The Living History Association
"KORYBANTES", with the support of the EYZONOI sports Club and the researcher/armorer Dimitrios
Katsikis reminded and advertised to
an international European audience the
greatness of Greek Heritage.
The 17
members of the Hellenic mission travelled to France in order to demonstrate
more than a Millennium of Greek Cultural
and Military History in the event "Journées Gallo-Romaines
St-Romain-en-Gal 2012" , which was under the auspices of the French Ministry
of Culture.
In the
context of the annual Cultural Festival held in the Gallo-Roman Museum of town
of Vienne, the KORYBANTES Hoplites and EYZONI wrestlers had the opportunity to
present a rich program, captivating the interest of the audience and receiving
the strongest applause from the public.
Wearing
high authenticity, armor created by the researcher/manufacturer Dimitris
Katsikis, that covered a period starting from the Mycenaean period (12th
century BC) up to the Hellenistic years (2nd century BC), the Hellenic team
presented a high-intensity and plausibility (with functional equipment of
the era) presentation
They re-enacted a
naval battle of the 6th century BC, demonstrated hoplite drill, struggled half naked
under blazing sun and heavy rain as the ancient Pankration wrestlers had done
and initiated the visitors in the art of ancient Greek pottery painting (via
the unique presence of Mr. Vasilios Stamou).
It is
important to mention that Living History Association "KORYBANTES",
received from the Administration of the Gallo-Roman Museum , a letter of
thanks, in which the Archaeologists of the Museum verify the Historical
Accuracy and Consistency of the whole presentation.
The event
of Gallo-Romaines Journées St-Romain-en-Gal is a leading institution at a
pan-European level- it is attended by roughly ten to fifteen thousand visitors
each year-and for the first time had as its main theme the ancient Greek
culture for the first time in the annals of such an Organization mostly
dedicated to the Gallo-Roman culture.
It is
equally important to note that for the first time at Journées Gallo-Romaines
St-Romain-en-Gal, and in honor of the Greek culture, Ancient Greek sporting
Events (Wrestling, Pankration, Hoplitodromia, Disc throwing) were
included. At the events participated the
wrestler’s team of the Sports Club EYZWNOI and Athletes from the Olympique
Lyonnais team.
The idea
for the Ancient Sports demonstration in the context of the Event, which
organizers accepted, belongs to Mrs. Efi Kastellorioy, SEGAS Sports Judge.
We particularly
want to thank:
The
researcher/Dimitris Katsikis, Manufacturer of Greek Weapons and the company
HellenicArmors (http://www.hellenicarmors.gr) for their valuable scientific and
logistical assistance
The EYZONOI
Sports Club, who gives technical and racing, who success successfully oversaw,
both Pankration wrestling demonstration and Hoplite Battle demonstration,
The
historical Researcher Mr. Stefanos Skarmitzos (stefanosskarmintzos.wordpress.com),
scientifically guiding and ensuring the Historical accuracy throughout the
preparation period of the Mission.
The
"Greek Centaurs” Hellenic Horseback Archery Society for its continuous
technical, material and moral support.
Mr.
Vasilios Stamou, painter/hagiographer, as representative of Hellenic
civilization, with the live show of vase painting.
Mrs. Efi
Kastelorioy, Sports Judge of SEGAS, for her valuable contribution to our
Association’s training and her proposal, which was accepted by the Museum
Authorities, for Ancient Greek Sports demonstration during the event.
The members
of the Dodecanese .Visual Artists Club, for their advice and scientific documentation
in the usage of colors and symbols.
And finally a very big
"Bravo» to the members of our mission, who despite the adverse conditions
managed to wrest the strongest applause from all participants and by making the
public to whisper
«Ces sont des Grecs, des
vrais...»,
At last «Real Greeks…»
