Those who follow him through his books and articles know how exacting and a lover of detail he is. His interventions ofen provoke – to say the least – discussions. Those who listen to him on the podcasts he edits understand his distaste for the recycling of myths by today’s “New Greeks” about Greek history. Having mainly dealt with the younger period, one reasonably wonders why Professor Giorgos Mavrogordatos tackled the “Mysteries of the Athenian Republic” of the 5th and 4th centuries BC. in his new book which is released from Monday,December 9,by Pataki publications.The following passage provides an answer. Sakis Ioannidis
Perhaps more defining was my experience when, at the age of ten, I found myself abroad for the first time. I was hosted for three months in the summer in Paris by the family of a French professor, who was my father’s colleague and friend. As I remember, my identification with the ancient Greeks was above all what ensured me something priceless at the time: to be accepted as an equal by the specific French habitat and, in particular, to feel equal to foreigners myself. The same security and self-confidence has accompanied me ever since, like a valuable passport to the modern world. I admire many peoples for their history, but I do not feel inferior to anyone to the extent, precisely, that I consciously base my identity on the ancient Greeks and especially on the Athenians.
Unluckily, the same is not true for most of my compatriots and presumably my “co-ethnics”. For two centuries they have been wandering between unresolved contradictions and are terrified by an abysmal insecurity,which is above all an insecurity of identity.Of course, I can neither compete with what has been said on this issue, nor even summarize them.However, judging from the personal experiences I mentioned above, I can focus on a critical contradiction. It is the ridiculous relationship of today’s Modern Greeks (or rather Romans) with Ancient Greece.
Ancient Greece is supposed to be the foundation of our national identity. However, most of today’s “New Greeks” have an abysmal ignorance of Ancient Greece, which shows deep unacknowledged indifference. […]
Their own indifference and ignorance do not, however, prevent the Romans from continuously and unabashedly exploiting the myth of Ancient Greece in all kinds of transactions and confrontations with foreigners. At every such prospect,the standard complex phrase ”When we were building the Parthenon,you lived in caves” (or “in trees” or ”ate acorns” etc.) automatically springs up.
The real nature of this “we” rarely concerns those who articulate it. And then they still rush to embrace the most ridiculous “biological” fantasies. They believe e.g. that there is a gene that only “the Greeks” have! Or that “the greeks” came in a spaceship from sirius… I especially learned this once from a student of mine, who asked me if it was true. In earlier times, they counted skulls and skeletons with the subdecameter in the vain search for material evidence of a biological continuity with the ancients. today,this biological continuity can be sought and established with DNA analyses,which have already given valid results.
There is something irresistibly attractive about obsessing over the idea of biological continuity: it is entirely inexpensive. It involves absolutely no cost. It frees the “heirs” from the trouble of knowing, studying and digesting the content of the “heritage” they claim to exploit.
This is seen preeminently in the field of language,which remains the only indisputable and absolute proof of past continuity,far beyond the estimation of percentages resulting from DNA analyses. I remember the true chill I experienced at the University of California, Berkeley, when I volunteered to teach as a teaching assistant in a groundbreaking new freshman curriculum. According to the specifications of this program, I had to know ancient greek or Latin. As an excellent student in the respective school subjects, I was sure that my knowledge was more than enough, as it was about… “Little Americans”. However, the person in charge of the program (son of the director Jean Renoir and grandson of the painter) abruptly told me that he knows how much Ancient Greek we learn in Greece and demanded, in order to hire me, that I attend at least two quarterly courses in Ancient Greek at Berkeley! But I could not so delay my own graduate studies, nor perhaps I was yet ready, as a “natural” or “heir” of the ancient Greeks, to recognize my inadequacy.[…]
When I returned to the Athenian Republic from the point of view of Political Science, I discovered with amazement how fragmentary the information we have is and how many questions remain unanswered. We know very little, for example, about a matter of critical importance, as we shall see: the precise manner in which the ten generals were elected.
That’s how this book came about. It does not have the ambition to offer yet another complete description of the Athenian Republic, especially at a time when we have excellent and complete reference books, such as e.g. the works of Bleicken, Hansen and, in our language, Sakellario.
The book has a much more limited and focused aim: to explore only a few aspects of the Athenian Republic of the classical period,i.e. the 5th and 4th centuries BC. (up to 322), which appear puzzling when viewed from a broader comparative outlook.
One is the silent disappearance of hereditary kingship. Another is the permanent exclusion from the body of Athenian citizens even of the members who fulfilled exactly the same military obligations as the citizens. There are also several gaps, ambiguities, and contradictions that cloud the supposed correspondence between military organization and income classes (“ranks”). Especially the presence of all classes in the Athenian navy undermines the established “class analysis” of the Athenian Republic based on the naval service of only the poorest class (the “thes”). It is indeed a fantastic irony that Attica was perhaps too large for direct democracy – both in population and in area. But why was the required quorum of the Church of the Municipality set at only 6,000 citizens and only for decisions concerning individual cases? Why was the lottery for the deputies and other officials not done among all eligible citizens but only among the interested parties? according to Max Weber,Athens represents the type of democracy that attempts to get rid of the need for leadership. Though, the Athenians needed generals to lead them into battle and orators to guide them in debate and decision-making. But they didn’t need political parties. it seems so.
The book aspires to identify and highlight such “enigmas”, even if it cannot solve them.It will critically reexamine commonplace assumptions and interpretations and perhaps overturn obsessive distortions or even idealizations of the Athenian Democracy.
What are the key themes explored in Professor giorgos mavrogordatos’ book “The Mysteries of the Athenian Republic”?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Professor Giorgos Mavrogordatos
Time.news editor: Welcome, Professor Mavrogordatos! it’s a pleasure to have you with us today as we discuss your new book, “The Mysteries of the Athenian Republic.” Your work often raises crucial discussions around Greek identity and history. Can you tell us what inspired you to tackle this subject, particularly the Athenian Republic from the 5th and 4th centuries BC?
Professor Mavrogordatos: Thank you for having me! what inspired me was a combination of personal experience and the current state of discourse around Greek identity. Reflecting on my childhood, when I first traveled to Paris, I realized how deeply my identification with ancient Greeks had shaped my sense of self-worth and acceptance. This journey made me realize that understanding our history is not merely academic; it’s a vital part of who we are today.
Time.news Editor: That’s a fascinating viewpoint.You talk about a disconnect between modern Greeks and their ancient heritage. Why do you think this is the case, and how does it impact national identity?
Professor Mavrogordatos: Indeed, this disconnect is critical. Many modern Greeks seem to be navigating a fluctuating sense of identity that often leads to insecurity. Despite ancient Greece being labeled the foundation of our national identity, I observe a troubling ignorance about it. This paradox creates a defensive response,leading to myths and exaggerated claims about our heritage,frequently enough used in confrontations with foreign cultures. It suggests a need for deeper understanding rather than superficial claims.
Time.news Editor: You’ve mentioned myths and stereotypes that persist among contemporary Greeks regarding their ancient predecessors. Can you provide some examples?
professor Mavrogordatos: Certainly. There’s this recurring notion among some Greeks about being inherently superior as of our ancient lineage, encapsulated in phrases like “When we were building the Parthenon, you lived in caves.” Such reductive statements almost completely ignore the complex, shared history between cultures.Additionally, I’ve encountered bizarre ideas about biological continuity, such as claims of a unique gene or even fantastical tales about extraterrestrial origins. These narratives sidestep the importance of studying our actual heritage in favor of unfounded myths.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like there’s a significant gap between romanticizing our history and engaging with it knowledgeably. How do you think we can bridge this gap?
Professor Mavrogordatos: Bridging this gap requires a mutual commitment to education and critical thinking. instead of clinging to romanticized views of our past, we must encourage contemporary Greeks to learn about ancient history in a grounded, nuanced way. This involves delving into scholarly texts, engaging in open discussions, and questioning the narratives we’ve inherited rather than passively accepting them.
Time.news Editor: Your book aims to foster that kind of engagement,doesn’t it? What specific insights or revelations can readers expect from “The Mysteries of the Athenian Republic”?
Professor Mavrogordatos: Absolutely! My book aims to unravel the complexities of Athenian democracy,its values,and the societal structures that underpinned it. readers will gain insight into how these ancient practices can inform our understanding of contemporary democracy and identity. I also endeavor to challenge the myths that have been entangled with our historical narrative, providing a space for more truthful discourse about our past.
time.news Editor: It sounds like a crucial read for anyone interested in the intersection of history and identity. Professor, what message do you hope readers take away from your work?
Professor Mavrogordatos: I hope readers emerge with a sense of agency and curiosity about their heritage. embracing our history should not mean merely claiming it as a birthright; it should inspire us to explore, understand, and discuss it critically. We need to engage with our past in a way that adds depth and meaning to our identity rather than leaving us with unchallenged myths.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Professor Mavrogordatos. It’s been a pleasure discussing these critically important topics with you. Your insights are sure to spark further thoght and discussion around greek identity and heritage.
professor Mavrogordatos: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to engage in this dialog.