I first introduced Spartacus to Odeon of Herodes Atticus of Bolshoi, it was such an emotion that I promised to come back every time I was given this opportunity. I consider it the ideal backdrop for? this show. Every time I prepare the show again from the beginning based on this theater. Every time I walk through the theater and see the Acropolis above, I remember that Greece was and will be our great inspiration.
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Performing Arts
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Monday, 10 September 2018 12:04
Burger Fest 2018
The first and largest food festival in Athens returns from September 14th to September 16th at the old Amaxostasio of OSY for a delightful 3 day burgers extravaganza!
Some of the best restaurants and burger houses of Athens will be attending the festival, ready to serves visitors with their own unique taste suggestions.
The festival will also be featuring parallel actions that will provide guests with the ultimate gastronomic experience, allowing them to indugle in unpretentious burger flavors!
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Food & Drink
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Saturday, 01 September 2018 10:17
Registrations For Navarino Challenge 2018 Will Soon Be Completed!
The registration period for those wishing to take part in “Navarino Challenge” comes to an end September 14th ; The award winning sports tourism event will be held for the 6 th consecutive time in Messinia and in Costa Navarino, October 12 th to 14 th 2018.
The open water swimming race of “Navarino Challenge” will be held for the first time with timing at Navarino bay, the place where the historic naval battle that changed the history of Greece was held. The Olympic sport of swimming will be organized with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation and the supervision of the Greek federal coach Nikos Gemelos.
Nikos Gemelos highlighted on the event: “A few days before Navarinia, we celebrate the opening of the events with the activity of swimming at the splendid landscape of the bay, at the very beautiful port of Pylos with the valuable assistance of the Mayor of Pylos-Nestor and the local businesses that really stand as helpers and support Navarino Challenge for the 6th year. The race is held with complete safety thanks to the efforts of the Port Authority of Pylos and the Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, the lifeguards of the credible Lifeguard Patrol School, the stunning Explore Messinia team, Surf Salad and the conditions and regulations set by the Hellenic Swimming Federation and FINA.
The second day of Navarino Challenge with sport activities such as sup, swim and sailing with optimist & laser boats gives the motto of this year's event, which is that Sports Unite People (#sportsunitepeople)! Come and swim this year and experience the magic of Navarino Challenge!”.
Registrations continue for a few more days and can be completed through the special form available HERE!
The pre-sale is available also via www.viva.gr , by phone at 11876, as well as at the pre-sale points of the Viva network
One of the biggest online gaming companies worldwide, Bwin, consistent with its efforts to enhance Greek sports, supports the event as the Grand Sponsor of this year's Navarino Challenge. By promoting actions of public good, Bwin recognizes the goal of Navarino Challenge, which is to raise awareness of the issue of childhood obesity and to promote physical and mental well-being through the message “sports unite people”. Bwin will be
The pre-sale is available also via www.viva.gr , by phone at 11876, as well as at the pre-sale points of the Viva network
One of the biggest online gaming companies worldwide, Bwin, consistent with its efforts to enhance Greek sports, supports the event as the Grand Sponsor of this year's Navarino Challenge. By promoting actions of public good, Bwin recognizes the goal of Navarino Challenge, which is to raise awareness of the issue of childhood obesity and to promote physical and mental well-being through the message “sports unite people”. Bwin will be
there to welcome the participants of Navarino Challenge by organizing the Bwin Welcome Party with the voice of Penny Baltatzi, in retro swing and jazz music rhythms (#sportsunitepeople #bwincares).
For the second consecutive year “Navarino Challenge” innovates with Samsung the event’s official technology partner. Samsung will enrich the experience of those participating and attending the event with the innovative Samsung Galaxy ecosystem services such as the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ coupled with the Gear 360 and Gear VR with unique content at 360 degrees, as well as the QLED TVs with their outstanding picture quality and stylish design. For the days of the event, Samsung will create a special Samsung Business Lounge and a Samsung Gaming Corner and offer endless fun, information and entertainment to the Navarino Challenge participants. At the same time, it will sponsor the Samsung King & Queen Beach Volley Tournament by Triantafyllidis Beach Arena that will be held at Costa Navarino.
Everything you know and love on the Ford Focus. Add a brand new level of smart design, a modern style and more space than ever before. Combine them now with the highly advanced connectivity and a range of impressive technological driver assistance systems that you will truly appreciate. This is the new Focus. At Costa Navarino you can discover them all... driving it!
At Navarino Challenge, we believe in the ancient saying of “a healthy mind in a healthy body” and this year, with the support of the Hippophae of Meteora, Hippocrates Farm, we realize it.
The Greek Hippophae of Rezos Brands is grown on the model multifunctional farm Hippocrates Farm in Meteora and aims to promote the hippophae as a top Greek super food with unique beneficial quality for the human body. An excellent food, a fruit with 190 beneficial elements!
Navarino Challenge participants who will book their accommodation package at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and choose to take part in at least one of the main activities (running, swimming, SUP) will also be able to enjoy the organization’s full program of activities free of charge, including:Tae kwon do, climbing, cycling, pilates, basketball, golf, kick boxing, baby swimming, aqua aerobics, kids’ athletics, beach volley, tennis cross training, crossfit, beach yoga, boxing, beachathlon and demonstration race with optimist boats.
More information about the accommodation packages may be found HERE!
Official sponsors of the event are for another year the Natural Mineral Water “Vikos” and Ford Motor Hellas. Luanvi is the official sports supplier of the event for the first time.
Official supporters are Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance and the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor.
Navarino Challenge is co-organized by Costa Navarino , The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group with the support of the Municipalities of Pylos- Nestor and Trifilia. Navarino Challenge will take place with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization.
Grand Sponsor: Bwin
Official Technology Partner: Samsung
Official Sponsors: Natural Mineral Water “Vikos”, Ford Motor Hellas
Official Sports Supplier: Luanvi
Official Supporters: Poseidonia, BIC®, BIC® Sport, Avance Rent A Car, Hippocrates Farm, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor
Partners: Navarino Outdoors, Swim Academy, Surf Salad, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, FitnessArt, Vizantinos target sport club, Red Swim Academy, Fysiotek Sports Lab
Strategic Partner: National Geographic
Assisted by: Lifeguard Patrol, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Explore Messinia, Navarino Golf Academy, Target Security, The Diner, Hellenic Recovery Recycling Corporation, Athens Easy Transfers, Anazoe Spa, Kayak, Collective Resort, Department of Sports Organization & Management from University of Peloponnese, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Karalis Beach Hotel
Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell
Photo credit: Elias Lefas
Photo credit: Elias Lefas
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Local News
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