WASHINGTON, DC – The Society for the Preservation of the Greek Heritage (SPGH) presents the first in its1821-2021 Series, In Search of a Modern Greek Identity: Lessons from History, a panel discussion on Greek history with Professors Anthony Kaldellis and Roderick Beaton, via Zoom on Saturday, April 24, 12-1:30 PM EDT.

There are few events that bring to the fore the issue of identity as sharply as a revolution. And few events that test an individual or national perception of identity as critically as threats to one’s existence or sense of honor. This year, Hellenism is recognizing the 200-year anniversary of the start of the great Greek Revolution of 1821. At the same time, it is grappling with the implications of increasing geopolitical tensions with Turkey, such as the conversion of Hagia Sophia to a mosque and the status of the Aegean being called into question.

In response to these events that speak to core issues of heritage, SPGH is launching a series of virtual events exploring a modern meaning of Greek identity, starting with a webinar-style panel discussion on history. History, much like monuments, music and literature, is not only a reflection of who we are but also leaves traces in our collective memory, thus shaping our current understanding of the world and presaging the future.

The distinguished panelists are Professor Anthony Kaldellis, Chair of the Department of Classics at the Ohio State University, Ancient and Byzantine history scholar, and regular faculty at SPGH events; and Professor Roderick Beaton, former Koraes Professor of Modern Greek and Byzantine History, Language and Literature at King's College London, who is the author of the must-read Greece: Biography of a Modern Nation.

Registration for this free event is available on Eventbrite, search: SPGH Series “In Search of a Modern Greek Identity”: Lessons from History.