Greece-A-Land-Caught-Between-Ancient-Glories-and-the-Modern-World.pptx

Greece

1. Greece: A Land Caught Between Ancient Glories and the Modern World Greece is a country that has grappled with reconciling its rich ancient heritage with the demands of the modern world. From the revival of the Olympic Games in Athens to the ongoing debates over the nation's identity, Greece's past and present are intricately intertwined, creating a complex and fascinating cultural landscape. AP by Antonis Papaoikonomou

2. The Enduring Legacy of Hellenism 1 Ancient Greece The origins of Hellenism can be traced back to the 8th century BCE, when Greek settlements spread across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. 2 Hellenistic Era Under Alexander the Great, Hellenism expanded into Central Asia, becoming a dominant cultural force in the ancient world. 3 Roman Empire Hellenism became the culture of the Graeco-Roman aristocracy, influencing poetry, philosophy, theatre, and architecture.

3. The Struggle for Greek Identity Embracing Antiquity Greek scholars in the 19th century sought to create a narrative of uninterrupted Hellenic history, archaizing the language and adopting neoclassical architecture. Overlooking Byzantium The Greeks' focus on ancient Greece led to the neglect of their Byzantine heritage, which was often viewed as separate from Western European civilization. Balkan Tensions The rise of nationalism in the Balkans following the decline of the Ottoman Empire led to conflicts over territory and ethnic identity, shaping modern Greek history.

4. Resistance and Resilience 1 Wartime Occupation During the German, Italian, and Bulgarian occupation of Greece in World War II, the people organized resistance movements and a social revolt against the occupiers. 2 Civil War The post-liberation period saw a bloody civil war between leftist and conservative factions, with the Communists ultimately defeated. 3 Military Dictatorship Greece endured a military junta from 1967 to 1974, which brought significant disaster to the country and its neighbor, Cyprus.

5. Navigating the Modern Era Euro Adoption Greece's entry into the Eurozone in the 21st century brought both benefits and challenges, including the impact of the 2008 financial crisis. 2004 Athens Olympics The successful hosting of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens was a source of national pride, but also came with a significant financial burden. Demographic Shifts The influx of migrants from Albania, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa has transformed the demographic landscape of Greece, leading to tensions and xenophobic reactions.

6. Hellenism and the Modern Greek Identity Continuous History Greeks believe in an uninterrupted history of their nation from ancient Greece to the modern Greek kingdom, despite the complexities and disjunctions in their past. Cultural Primacy Greeks attribute primacy to Hellenism, regarding it as the supreme civilization and the mother of modern Western civilization. Ambivalent Attitudes Greeks have maintained an ambivalent stance towards Europe and the West, at times embracing and at times resisting Western influence.

7. The Enduring Spirit of Resistance Foreign Invasions Greeks have a long history of resisting foreign invaders, from the Persians to the Ottomans. Internal Tyranny The modern Greek state was born out of a revolution, instilling a tradition of resistance against internal oppression. Patriotism and Nationalism This spirit of resistance has led to a strong sense of patriotism and nationalism among the Greek people.

8. The Influence of Cinema Zorba the Greek The 1964 film Zorba the Greek, starring Anthony Quinn, presented a fresh, unconventional, and jovial image of Greek identity to the world. Never on Sunday The 1960 film Never on Sunday, starring Melina Mercouri, also contributed to the post-war cinematic portrayal of a vibrant, carefree Greek identity.

9. Challenges and Opportunities Economic Crises The 2008 financial crisis and Greece's entry into the Eurozone have led to severe austerity measures and widespread public anger. Demographic Shifts The influx of migrants has transformed Greece's population, leading to tensions and xenophobic reactions. European Integration Greece's relationship with Europe has been complex, with the country both embracing and resisting Western influence.