From Europe’s earliest alarm clock to the world’s first robot, Athens’ newest museum features over 100 working models of ancient Greek inventions.
Ancient Greek Technology is amazing! One of the first alarm clocks ever created relied on the water – although not, as you might think, to splash the sleepy user into wakefulness. Invented in the 5th century by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, it bore little resemblance to today’s clocks, being about as tall as an adult person and featuring large clay pots, one suspended above the other. Water from one pot would drip out of a small hole in the bottom, slowly filling a second. This pot was cleverly equipped with a siphon, meaning that once the water reached a certain level, all of it would pour out at once into a third pot. This one had narrow openings that would create a loud whistling sound as the air inside was pushed out by the sudden inflow of water.
I would have certainly found that piece of information fascinating enough had I read it in a book, but after having seen a working replica up close, I will certainly remember it forever. “In how much time would you like Plato to wake up?” I am playfully asked by Kostas Kotsanas, the founder of the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology which opened just this month in the center of Athens. He sets the ‘timer’ accordingly and in two minutes a deafening whistle rouses us from our idle study of this unusual contraption.
Kotsanas has created a thoroughly impressive body of work in his efforts to study and popularize the technological prowess and ingenuity of the ancient Greeks. In total he has brought to life roughly 500 devices that represent the cutting edge of ancient Greek technology – these are fully functional, life-sized replicas of ancient Greek innovations.
Made with the same methods and materials as the originals, many of these devices have already traveled across the globe as parts of temporary exhibitions hosted at important museums, institutions, and universities. In Greece, Kotsanas has founded two museums, the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology in Katakolo on the western coast of the Peloponnese, and the Archimedes Museum in Ancient Olympia.
Now the Athens museum brings many of these inventions to the Greek capital. Here, one can see over 100 devices; even today many seem cutting-edge or even futuristic. They are arranged in 24 different categories, such as Telecommunications, Steam Power, and Computation – including even Automatic Navigation and Robotics.
Ancient Greek Technology AN INSPIRED ‘RE-INVENTOR’
Kotsanas himself studied at the University of Patras, in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics. He began studying ancient Greek writings at the recommendation of a professor of his, Andreas Dimarogonas, himself an important figure in the field of mechanical design and vibrations. And so from his student days, he began creating with his own hands – as he still does today – ancient elevators, clocks, odometers, and games – exactly as they are described in ancient texts.“The ancient Greeks had the same needs as us. They didn’t just invent catapults that were needed for campaigns, but also objects that were used simply for entertainment,” Kotsanas explains right before I see what he means with my own eyes.“Wine or water?” a 3rd century BC waitress would ask. The metal jug that she held would ‘hear’ the answer and deliver the desired drink. How? The container had two chambers and two air openings. By subtly blocking one opening or the other with her thumb, she could determine which drink would pour out of the jug.
Its inventor, Philo of Byzantium (3rd century BC), however, did not stop there. He created the world’s first robot – a human-shaped contraption that would dispense wine when a cup was placed in its hand – which was once placed in the market of Alexandria. Automatic vending machines dispensing blessings were also placed outside of certain temples, as described in the writings of Hero of Alexandria in the 1st century AD.
Hero of Alexandria also refers to a progenitor of today’s TV sets, dating to the 3rd century BC, which operated with mobile miniature objects, sound, and light – a replica of this also exists in the museum. “You could watch, let’s say, the soap opera of the time which was the Trojan War,” I am told by Kotsanas, who has a unique way of making the tour thoroughly entertaining.
At the museum, there is also a copy of the Antikythera Mechanism, the oldest known analog computer. The original device has already been the subject of many museum exhibitions, but here visitors can turn the mechanism and work out for themselves the movements of the planets, the Zodiac cycle, and mobile feast days of the ancient Greeks.
Other impressive inventions include the complex mechanism that was hidden underground in the courtyards of temples to create a ‘miracle’ whenever a sacrifice was made at the altar; the flying dove of Archytas (the first autonomous flying machine); an ancient firefighting pump, functionally the same as those used up until about a century ago; different medical tools; kitchen gadgets and more.
An additional floor of the museum will soon open to the public and is dedicated to ancient musical instruments, with exhibits such as replicas of the first piano and the first drum set in the world. The museum is also planning to create temporary exhibitions around different themes such as ancient games and toys. And in the small gift shop, you will find great brain-stimulating games and puzzles for young and old.
To find the museum, housed in a tall Art Nouveau building on Pindarou Street, keep an eye out for a discreet sculpture with birds that sing – yet another ancient invention. Head in, and if you don’t run into Kostas Kotsanas, you will find one of his sons – Giorgos, Panayiotis, and Marios who have picked up their father’s passion and are continuing his lifelong work.
Salted Fish is an ancient food.Salt has been sprinkled over food throughout the centuries and Greece is no exception. There are places in the world that derived their wealth from salt mining, and its use in Greece can be traced back to ancient times. It is unclear why and how the ancient peoples throughout the world started mining and using salt.
Back in Ancient Greece, however, salt wasn’t looked at as a common season. It was used sparingly, but over the centuries, its importance grew. By the 5th Century B.C., salt was regularly being used to preserve whole fish, and this is a practice that’s still done
. Here’s some more information as to how the Greeks used salt
Salt Was Considered a luxury
Back in Ancient Greece, salt was considered a luxury it
em, which is why it wasn’t used as the main seasoning in cooking back then. It was relatively difficult to obtain it, as most of the salt found in Ancient Greece was mined on the island of Salamis. Although it doesn’t seem like a great distance now, it was considerable during ancient times since it was shipped using boats before being it to the rest of Greece.
Salting Whole Fish
One of the earliest uses of salt was to use it to preserve fish. As mentioned above, by the 5th Century B.C., salted fish was becoming a staple food in Greece. The salted anchovies that were are so familiar with today were served even then! Whether Greeks salt the fish themselves or use canned and salted anchovies that they purchased in the store, these fish aren’t normally eaten as is. They’re usually rinsed with water and then marinated with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs such as parsley, and maybe a sprinkling of red wine vinegar. (more…)
Sunny valleys rich with volcanic soil, and a Mediterranean climate of mild breezes, Greece has ideal conditions for making wine. It’s no wonder that vineyards have been thriving there for thousands of years.
Despite its long history of grape cultivation, Greece was long overlooked by traveling wine connoisseurs. The country has finally begun to take its place as a world-class wine destination. Here are some of the top wine-tasting destinations to visit in Greece if you enjoy wine.
The region around Nemea is a classic destination for wine enthusiasts. The mountains and valleys create ideal climates for various grapes. Differences in elevation and direct sunlight bring out the many personalities of the local grape, called Agiorgitiko.
Vineyards at the bottom of the valley produce a strong, red wine. Those near the peaks, around 9000 feet, create some of the best wines. The most sought-after grapes grow in fields on the hills and moderate slopes.
You may want to visit the island in September for one of the most popular wine festivals in Greece, “Great Days of Nemea.” During this festival, people gather to enjoy the newest wine releases and to celebrate the harvest. While here, you can also enjoy local food specialties and tour parts of the region. (more…)
Greece, endowed with beauty and a rich tradition, invites you to go on a special Christmas journey through all the senses; to taste, smell, see, and feel the authentic Yuletide spirit through a plethora of seasonal delights.
The first snows of the winter transform mountain villages, their traditional dwellings, and spiraling peaks, into a scene fit for a Christmas card. Icing sugar-dusted fir trees; crisp, clear air; smoke wafting gently out of chimney tops from the roaring log fires in every heart; the smell of sweetmeats and pastries; rosy faces lit up in anticipation of the coming festivities and time-honored customs. On top of this, the mild winter in our country guarantees a generous helping of sunshine to accompany you on countryside walks and to add that extra touch of joie de vivre to the celebrations in cities, villages, and islands all over Greece.
Athens Athens always has a grand welcome in store for Christmas. The illuminated central squares and streets ring with music and merriment. All corners of the city- its hotels, shops, cafes, and restaurants- are bedecked with thousands of twinkling fairy lights. Syntagma Square with its gleaming Christmas tree, carousel, and other children’s rides, confectionary stalls, and numerous events leads the whole city into the holiday mood. The National Garden is transformed into a dreamland of discovery that enchants both young and old alike.You’ll be carried away by the intoxicating, fairytale atmosphere and as a visitor, you’ll soon find yourself immersed in the jollities, with the same verve and enthusiasm as the Athenians around you. There are countless opportunities for recreation and entertainment in cultural hubs like Technopolis and other such venues. Theatrical performances, music concerts, outdoor events, charity bazaars as well as the nightlife; whatever you choose has that special Christmas sparkle.
We have all heard that ‘an apple a day, keeps the doctor away’, but lately, more and more studies show that wine can bring many benefits to the body and make a significant contribution to maintaining our good health.
So how can wine help us when we drink it regularly, but in moderation? Let’s see it in detail!
1. LIVE LONGER!
It is known that in Ikaria people live longer than anywhere else in the world. Daily consumption of wine is part of a diet that can enrich the lives of those who follow it because it is less reliant on animal feed and more on plant foods. The inhabitants of Crete and Sardinia, known for their longevity, enjoy red wine almost daily, appealing to the main part of their anti-aging lifestyle. A 2007 study shows that procyanidins, the compounds found in tannins of red wine, contribute to the promotion of cardiovascular health. Wines produced from vineyards in areas of southwest France and Sardinia, where people tend to live longer, have particularly high concentrations of this compound. (more…)
Nafplio has a charming Venetian heritage and is one of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in eastern Peloponnese) as well as one of the most romantic cities all over Greece. Nafplio was the first capital of the newly-born Greek state between 1823 and 1834.
A sovereign naval nation-city in ancient times, Nafplio was founded and named (according to Greek mythology) by the hero Nafplios, father of Palamidis.
A target for Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans, they all repeatedly tried, and succeeded quite a few times, to conquer it.
In 1829, after the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire, Nafplio was chosen as the first capital of the new-founded state and democracy. The palace was on the square in front of today’s town hall.
In 1833 the capital moved to Athens, the town remaining capital of the prefecture. (more…)
Ouzo has a special place in Greek cuisine and culture and it is an original Greek aperitif. In Greece especially, it is the perfect choice to accompany seafood delicacies in a seaside setting, with good friends. Tradition traces it back to 14th century Athonian monasteries, when by chance some monks mixed alcohol with anise.
Ouzo is a product with a protected designation of origin (PDO) within the European Union (EU). Initially, it was manufactured in the regions of Tyrnavos, and Kalamata, while at the end of the 19th century, Lesvos Island was the most famous nationally and internationally ouzo producer being the company of Plomari. There is a production of 7 million liters each year, of which 80% is consumed within Greek borders.
Heraklion is a multifaceted seaside city and a major urban center. Come and discover the Heraklion of yesterday – the Venetian harbor and walls, ideal for a nostalgic walk through history. And the vibrant city of today – city squares and pedestrian walkways filled with energy, raki (the local drink), ouzo, gourmet restaurants, and luxury hotels.
Historical Museum of Heraklion in Crete
Along with these, several excellent museums and one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Just beyond the city limits, explore the much-vaunted Knossos, one of the most significant sights on the island and in Greece. It is the most important center of the Minoan civilization, the palace of King Minos, and the home of the myth of the Minotaur. (more…)
Greek vegetarian vegan tastes are simple, and when someone wants to sense their identity, then they need to visit Greece. If you’ve never walked under the warm and bright sun of Greece, sat under an olive tree, smelled fresh thyme, oregano, or sage, or experienced simplicity over complexity, then it would be difficult for you to sense and comprehend the superiority and uniqueness of Greek vegetarian vegan food, diet and lifestyle.
Greece’s bright blue sky, the serenity of its sea, and the fact that is at the crossroads of three continents have always attracted people from around the world, and even in ancient times great Mediterranean civilizations endeavored to establish political and economic dominance (or relations) with the Greek world. (more…)
Fasting in the Orthodox Christian world is a way to clean souls by willingly avoiding temptations of gluttony taste related to meat and other animal products as well as daily food quantities, throughout the fasting period. At the same time, people must keep away from “spiritual temptations” (passions) too.
During the first millennia A.D. the Greek Orthodox Church defined the small and great fasting periods that Orthodox Christians should observe, by the fasting that our Lord Jesus Christ did for 40 days in the desert. Nonetheless, the fasting period “habits” of the Orthodox Church found fertile “ground” within Greeks since the ancient Greek dietary habits (eg Eleusinian mysteries – a ritual initiation) were very similar to the newly introduced rules. The catharsis of the body and mind is the target of any religion (Vedas, Bible, Koran) imposing fasting periods.
Also other mystic characters, like Moses and Pythagoras among others, followed the 40 days of fasting on their “journeys to self-knowledge”, during which it is known they drank water only to purify their body and mind. (more…)
Mediterranean diet or Cretan diet is a diet steeped in time. Historical evidence and mythology have extensively proved Cretans’ nutritional preferences throughout the centuries as well as their fondness for basic products.
I would like to introduce you to one of the most tasty and healthy cuisines in the world but also to a magnificent ancient civilization. Learn about the art of Cretan vegetarian nutrition and cooking.
Their diet is typically based on products that originate from the island’s farmlands and mainly include plates of raw or home-cooked greens, grains, pulses, vegetables, olive oil, and fruits. The Cretan diet is based on fresh and natural produce that is cooked in its original form without any addition in the preparation of the recipes of processed or complicated sauces and only enriched with fresh spices and aromatic herbs that grow on the island of Crete. (more…)
Crete, a beautiful island placed in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, couldn’t be less than an important center and crossroad of commercial and cultural exchanges throughout the centuries. The Cretan diet is the result of the long history of the island. It’s a real philosophy and lifestyle, aimed at harmonizing body and spirit with nature.
The study of the Minoan civilization shows a culture with pure and healthy nutritional habits. Interestingly enough, Cretan cuisine wasn’t influenced by anyone. For more than 2 millennia, Cretans have rejected the presence of conquerors by sparingly calibrating relational dynamics and avoiding foreign influences on their diet, literally keeping them away from their culture and their kitchens. (more…)
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