Greek Independence
Scenes of the Greek Revolution: Essential Works by Theodoros Vryzakis
Written By: KTE Executive Board
You may not recognize the name of painter Theodoros Vryzakis, but his impact on Greece and the construction of the national ethos was very profound. His paintings depicting the Greek Revolution were highly acclaimed upon their debut in the mid-19th century, and they continue to shape the Diaspora’s appreciation of the Revolution in the modern day.
Vryzakis was an orphan whose father was hanged by the Turks at the beginning of the war effort. Because of this, he grew up in a remote orphanage, where he was eventually extradited to Munich, Germany. His raw talent was noticed by many of his peers, and he was admitted to the Athens School of Fine Art. While there, he became internationally recognized and celebrated by his contemporaries.
Read MoreOxi Day: Freedom or Death
Written By: Anastasios
It is October of 1940. World War II has been raging for 13 months between the Axis powers – chiefly Germany and Italy – and the Allies, recently being reduced to just the United Kingdom and her commonwealth nations.
The German army appears entirely unstoppable, having achieved stunning victories over the Allies who have lost their entire presence on the European continent. Benito Mussolini, envious of his ally’s conquests, issues an ultimatum to Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas on October 28th, 1940. The ultimatum demanded the major cession of Greek territory as well as the Italian occupation of Greece.
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