05-18-2007, 09:05 AM
Quote:spyros:3p5l0e56 Wrote:No surprise there. Byzantium is demonized in modern Greece. It would be an interesting idea though. For the future...
Wow, what a shame to hear. I was always curious if Byzantine history was taught in Greek elementary schools as part of learning about their heritage. I guess the Turks are the closest to being the true heirs of Byzantium despite their being Muslim. Geez, that just adds insult to injury...
~Theo
Ahem, sorry for the misunderstanding, obviously I wasn’t clear enough. The vast of majority sees Byzantium as part of our cultural and historic heritage but the feeling is that its part of our history better left alone. Dark, corrupt and full of religious hysteria. Also the fact that the glory of the empire was and it’s invoked by right wingers and nationalists doesn’t really help.
In recent years a number of historians and fiction writers have helped to change this a bit.
There is also another reason involving the golden age syndrome. Greeks recognize three periods as “golden erasâ€
Spyros Kaltikopoulos
Honor to those who in the life they lead
define and guard a Thermopylae.
Never betraying what is right,
consistent and just in all they do
but showing pity also, and compassion
Kavafis the Alexandrian
Honor to those who in the life they lead
define and guard a Thermopylae.
Never betraying what is right,
consistent and just in all they do
but showing pity also, and compassion
Kavafis the Alexandrian
