Greek Cities Research Articles

Democracy and Public Finance in the Greek Cities

Summarizing several main points of the synthesis book published by this author in 2014, this article emphasizes the role of direct democracy in the management of finance in the Greek cities: powers of assemblies and councils, planning of public spending, supervision of the magistrates and the rendering of accounts, and organization of financial resources (regular revenue and occasional contributions by individuals). The financial system of the cities was admittedly imperfect, but it was better organized and more efficient than is often claimed; one of its essential characteristics was the commitment of wealthy citizens to politics and their financial contributions.

Ten Years of Teaching Forgiveness Education in the Schools of Greece: Looking toward the Future

This article presents the accumulated experience and outcomes after ten years of forgiveness education (FE) in the schools of Greece. The author implemented the program throughout Greece by publishing new books on FE adapted to the Greek culture and training an interdisciplinary team of educators through both in-person and online workshops in several Greek cities. Using feedback from the experiences of the trained teachers and the participating students, a lot of valuable information was obtained for the future expansion of forgiveness education programs. Our objective is to provide a conceptual map for educators so that they may be better equipped when designing their own implementation plans for forgiveness education programs in other schools and countries. Dissemination practices and innovative methods are suggested. Recommendations for the future also include steps for the development and growth of FE in institutions and settings outside the school environment, thus spreading FE concepts and the resultant new ways of thinking and practices throughout the community.

Photovoltaics Energy Potential in the Largest Greek Cities: Atmospheric and Urban Fabric Effects, Climatic Trends Influences and Socio-Economic Benefits

This comprehensive study explores the influence of aerosols and clouds on solar radiation in the urban environments of nine of Greece’s largest cities over the decade from 2014 to 2023. Utilizing a combination of Earth Observation data, radiative transfer models, and geographic information systems, the research undertook digital surface modeling and photovoltaic simulations. The study meticulously calculated the optimal rooftop areas for photovoltaic installation in these cities, contributing significantly to their energy adequacy and achieving a balance between daily electricity production and demand. Moreover, the research provides an in-depth analysis of energy and economic losses, while also highlighting the environmental benefits. These include a reduction in pollutant emissions and a decrease in the carbon footprint, aligning with the global shift towards local energy security and the transformation of urban areas into green, smart cities. The innovative methodology of this study, which leverages open access data, sets a strong foundation for future research in this field. It opens up possibilities for similar studies and has the potential to contribute to the creation of an updated, comprehensive solar potential map for continental Greece. This could be instrumental in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, thereby promoting sustainable urban development and environmental preservation.

Gladiators and amphitheatre spectacles in the greek cities of the Pontus Euxinus

Abstract tradus Our study proposes to discuss several aspects related to the gladiators attested in the Greek cities of the Pontus Euxinus (Chersones, Histria, Tomis, Callatis, Dionysopolis, Odessos, Byzantion, Sinope, Amisos), such as the names, social status and mentality of these amphitheatre fighters. Our analysis also focuses on the equipment and weapons of the gladiators, their fighting techniques and the various aspects of the organisation of gladiatorial combat. Our research is based on the study of epigraphic and archaeological documents (bas-reliefs). Inscriptions and reliefs attest several types of gladiators, such as retiarius, secutor, scissor, provocator and bestiarius. The names of the gladiators reflect their winning qualities and their physical or moral qualities. Most gladiators were slaves or free men. Documents from Tomis from the 2nd-3rd centuries AD confirm that gladiatorial fights and beast hunts in the amphitheatre are closely linked to the imperial cult. At Tomis, Odessos, Sinope and Amisos, the organisers of these spectacles were at the same time pontarchs and high priests of the imperial cult. Gladiator fights took place in amphitheatres (at Tomis) and other specially designed venues such as theatres (at Odessos). Nemesis and Ares are the patron deities of gladiators.

The 'small Greek cities' of the Cape Peninsula

The 'small Greek cities' of the Cape Peninsula

Corporate Social Responsibility and Consumer Behavior in Sports: Exploring and Adapting a Participatory Sports Scale

There has been a noticeable shift towards sustainability in participatory sport, emphasizing practices such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. However, a credible international evaluation tool for assessing the effectiveness of CSR initiatives in sport and recreation services is lacking. This study aimed to adapt and validate a CSR questionnaire for Greek participatory sport, focusing on tennis. The influence of CSR on consumer trust and loyalty was also investigated. A sample of 250 tennis players from a private club in a Greek city participated. A questionnaire assessing CSR in environmental, economic, and social dimensions, was selected after an extensive literature review. Statistical analyses confirmed the questionnaire as a valid and reliable tool for assessing CSR among recreational sports participants. The results indicated that CSR initiatives significantly enhance participants’ trust in the club, which in turn bolsters the club’s credibility. However, CSR initiatives do not directly influence participants’ loyalty; instead, trust mediates the relationship between CSR and loyalty. This underscores the need to strategize on how to convert trust into sustained loyalty. The findings highlight the importance of CSR in building trust, protecting corporate reputation in times of crisis, and supporting long-term sustainability. They provide valuable insights for researchers and sport and recreation managers.

The 15-minute city concept: The case study within a neighbourhood of Thessaloniki.

Cities, crucial cultural hubs, mould individual and group identities. The global urban expansion, with over half the population in urban areas, presents interconnected challenges such as pollution, poverty, inequality, ageing infrastructure, resource overconsumption, land use changes, biodiversity impact and climate change. Addressing these demands ambitious actions targeting political, social and economic systems for transformative change. The theoretical framework guiding city transformation centres on an interdisciplinary approach influenced by the Smart and Green Transition. The '15-minute city' concept, emphasizing human scale and urban experience, proposes that cities enable residents to meet daily needs within a short walk or bike ride. The aim of this study was the exploration of its implementation in Greek cities, particularly Thessaloniki, which reveals inherent characteristics supporting the 15-minute concept. Through an interdisciplinary approach rooted in the Smart and Green Transition framework, the research provides concrete guidance for policymakers in tailoring urban planning strategies, allocating resources effectively and crafting policies conducive to successful and sustainable urban transformations. Moreover, prioritizing public engagement highlights the significance of community involvement in shaping urban development plans, ensuring that proposed initiatives align with residents' needs and desires. In essence, this research contributes tangible insights and actionable recommendations for Greek cities, paving the way for more liveable, resilient and sustainable urban environments.

Measuring Deprivation and Micro-Segregation in Greek Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategies: Time to Apply a Common Method?

During the Programming Period 2014–2020, dozens of Greek cities drafted Integrated Territorial Investment programmes, based on Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategies (ITI SUDs). The Strategies justified the selection of intervention and activity areas using socio-economic analysis. The parameters of that analysis, as specified by the National Coordination Authority, reflected the socio-economic and functional parameters highlighted in the relevant EU regulations. This paper uses a recently published methodology in order to estimate and map deprivation in Greek cities with over 100,000 inhabitants, and compares the results with the activity areas identified in the ITI SUDs of those cities. The paper also makes an estimation of the potential for micro-segregation in deprived areas, in an effort to uncover the links between deprivation, built form and social composition at the micro-scale. The analysis shows that deprivation is comparatively more pronounced in Athens and Thessaloniki, and that the use of a common methodology to measuring deprivation, but with customized measurement scales, could support a more targeted allocation of urban policy resources. On the other hand, micro-segregation seems to be a factor worth exploring only in Athens and Thessaloniki, and not in Patra, Larissa, Volos and Heraklion, where the building stock in areas of deprivation is mostly low-rise.

Towards Transversal Housing Solidarities Across Space, Time and Subjects

ABSTRACT The paper documents the emergence of precarious local and migrant tenants as political subjects that build transversal housing solidarities in Greek cities amidst multiple intersecting crises. In doing so, I introduce the feminist concept of transversal solidarities to housing studies and expand it by bringing it in dialogue with debates on housing precarity. Understanding transversal solidarity as an integral part of housing struggles and as an important theoretical concept in debates on housing precarity, I argue, is a crucial step forward to housing theory as it foregrounds transversal housing solidarities as translocal and intersectional processes through which collective political subjects emerge. Drawing from rent struggles in Greece, I demonstrate that transversal housing solidarities are being built across space, time and subjects: they are local and place-based initiatives, embedded in broader networks of trans-local solidarities that are generative of concrete social and political alternatives to the neoliberal housing model.

Re-Assessing Hagia Sophia and Istanbul Land Walls through the Lens of Cultural Landscape Concept

Istanbul Historic Peninsula hosts diverse cultural heritage values that represent overlapping cultural layers lasting from the Ancient Greek city of Byzantion to the present city. This study examines the contribution of cultural landscape and historic urban landscape approaches to the conservation of heritage values in the Istanbul Historic Peninsula. Two of four UNESCO World Heritage sites, Hagia Sophia and Istanbul Land Walls are selected as case studies that are the architectural and urban scale components of the city’s image. This study aims to attribute to the world heritage sites of Hagia Sophia and Land Walls, which face the risk of loss of authenticity, integrity and outstanding universal value, the concept of cultural landscape, which enables the holistic and sustainable protection of the values and components of these sites. This study reveals the changing and continuing values of which are overlapped on a monument and a site.

Democracy and Reflections on 25 Years of Indonesian Reformation

Democracy has grown since the time of Ancient Greek civilization with the concept of Greek city states and Athens in 450 BC and 350 BC. Even in 431 BC, Pericles, a well-known Athenian statesman, defined democracy by putting forward several criteria: (1) government by the people with full and direct participation of the people; (2) equality before the law; (3) pluralism, namely respect for all talents, interests, desires and views; and (4) respect for a separation and personal area to meet and express individual personality (Roy C Macridis, 1983:19-20). In the same era, we can also get acquainted with the political thoughts of Plato, Aristotle, Polybius and Cicero, etc., to mention some of the thinkers of that time, who also laid the foundations for the notion of democracy. During its development, the concept of democracy underwent an increasing fertile phase and moved towards moderation during the Renaissance. So far, great thoughts have arisen about the relationship between the two rulers or the state on the one hand and the people on the other. There are new and surprising thoughts about the power and thought of Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527). On the Social Contract and the Separation of Powers by Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), Jhon Locke (1632-1704). Many of these big names have thoughts of contributing significantly to efforts to redefine or implement the term democracy.

Incipient Salinization: A Case Study of the Spring of Asclepieion in Lentas (Ancient Lebena), Crete

Sanctuaries devoted to Asclepius were established and operated for almost a thousand years in various Greek and Roman cities throughout the Mediterranean region. The Asclepieion sanctuary in Lentas (formerly known as Ancient Lebena) in Crete was famous for receiving water from a sacred spring. In Ancient Lebena, Levinaion was a famous centre for hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and a psychiatric hospital. In the present paper, we aim to assess the hydrochemical status of this sacred spring that holds a prominent position in archaeological and historical studies. The main objectives of this study are: Initially, to present supervisory evidence (archaeological, geological, hydrochemical) of an area that was a water resource management model for many centuries, carrying out therapeutic work. The second objective is to present and compare hydrochemical data in the last century, i.e., from 1915 to 2021. The third objective is to highlight and warn of an incipient saltwater intrusion in the area along the Lentas coast. The fourth objective is to propose an alternative and sustainable form of water resources management in the region that requires the study and rational utilization of the sporadic small water springs in the region. Our study focuses on a basic hydrochemical analysis of spring and borehole water in the remains of Levinaion in the Lentas region, and their comparison with sparse historical data of the sacred spring water, aiming to interpret the impact of the changes in the spring water resources that occurred in recent decades due to urban modernization. Our results highlight (i) visible fluctuations in chemical composition of borehole water samples; (ii) a neutral to alkaline pH in borehole waters and an alkaline pH in spring waters; (iii) undetectable arsenic in Lentas borehole water, unlike historical data of Lentas spring water; (iv) low values of dissolved radon in Lentas borehole water and the spring water of Kefalovrysa; and (v) a timeless constant and hypothermic nature of the water of both the sacred spring and borehole of Lentas, and also of the Kefalovrysa spring. The recorded historical data, i.e., from 1915 to 1957, due to the absence of substantial anthropogenic activity in the area, can be used as reference values (natural background levels, NBLs) for the Lentas area. Our findings emerge with the need to bring again the flowing spring water of the sacred spring of Lentas in its original form through sustainable management and re-discover its beneficial therapeutical effects.

Private Associations or Public Bodies? The Gerousiai of the Greek Cities in the Imperial Period

The article explores the position of the Gerousia in the associative universe of the Greek cities of the Imperial period. The first section examines the public dimen- sion of the Gerousia, as it emerges from its interaction with the civic institutions, the local notables and the imperial power. The second section focuses on the Gerousia’s sim- ilarities with private associations, both in their organizational form and in several of their activities, such as the protection of graves and the administration of funerary endowments. The third section draws a comparison between the public role of the Gerousia and that of private associations. Finally, the last section proposes a taxonomy of the various corporate bodies of the Greek polis in relation to their access to events, acts and symbols that expressed the sovereign power of the civic community and its collective identity. In these terms, the Gerousia occupied an impressively high position which brought her very close to the Council and the People.

Integrating Cargo Bikes and Drones into Last-Mile Deliveries: Insights from Pilot Deliveries in Five Greek Cities

Currently, there is a growing consensus that the use of more sustainable urban freight transportation has the potential to offer major energy and efficiency benefits which can be achieved through the appropriate combination of cargo bikes and the integration of drones into the urban logistics system. This study presents the results of a stepwise regression analysis that examines the role, benefits, and impact of electric vehicles such as e-bikes, cargo bikes, and drones for intermodal freight transportation in five Greek cities to support the green logistics paradigm. The results show that between routes of almost equal length, the most bicycle-friendly routes, such as routes along pedestrian areas or residential streets, should be avoided, as they reduce delivery speed and increase delivery costs in terms of energy and time expenditure. In addition, priority roads, which usually have higher traffic speeds and more trucks, are preferred by cyclists due to the quality of the road surface, even though the feeling of safety is lower on such roads. Finally, regarding drones, energy consumption is relatively low in the 0–5 mph and 6–10 mph wind speed ranges, indicating efficient energy use. In the 11–15 mph and 16–20 mph wind speed ranges, energy efficiency is significantly lower than the battery capacity, indicating that the cargo drone exhibits excessive energy consumption under these conditions.

Female Portrait Statuary in Roman-period Athens: the epigraphic and sculptural evidence

Female portrait statuary forms a large and important category of evidence for understanding the historical phenomenon of the visual representation and commemoration of women in the public spaces of the Greek city. With its rich body of both epigraphical and sculptural remains, the city of Athens is a particularly fruitful site to undertake such a study. While portraits of women begin to be set up in Athens in the early fourth century B.C., the chronological focus here is the Roman Imperial period, when inscribed bases for statues of women and marble sculpture representing female portrait subjects are the most abundant. I consider epigraphical evidence in the form of inscribed statue bases. The main sculptural evidence comes from the American excavations in the Athenian Agora. While a great deal of important research has focused on the epigraphic evidence, particularly from the Acropolis, this article analyzes and puts into conversation both strands of this extensive corpus of material.

The Lessons We Still Have to Learn from Nomima

The two volumes of Nomima, published in 1994–5, were of great scientific importance. With a total of 211 inscription, they enabled new questions to be raised. This valuable work illuminates a range of themes from the archaic Greek world, including: civic identity, interactions with the gods in sanctuaries, Greek laws and also relations between cities. Nomima’s methodology is also innovative because it tries to understand archaic Greece through the historical perspective of the inscriptions. Thus, it offers a history of this period through the words of the inhabitants of Greek cities, evoking the problems of their daily lives that got inscribed. This article treats about Nomima’s organization, detailing their contribution volume by volume. Although now dated, there is still much to learn from Nomima.

A Linear Regression Study Relating Stray Animal Management with the Importance of Relative Funding. A Case Study in a Small Greek City

Cities all around the world face the constant difficulty of regulating stray animal populations in urban environments. Abandoned or lost dogs and cats find refuge on urban streets, where they face a variety of challenges. This essay dives into the complex subject of managing stray animal populations in metropolitan areas. Stray animals on the streets are malnourished, exposed to harsh weather conditions, and infected, creating a huge public health concern by spreading illnesses such as rabies. Collaboration among communities, local governments, and animal welfare groups is critical in combating this issue efficiently. Implementing large spay and neuter programs, building animal shelters, and encouraging ethical pet ownership are all popular solutions for addressing this issue. To create safer and more compassionate urban settings for both humans and animals, it is critical to invest in vaccination and disease prevention programs, strengthen animal welfare regulations, and encourage community involvement. This study will use data from a municipality in Greece's Attica area to evaluate the link between greater spending and improved stray animal management. The examination of yearly veterinary care costs demonstrates an increase in financing but no commensurate increase in the number of animals seeking veterinary treatment. As a result, state and local authorities must take a more targeted and efficient approach to addressing this disparity. Although the state is willing, the challenge of reducing stray animal numbers persists, requiring ongoing attention and financial support. Cities can strive towards creating inclusive and healthier urban environments for all residents by addressing root causes and implementing viable solutions. This paper proposes a more targeted approach to tackling this complex issue.

Street food in Greece through the eyes of foreign visitors

ABSTRACT Street food eating and the mood it brings with it has become a characteristic of urban space in many societies. The present study moves between the cultural, social, and economic dimensions of street food in Greek cities and examines the food’s production attributes and history, the professional identities of the people behind the food, and the way the food is viewed by city visitors. Our study combines archived and bibliographic research with data collected among Greek students and French Erasmus students while on a short-time study in Athens. The casual food available in modern Greek cities is continuously evolving and becoming more enriched, reflecting the economic activities and demographic shifts of the area while also mirroring cultural influences and historical narratives. Next to a wide variety of newly introduced convenience foods, age-old street food helps the traditions of the region survive. The foreign students expressed a strong preference for Greek souvlaki, which, besides offering a casual meal alternative, also served as a medium for engaging with the host culture and gaining insights into the local way of life. For foreign visitors, traditional Greek street food represents a distinct alternative to the homogeneous menus offered by global chain fast-food establishments.

РЕЦЕНЗИЯ НА МОНОГРАФИЮ «МОЛЕВ Е.А., МОЛЕВА Н.В. БОСПОРСКИЙ ГОРОД КИТЕЙ: МОНОГРАФИЯ. ЧАСТЬ III. – НИЖНИЙ НОВГОРОД: ИЗДАТЕЛЬСТВО НИЖЕГОРОДСКОГО ГОСУНИВЕРСИТЕТА, 2022. – 453 c.: С ИЛ., ТАБЛ.»

The review analyzes the monograph by Evgeny Alexandrovich Molev and Natalia Vladimirovna Moleva "The Bosporan city of Kitei: Monograph. Part III", dedicated to the results of excavations in the field seasons 2005-2012 and 2016-2017. The preparation and publication of the fundamental work were the result of many years of research into the ancient city of Kitei. At the time of publi-cation of the monograph, one of the authors of the work, Yevgeny Alexandrovich Molev, passed away. But the debt of memory and respect for the famous Russian archaeologist and antiquarian prompted his colleagues and associates, led by Alexander Valentinovich Makhlayuk, to complete the work and publish it. Evgeny Alexandrovich was a great friend of Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H.M. Berbekov. After the collapse of the USSR, the eminent Russian scientist made every effort to restore comprehensive ties between Lobachevsky Nizhny Novgorod State University and Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H.M. Berbekov. This was reflected in the par-ticipation of colleagues in international and all-Russian conferences, the opposition of candidate and doctoral dissertations, in performances as a leading organization, the preparation of reviews of dissertations, monographs and textbooks. For 15 years he was the chairman of the State Attestation Commission in the field of Histo-ry. His high competence and professionalism made it possible to objectively assess the quality of the training of graduate historians, to be on top of the requirements for modern specialists. Evgeny Alexandrovich published his articles in the electronic journal "Kavkazologiya" when he took his first steps. Therefore, we could not remain indifferent to the appearance of the latest monograph by E.A. Molev. The topic studied in the monograph is certainly relevant. For kavkazologists, it is in-teresting because it provides a new layer of knowledge about the interaction in the ancient era of the Greek cities of Bosporus and the Sinds and Meots, which is fully correlated with the identical studies of R.J. Betrozov in the Northwestern Caucasus. The structure of the work is clear and well-founded. The scientific content of the sections is relevant to existing academic standards. The publication deserves the highest appreciation and at-tention of the historical and archaeological community.

Paving the Way for Last-Mile Delivery in Greece: Data-Driven Performance Analysis with a Customized Quadrotor

Cargo drones are a cutting-edge solution that is becoming increasingly popular as flight times extend and regulatory frameworks evolve to accommodate new delivery methods. The aim of this paper was to comprehensively understand cargo drone dynamics and guide their effective deployment in Greece. A 5 kg payload quadrotor with versatile loading mechanisms, including a cable-suspended system and an ultra-light box, was manufactured and tested in five Greek cities. A comprehensive performance evaluation and analysis of flight range, energy consumption, altitude-related data accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and environmental were conducted. Based on hands-on experimentation and real-world data collection, the study proposes a novel data-driven methodology for strategically locating charging stations and addressing uncertainties like weather conditions and battery discharge during flights. Results indicate significant operational cost savings (89.44%) and a maximum emissions reduction (77.42%) compared to conventional transportation. The proposed strategic placement of charging stations led to substantial reductions in travel distance (41.03%) and energy consumption (56.73%) across five case studies in Greek cities.