ATHENS — An event to formally celebrate the anniversary of 2,500 years since the battle of Thermopylae and the naval battle of Salamis was held on Wednesday evening at the Naval Cadets Academy in Piraeus, with the leadership of the country attending.

The two events "marked the development of the Persian Wars and determined on several levels the Greek and international history and culture," Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said in her address.

Thermopylae-Salamis 2020 anniversary year event held in Piraeus with Greek leadership attending (Photo by Eurokinissi/ Stelios Missinas)

The victories of Greeks in the Persian Wars are the start of the long and amazing process of Western civilization, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou noted. Drawing a parallel between the trying times of antiquity and today, especially in the economy, public health and geopolitics, the president noted that studying history and its lessons, "the events that shine throughout the eons, provide an endless intellectual and spiritual reserve."

Thermopylae-Salamis 2020 anniversary year event held in Piraeus with Greek leadership attending (Photo by Eurokinissi/ Stelios Missinas)

During such celebrations and events, she noted, "we reconnect with democracy and the bright spirit that connects ancient with modern Greece and Europe," while we also "draw courage and inspiration by the unity and self-sacrifice, strategic acumen and inventiveness against an enemy with overwhelming advantages" both in numbers and resources.

Thermopylae-Salamis 2020 anniversary year event held in Piraeus with Greek leadership attending (Photo by Eurokinissi/ Stelios Missinas)

Honorary president of the "Thermopylae-Salamis 2020" anniversary event, Marianna Vardinoyiannis welcomed the prime minister and his wife to the facilities. The event was under the aegis of the Greek president, and took place with the collaboration of the National Defense General Staff.