Volunteer divers have recorded what researchers believe is the first footage of a great white shark filmed underwater in the Mediterranean, captured during a ghost net removal dive near a shipwreck in the Strait of Sicily.

Derk Remmers, a technical diver with Ghost Diving, was about 40 meters (131 feet) below the surface between Sicily and Tunisia when the shark appeared. He filmed the encounter. The footage and photographs were released on June 8 to mark World Oceans Day.

Remmers said that the odds of meeting such an animal underwater are far lower than winning the lottery, and that his hands were shaking as he filmed.

The shark circled the group, then turned and moved back toward the divers. Remmers said that its behavior appeared calm and curious, not aggressive. When the team released air from their regulators, the shark picked up speed and disappeared from view.

First great white shark sighting in the Mediterranean stuns researchers

Marine biologists who reviewed the footage called the sighting rare and scientifically significant.

Dr. Carlo Cattano, a researcher at the Sicily Marine Centre of the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, said that most knowledge of great white sharks in the region has come from dead animals caught accidentally in fishing nets, and that direct observations help researchers better understand the species.

A great white shark circled divers in the Mediterranean as they worked to pull deadly ghost nets from a shipwreck in the Strait of Sicily. pic.twitter.com/tdJKJ37TMY

— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) June 9, 2026

He said that prior research had already identified the area as a key location for threatened species and that this sighting reinforces its conservation value. Researchers cautioned that broader conclusions would require further study.

The mission was organized by the Healthy Seas Foundation, along with Ghost Diving and the Society for the Documentation of Submerged Sites. The wreck’s location is being kept confidential.

Ghost nets, fishing gear lost or abandoned at sea, continue killing marine life long after leaving a vessel. Previous dives at the site documented loggerhead sea turtles and large fish species caught in the gear.

Shipwrecks attract marine life, and when ghost nets settle on them, those structures become underwater traps.

Ghost nets turn shipwreck ecosystems into ongoing ocean traps

Veronika Mikos, director of Healthy Seas, said that the sighting is a reminder of how much marine life still exists in offshore Mediterranean waters and how much is at risk from discarded gear and overfishing.

Remmers said that between 1% and 10% of all fishing gear worldwide is lost each year, possibly adding more than 500,000 metric tons of abandoned nets to the ocean annually.

He said that the shark’s presence near the wreck signals an abundance of prey, and that those same animals face entanglement risk. Volunteer cleanups alone cannot resolve the problem, he said, and stronger action against industrial and illegal fishing is needed.

The mission also included environmental DNA sampling and underwater monitoring. Healthy Seas said that it plans to release additional footage and scientific material in the coming weeks.

Loan servicers are freezing interest charges on thousands of restructured household loans in Greece after a Supreme Court ruling raised questions over how debt repayments should be calculated.

Law 3869/2010, commonly known in Greece as the Katseli Law, covers the loans. The crisis-era framework allowed over-indebted individuals to seek court-supervised debt restructuring. Until the Supreme Court clarifies the legal implications of the ruling, affected borrowers will continue solely paying down the principal with no additional interest charges.

The decision has triggered concern across Greece’s financial sector because it challenges the traditional method for calculating interest on regulated debts. Loan servicers are now reviewing the ruling and plan to seek formal clarification from the Supreme Court before applying a final methodology.

Supreme Court ruling changes interest calculation

Supreme Court Plenary Decision 6/2026 sits at the center of the issue. The court found that lenders should calculate interest on debts restructured under Law 3869/2010 based on the monthly installment set by the court rather than on the total outstanding debt balance.

That interpretation marks a significant departure from standard banking practice. In a conventional repayment schedule, lenders calculate interest on the remaining balance of the loan. At the beginning of repayment, interest usually takes up a larger share of the monthly installment. As the borrower gradually repays principal, the interest portion decreases.

The Supreme Court adopted an alternative approach for loans covered by the debt-relief framework. According to the ruling, calculating interest on the monthly installment better serves the original purpose of the law, which aimed to help over-indebted individuals recover financially and return to economic and social activity.

Borrowers will only pay principal for now

Until the Supreme Court clarifies the ruling, loan servicers plan to suspend interest charges on affected loans. This means borrowers whose debts fall under the crisis-era framework will continue making payments, but those payments will reduce principal rather than cover interest.

Legal representatives for borrowers argue that the court’s interpretation could make many of these loans almost interest-free in practice. Under that view, lenders would divide the total regulated debt by the number of installments ordered by the court and then calculate interest only on that fixed monthly amount.

Some financial-sector representatives, however, interpret the decision differently, saying the ruling necessitates further clarification before servicers can apply a reliable calculation method. A senior source from the loan-servicing sector has reportedly said the industry should not adopt any interpretation before the Supreme Court provides additional guidance. Servicers are therefore preparing to submit a formal request for clarification.

Around 300,000 loans could be affected

Market estimates suggest that the affected framework may cover approximately 300,000 loans, with a total value of about €6 billion ($6.9 billion). Greek banks no longer hold most of these loans directly, after transferring, selling, or securitizing them during the cleanup of the country’s banking system.

Early market estimates place the potential cost for creditors at around €1 billion ($1.15 billion), depending on how the authorities and courts ultimately apply the ruling. The final impact will also depend on whether the decision guides only future calculations or opens the way for claims over interest already paid. That question remains especially sensitive. The ruling does not clearly settle whether it has retroactive effect, leaving borrowers, servicers, funds, and banks waiting for further legal clarity.

Possible impact on Greece’s loan securitizations

The ruling may also affect recoveries from securitized loan portfolios. Many loans covered by the debt-relief framework entered transactions linked to Greece’s “Hercules” asset-protection scheme, which helped banks reduce non-performing loans through state guarantees.

If collections from affected loans fall sharply, financial-sector sources warn that pressure could increase on certain securitizations. In a worst-case scenario, lower-than-expected recoveries could raise concerns over whether the state may eventually need to honor guarantees under the Hercules program.

For now, the extent of the risk remains uncertain. It will depend on the Supreme Court’s final interpretation, the number of loans directly affected, and whether courts or regulators allow any retroactive adjustment of interest already charged.

Broader concerns over Greece’s interest freeze on restructured loans

Banking sources are also monitoring whether the decision could influence borrowers who utilized other restructuring tools, such as Greece’s out-of-court debt settlement mechanism. If other vulnerable borrowers seek similar treatment, the financial consequences could extend beyond loans regulated under Law 3869/2010.

At this stage, the immediate effect applies only to borrowers whose debts fall under the crisis-era framework. However, the case could become an important reference point in future disputes over household debt, creditor recoveries, and the legal limits of debt-relief protection.

Greece is set to increase the protected bank account threshold from €1,250 ($1,445) to €1,600 ($1,850), allowing debtors an additional €350 ($405) per month to remain shielded from account seizures. The measure, announced in Parliament by Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, is expected to go into effect on July 1. It is part of a wider government initiative aimed at easing financial pressure on households and businesses with outstanding debts.

The current exemption limit has remained unchanged since 2014, when it was introduced during the fiscal crisis. Twelve years on, the government says the revision reflects both rising living costs and the need to update Greece’s debt enforcement system. Pierrakakis noted that the new ceiling marks a 28 percent increase, outpacing cumulative inflation over the same period, which he estimated at 20.8 percent.

How the new protected bank account threshold in Greece will work

The protected bank account limit sets the amount of money a debtor can keep accessible in a designated account, even when seizure procedures are in place. Under the new rules, balances of up to €1,600 ($1,850) in a declared protected account will be exempt from seizures related to debts owed to the state. Each individual is allowed to declare one protected account at a single credit institution through the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).

In practice, if a debtor has €1,500 ($1,735) in their protected account, the entire amount remains untouched. If the balance increases to €1,900 ($2,198), authorities may only seize the €300 ($347) that exceeds the €1,600 ($1,850) threshold. The measure does not cancel debts or suspend enforcement actions. Instead, it raises the amount individuals can hold onto for everyday expenses and essential financial obligations.

Which debtors in Greece will benefit from the new bank account limit?

The change to Greece’s protected bank account threshold is expected to benefit individuals whose accounts are subject to, or at risk of, seizure due to overdue obligations. This includes salaried employees, pensioners, self-employed professionals, and other taxpayers who need greater protection for funds held in their declared accounts.

More than two million people in Greece currently have outstanding debts to the tax authorities. Of these, around 1.7 million have already been affected by enforcement measures such as account seizures, freezes, or other compulsory collection actions.

For those whose monthly income or deposits exceed the existing €1,250 ($1,445) limit, the increase could offer up to €350 ($405) in additional protected funds each month, easing pressure on everyday finances.

Measure tied to Greece’s private debt strategy

The increase in the protected bank account threshold is part of a broader policy package aimed at tackling private debt. The provision is expected to be included in the government’s upcoming bill on illegal gambling, which is currently under public consultation.

Private debt in Greece stands at 94.5% of GDP, below the European Union average of 121.4%. Authorities say the measure is designed to provide additional relief while maintaining enforcement mechanisms for overdue obligations.

The move comes as Greece continues to report stronger banking sector indicators. Non-performing loans in the country’s banking system have declined sharply to 3.3%, down from 48.5% in 2016. At the same time, debt arrangements totaling €6.8 billion ($7.86 billion) have been completed in 2025, reflecting ongoing efforts to restructure and manage outstanding liabilities across households and businesses.

Bank account seizures could be lifted

The same policy package introduces a separate provision for taxpayers whose bank accounts have already been seized. Under the proposed framework, debtors will be able to request the lifting of a seizure if they pay 25% of the principal debt upfront and agree to a repayment plan for the remaining balance. This option would be available once per debtor and is intended to encourage a return to regular repayments.

The new approach effectively replaces the “gradual protected account system” introduced in 2019, which was never implemented in practice. That model envisaged a step-by-step increase in protected funds for debtors who consistently met repayment obligations, but it was ultimately deemed too complex and remained inactive.

Implementation details still pending for Greece’s new bank account limit

The main outstanding issue is how the new €1,600 ($1,850) threshold will be applied to bank accounts that have already been declared as protected.

Authorities are expected to provide further clarification on the implementation process, including whether existing declarations submitted through AADE will be updated automatically or whether taxpayers will need to take additional steps to maintain or adjust their protected account status under the new regulations.

Greece’s Ombudsman, the country’s independent administrative watchdog, received more than 20,000 complaints in a single year for the first time in its history, according to its latest quarterly bulletin, highlighting persistent failures across the country’s public administration.

The Ombudsman reported that the upward trend recorded in 2025 continued during the first four months of 2026 with no sign of slowing down. The figure underscores the strained relationship between citizens, residents, legal entities, and public services in Greece, where bureaucracy remains one of the most persistent sources of public frustration.

The bulletin, which covers January to April 2026, details cases involving social insurance, labor rights, disability certification, digital access to public services, and environmental protection.

Greece’s ombudsman acts on complaints over large family exemption

One notable case involved a large family that lost its exemption from municipal fees after some of its children reached adulthood.

The competent authority had apparently treated the exemption as temporary, although Greek law provides lifetime protection for families with four or more children, a category that carries a specific legal status in Greece. Following the Ombudsman’s intervention, the authority restored the family’s lifetime exemption.

Low-income pensioners asked to repay state errors

The bulletin also refers to the pension agency operating under the legacy structure of the former Agricultural Insurance Organization (OGA), which Greece later absorbed into the unified social security body e-EFKA. The agency attempted to recover money from low-income pensioners in order to correct errors that its own employees had made over several years.

In a separate case, a disabled citizen was expected to go through a prolonged bureaucratic process simply to have a disability assessment issued by the Army’s Supreme Health Committee converted into digital form. The conversion was necessary to obtain Greece’s Digital Disability Card.

Greece’s ombudsman intervenes in labor rights cases

Labor rights also featured prominently in the Ombudsman’s findings. The authority recommended heavy sanctions against a company that unlawfully dismissed a pregnant employee.

It also secured recognition of a 22-day special leave entitlement for two mothers of children with developmental disorders after their public-sector employers had repeatedly refused to grant the leave.

Disabled citizens report conduct of physicians

The bulletin also highlighted a pattern of complaints from disabled citizens regarding the behavior of certain doctors at KEPA, Greece’s disability certification centers, which operate under e-EFKA.

Following the Ombudsman’s intervention, the agency issued instructions for behavioral training and the adoption of a professional code of conduct.

Environmental complaints include noise, flooding, and illegal construction

Environmental issues formed another major area of concern. The Ombudsman criticized the ministries of Health and Development as well as the police over a legislative gap in noise regulation. According to the authority, the gap leaves residents living near open-air concert venues without adequate protection from noise pollution.

In two separate cases, the Ombudsman referred local government inaction to prosecutors. The cases concerned delays in flood prevention projects and the failure to demolish illegal structures in Oropos, in East Attica, and Ikaria, an island in the Eastern Aegean.

In the northwestern region of Thesprotia, the Ombudsman’s intervention also halted the illegal infilling of a stream.

A large algal bloom, also referred to in Greece as the “Red Tide,” has once again turned the waters of the Thermaikos Gulf along the Thessaloniki waterfront a murky brown, raising environmental concerns in Greece’s second-largest city as warmer weather and favorable winds intensify the phenomenon.

In recent days, large sections of the city’s seafront have been covered by a thick, brownish layer of phytoplankton slime. The bloom has produced unpleasant odors and altered the appearance of one of Thessaloniki’s most recognizable public spaces, affecting areas used daily by both residents and visitors.

Brown algal bloom spreads along Thessaloniki’s seafront

Drone footage highlights the scale of the algal bloom, showing brown waters stretching along Thessaloniki’s seafront from the Concert Hall area toward the city’s historic promenade.

According to local reports, rising temperatures and southerly winds have helped drive the algae toward the shoreline. As a result, the material has accumulated along the coast, forming a continuous layer across the water’s surface in several parts of the gulf.

Στον… τάκο ο Θερμαϊκός (γιατί δεν καθαρίζεται μόνος του) #TheOpinion #theopinionews #Θεσσαλονίκη #thessaloniki #θερμαϊκόςhttps://t.co/pMUNNTUPeo

— TheOpinion_News (@TheOpinion_News) June 9, 2026

Scientists point to eutrophication as cause of Thessaloniki waterfront algal bloom

Scientists attribute the phenomenon to eutrophication, a process driven by excessive concentrations of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus entering the marine environment.

In the case of the Thermaikos Gulf, these nutrients can originate from urban wastewater, river runoff and agricultural fertilizers. Combined with higher sea temperatures, this leads to the creation of ideal conditions for the rapid growth of phytoplankton. This, in turn, can result in dense algal blooms that alter the color of the water and generate strong odors as the organic material begins to decompose.

Thermaikos Gulf remains vulnerable

Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that the Thermaikos Gulf is particularly vulnerable to such episodes due to long-standing pressures linked to urban development, agricultural activity, and climate-related factors.

Similar outbreaks have periodically been recorded in recent years, especially during warmer months, making algal blooms a recurring problem for Thessaloniki and the wider coastal area.

Cleanup operations underway as algal bloom spreads across Thessaloniki

The latest bloom follows earlier signs of eutrophication that have been reported in the Thermaikos Gulf since the beginning of the year.

Authorities have continued cleanup and monitoring efforts, including operations by the anti-pollution vessel Alkippi. The vessel has been deployed to assist in the collection of floating organic material and limit the impact of the bloom on coastal areas.

Long-term measures needed

Experts stress that algal blooms are generally natural biological processes, but they can be intensified by human activity and environmental pressures.

Reducing the frequency and severity of such outbreaks will require long-term measures to improve water quality, limit nutrient inflows, and strengthen environmental management across the wider Axios-Thermaikos Basin.

Greece is a goldmine for souvenirs because the best things to bring home are deeply rooted in centuries of culinary, agricultural, and artistic traditions. Skipping the generic plastic keychains, here are the top 10 authentic souvenirs to bring back.

Authentic Greek souvenirs

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

Greece consumes more olive oil per capita than any other country, and its liquid gold is world-renowned. Look for oils from Crete, Kalamata, or Mani. For easier travel packing, skip the glass bottles and buy the tightly sealed tin canisters found in local supermarkets or specialty shops.

2. Greek Thyme Honey

Because Greek bees feed on wild herbs under intense sunshine, the honey here is thick, rich, and distinctly aromatic. Thyme honey (particularly from Crete or the Aegean islands) is considered the gold standard.

3. The Mati (Evil Eye) Amulet

The distinctive blue-and-white eye charm is designed to ward off bad energy or jealousy (to mati). You can find it on beautifully crafted silver jewelry, ceramic wall hangings, or simple glass beads. It’s light, cheap, and undeniably Greek.

4. Ouzo, Tsipouro, or Mastiha

Bring the taste of a Greek summer back home:

• Ouzo: The famous anise-flavored, clear spirit that turns milky white when you add water or ice
• Tsipouro: A strong, unaged grape distillate (similar to grappa)
• Mastiha: A sweet, incredibly refreshing liqueur flavored with resin harvested exclusively on the island of Chios

5. Dried Greek Oregano & Mountain Tea

Greek oregano (rigani) grows wild on rocky hillsides, giving it a much more intense, peppery flavor than supermarket varieties back home. Pair it with a bunch of Greek Mountain Tea (tsai tou vounou), a dried herb brewed for centuries to boost the immune system and soothe digestion.

6. Olive Wood Kitchenware

From salad bowls and cutting boards to honey dippers, items made from Greek olive wood are gorgeous and incredibly durable. The tight grain of the wood means it doesn’t absorb odors or bacteria easily, and each piece features entirely unique natural patterns.

7. Handmade Leather Sandals

If you pass through Athens (especially the Monastiraki neighborhood) or certain islands such as Crete and Rhodes, you can buy genuine, handmade leather sandals. They are styled according to Ancient Greek designs, crafted to last for years, and mold comfortably to your feet over time.

8. Greek Ceramics & Pottery

From museum-quality replicas of ancient black-and-figure vases to modern, minimalist, blue-and-white tableware handmade on islands such as Sifnos, Greek pottery is a beautiful addition to any home.

9. Natural Sea Sponges

Harvested for generations by traditional divers (most famously on the island of Kalymnos), genuine Greek sea sponges are entirely natural, hypoallergenic, and far softer and longer-lasting than synthetic alternatives. They are fantastic for skincare and bathing.

10. Spoon Sweets (Glyka tou Koutaliou)

These are traditional fruit preserves served on a small spoon alongside Greek coffee or dolloped over Greek yogurt. They are made by boiling wild fruits (like sour cherries, figs, or bitter oranges) in sugar syrup, preserving the firm texture and vibrant flavor of the fruit.

10+1. The Komboloi

The Komboloi, or worry beads, may be one of the most typical symbols of Greece’s easy-going mentality that has been widely established in Greece since the middle of the 20th century. Whether on the street, on an airplane, or in a busy kafeneion downtown, you will find people playing with their worry beads in various manners, even doing flips and tricks with them, letting go of their stress and worries as one bead moves deliberately towards the other. The repetitive action and clicking of the beads turn this pastime into an easy motion reported to help ease tension.

Packer’s Tip: If you’re traveling with carry-on luggage only, you won’t be able to take liquid souvenirs such as honey, olive oil, or alcohol past airport security. Buy these items at the airport duty-free shops after security—the quality is still highly authentic, and the prices are surprisingly fair!

The Church of Saint Nicholas, a magnificent church in Ermoupoli, the capital of Syros, took twenty-two years to build.

Overlooking the Cycladic island, Saint Nicholas’ construction began in 1848, following the designs of a Greek architect named G. Metaxas. They were personally approved by King Otto, the Bavarian prince who ruled Greece from the establishment of the monarchy in 1832. The church was finally completed in 1870.

Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers, is also the patron saint of Ermoupoli. The cathedral dedicated to him stands out even to this day for its impressive architectural structure. The two-story monumental church has marble bell towers, an imposing marble staircase and marble propylaea, Ionic columns, archaic motifs, arcades, and an array of sculpted decorations.

It has lavish interiors including its icon of Saint Nicholas, which was plated in silver in Moscow. Its marble throne, pulpit, and marble iconostasis are also very unusual in Greek ecclesiastical architecture.

Saint Nicholas Church one of the finest in Greece

St. Nicholas was constructed between 1883 to 1899 by Tinian sculptor G. Vitalis and is considered one of the finest churches of the nineteenth century in Greece.

The church’s icons were created by some of the best hagiographers of the time while many Greeks from abroad, including shipowners, contributed funds toward the construction of the temple.

Internally, arches divide the church into three aisles; places for female congregants run along its three sides.

The imposing church is known as Agios Nikolaos “the rich,” to distinguish it from “Agios Nikolaos of the poor” another church on Syros.

Syros has a long history that began three millennia ago

Syros’ long history explains the many different styles of architecture and the many government buildings in the capital, Ermoupoli. It has also led to the establishment of a wealth of museums and cultural events that take place there in the summer.

On Syros, one will find City Hall, comprised of the remains of the castle in Ano Syros and the Theater Apollon—all buildings atypical of Cycladic architecture.

Syros was never under Ottoman occupation since it was protected by the French, and there is a strong Catholic element on the island due to the Venetian influence there as well.

Nowadays, the island is world-renowned for its rich cultural tradition with events that take place in Ermoupolis, such as the International Classical Music Festival of Cyclades, ANIMASYROS International Animation Festival, Ermoupoleia Cultural Festival etc that offer a range of options for every visitor to experience.

Related: Syros: The Lady of the Aegean Islands

The island of Skiathos in Greece, renowned for its picturesque beaches and vibrant atmosphere, is reviving its ancient wine production as it gains recognition as a gastronomic destination in the Sporades.

Mayor Thodoris Tzoumas has highlighted the island’s unique culinary identity, emphasizing the harmonious blend of fresh seafood and local produce. In speaking to Greek Reporter, he mentioned dishes such as shrimp with wild greens, octopus with zucchini, and distinctive soups featuring foraged greens. The island’s beloved “pita,” both oven-baked and fried, also holds a special place in its culinary heritage.

The return of wine to Skiathos

A pivotal development in Skiathos’ burgeoning gastronomic scene is the establishment of its first modern winery, Parissi Winery. This enterprise signifies a profound reawakening of the island’s long-dormant winemaking tradition.

Historically, Skiathos boasted a flourishing viticultural landscape, with vineyards thriving until the mid-20th century. However, a combination of prolonged drought and shifting economic priorities led to a decline in wine production, with many locals turning to olive cultivation instead.

According to Maria Koutseri, co-owner of Parissi Winery, a key element defining Skiathos wines is the island’s unique terroir. Many of their vineyards are strategically situated in secluded areas in close proximity to the sea. This coastal influence imparts a subtle yet distinctive salty, savory characteristic to their wines. This intriguing quality echoes historical accounts of “Stratis,” an ancient Skiathian wine rumored to have incorporated seawater during its production, a practice believed to have enhanced its flavor and appeal among the Romans.

Parissi Winery is dedicated to reclaiming this forgotten legacy. Despite the inherent challenges of cultivating vineyards on a highly tourist-driven island, they are demonstrating the immense potential for producing high-quality, distinctive wines.

The winery operates on a small scale, meticulously cultivating 45 strains of exclusively Greek grape varieties. Their focus is unwavering on showcasing the indigenous flavors of Greece, including Roditis, Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, Alexandria Muscat, Xinomavro, and Limniona. From these, they craft a select range of offerings: four dry whites, one rosé, one red, and a sweet wine, all of which are sold exclusively on Skiathos.

A wine-making legacy reclaimed

Perched at one of the island’s highest points, Parissi Winery not only offers a taste of its unique wines but also commands breathtaking panoramic views of Skiathos town. Visitors are invited to embark on an immersive experience, beginning with a guided tour of the vineyards, where they learn about the cultivation process and specific grape varieties.

The journey continues into the production area, providing firsthand insight into the meticulous winemaking journey. The experience culminates in a dedicated tasting session, allowing guests to savor the distinctive flavors of Skiathos and take home a piece of its revitalized wine heritage.

Maria Koutseri expresses her heartfelt hope that Parissi Winery will serve as a catalyst, encouraging others to join in this revival. She envisions a future where Skiathos’ rich winemaking tradition is fully restored and celebrated, thereby adding a lasting and sophisticated dimension to the island’s growing reputation as a premier gastronomic destination.

Related: Skiathos Navigates Tourism Growth With Focus on Sustainability, Quality

Located in Lake Nemi in Italy, the Nemi ships consisted of two vessels constructed on orders of Roman Emperor Caligula (37 to 41 AD), known for his extravagant lifestyle.

The ships served as floating palaces, complete with intricate decorations, marble floors, and elaborate plumbing systems and demonstrated advanced Roman engineering techniques.

There is evidence of the use of waterproof concrete, complex hull designs, and innovative plumbing systems with features such as heated baths. The ships were adorned with exquisite artwork, including mosaics, marble statues, and bronze decorations.

Nemi ships were impressively large for their time

The Nemi ships were impressively large for their time. The first ship, the Prima Nave, had a length of approximately 70 meters (230 feet) with a width of about 20 meters (66 feet). The second, the Seconda Nave, was 73 meters (240 feet) long and 24 meters (79 feet) wide.

Both ships were constructed with high-quality materials, including oak and pine wood, and featured advanced techniques such as waterproofing with lead sheeting and bitumen.

The sheer size and opulence of the ships reflected the grandeur and luxurious lifestyle associated with Emperor Caligula. They were likely used for leisure and ceremonial purposes, showcasing the emperor’s wealth and technological advancement of the Roman Empire.

Ships discovered and then destroyed during the Second World War

The ships were discovered in the 15th century, but serious attempts to recover them only began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Italian dictator Benito Mussolini ordered the draining of Lake Nemi in the 1930s, leading to their successful recovery.

The Nemi ships were destroyed in the final stages of World War II. On the night of May 31, 1944, a fire broke out in the Museum of Roman Ships at Lake Nemi, where the ships were housed. The fire caused extensive damage, destroying much of the wooden structures and artifacts. Most of the ships were lost to the flames.

The exact cause of the fire remains disputed. One theory suggests that retreating German forces set the museum ablaze to prevent advancing Allied troops from capturing the ships and the valuable artifacts. Another theory posits that the fire resulted from Allied bombing in the area, although there is less evidence to support this.

Furthermore, there was also the possibility of an accidental fire, possibly caused by negligence or the mishandling of flammable materials during the chaotic war period.

The remains of the Nemi ships, along with related artifacts and replicas, are housed in the Museo delle Navi Romane (Museum of Roman Ships), located near Lake Nemi in Italy.

Despite the destruction, some metal and stone artifacts survived the fire. These remnants, along with photographs and drawings made before the fire, have allowed historians and archaeologists to reconstruct aspects of the ships.

Related: Stunning Ancient Marble Bust Found at the Bottom of Italian Lake

Across history, ancient civilizations crafted prototypes for many of the modern mechanisms that have become integral to contemporary life. From the compass’s early forms that transformed navigation to the predecessors of today’s vending machines, these ancient artifacts offer insights into the roots of modern technology.

Although some of these ancient mechanisms were lost over time, their hidden potential was eventually revealed by subsequent generations, shedding light on the remarkable foresight of the ancient inventors.

Baghdad Battery

Baghdad Battery

found near Baghdad,considered galvanic cell that was created 2,000 years before A.Volta was born.The "battery"was a 13-centimeter vessel.Its neck was filled with bitumen an iron rod passed through it.Inside the vessel was a copper cylinder with an iron rod in it pic.twitter.com/zpPi36yxs7

— Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) November 1, 2022

An ancient artifact, which became known as the Baghdad Battery, has fascinated the minds of scientists for the last century. According to chemist Dr. Von Handorf, this find allows to believe that “an ancient tinkerer could have invented an electroplating process.”

Discovered in 1938 by a German archaeologist Wilhelm Konig, the Baghdad Battery is potentially around 2,000 years old. It comprises a clay jar, a copper cylinder, and an iron rod. When filled with a mild acid, such as vinegar, this assembly generates approximately 1-2 volt of electricity.

Attention to the mechanism arose with new force after the Second World War. American scientist Willard Gray conducted experiments in the post-war period, making copies and demonstrating that the device could generate two volts of electricity when filled with electrolyte. German researchers in the 1970s replicated this setup and successfully used it to electroplate a thin layer of silver, proving its potential as a battery.

Several theories have been proposed regarding the purpose of the Baghdad Battery. One hypothesis suggests that its primary use was for therapeutic purposes, drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek practice of using electricity to relieve pain. Another theory suggests that the batteries could have been hidden inside religious statues or idols. Dr. Paul T Craddock suggested that those who touched the statues would “experience a little shock with a small, mysterious flash of blue light.”

However, this mystery is likely destined to remain unsolved, since the artifact was stolen from the National Museum of Iraq in 2003.

The Lycurgus Cup

This 1600-year-old cup has a feature that proves that the ancient Romans were pioneers of nanotechnology. The perfectly preserved artifact amazed minds with its ability to change color depending on position and lighting.

Since the 1950s, the Lycurgus Cup has been in the British Museum. It received its name because of the masterfully depicted king of Thrace, Lycurgus. According to ancient Greek legends, he was at enmity with the god of wine Dionysus and is depicted on a cup entangled in a trap of grapevines.

When lit from the front, the cup appears jade green, but changes color to a rich blood red when lit from behind. This unusual and extremely modern property for that era has amazed scientists for decades.

Subsequently, scientists still managed to solve the mystery of the ancient mechanism behind the cup. They examined the glass under a microscope and discovered that Roman artisans had impregnated it with particles of silver and gold. These grains were so small that their size was less than one thousandth of a grain of table salt. Researcher Ian Freestone from University College London called the painstaking work of the ancient craftsmen “an amazing feat.”

The operation of the color changing mechanism has also found its explanation. When hit by light, the electrons belonging to the metal particles vibrate in such a way that they change color depending on the position of the observer. Gan Logan Liu, a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, said that when the cup was filled with liquid, it changed the way the vibrating electrons in the glass interacted. He underlined that the romans “knew how to make and use nanoparticles for beautiful art.” Consequently, the color of the cup also changes.

This ancient technology is reflected in the modern world. Thus, home pregnancy tests use nanoparticles that turns the white line into pink.

South-Pointing Chariot, Ancient Mechanism Before Compass

The prototype of a navigational instrument, this Chinese south-pointing chariot became an ancient analogue of the compass. The history of this ancient mechanism dates back to approximately 5th century BC.

The chariot was described as a horse-drawn cart indicating the southern direction. It featured a figure that consistently pointed south, irrespective of the cart’s orientation. Employing differential gears, the mechanism comprised four wooden gears and additional gearing connecting the differential to the wheels. As the wheels turned, the gears rotated the figure to maintain its southern alignment. Notably, the chariot necessitated manual adjustment at the start of every journey, unlike a compass, which aligns automatically.

Chinese scientists rapidly developed their technologies and learned to magnetize iron needles back in the 7th–8th centuries AD. However, for several more centuries they did not use magnetic compasses and continued to produce chariots. It is believed that they went out of use only around the year 1300.

First Vending Machine

Vending machines are older than you might think.

The first such machine was designed and produced by Heron of Alexandria in the 1st century BC.

It dispensed holy water in exchange for coins. pic.twitter.com/t4O8GqFIx8

— Inquisitive (@curious_va) March 1, 2023

Vending machines, which have become a common attribute of modern life, owe their appearance to the ancient Greek scientist Heron. One of the best ancient mathematicians and inventors, he lived and worked in Alexandria. Heron developed many remarkable ancient mechanisms, and even the first steam engine of its kind.

His vending machine was a very modern mechanism for dispensing holy water. To use it, a person had to insert a coin into a special slot. Then it fell onto a tray connected to a lever. The weight of the coin opened the valve, from which water flowed out for the liars. Eventually, a coin would then slide off the tray, causing the lever to return to its place.

Astrolabe, Ancient Mechanism that Could Measure Time

Alexandria was home to another brilliant ancient inventor, Ptolemy, who invented a mechanism that could measured time.

This ancient instrument for timekeeping and celestial observation included the planispheric type, allowing astronomers to compute the positions of the Sun and stars relative to the horizon and meridian.

Originating in the 6th century, astrolabes gained prominence in the early Middle Ages across Europe and the Islamic world. It become crucial for maritime navigation by the mid-15th century before the emergence of sextants. Ranging from 3 to 18 inches, the typical planispheric astrolabe was predominantly crafted from brass or iron. It featured the base plate with celestial coordinates, the open-pattern disk illustrating stellar maps, and the alidade used for celestial sightings.

The astrolabe’s intricate construction and widespread usage underscored its significance as a multifunctional scientific tool in the medieval period. Its application extended beyond astronomy, finding utility in fields such as geography, timekeeping, and surveying.

Greece’s Minister for Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, has warned of a highly concerning “strategic shift” by Hamas, suggesting the organization may be expanding its operations into Europe following the arrest of a suspected operative on Crete.

In an interview with radio station Parapolitika 90.1, Chrysochoidis pointed out that for the forty years since its founding, Hamas has traditionally restricted its violent activities to Israeli territory without causing external disruption. The potential establishment of European networks marks a dangerous departure from that history.

“This is precisely what concerns us greatly—that it constitutes a strategic shift by Hamas,” Chrysochoidis said, emphasizing the need for constant, continent-wide vigilance. “We need to see exactly what this means and understand the potential scope of such a danger, such a threat.” The Minister also firmly rejected the idea that European security forces are dealing with isolated actors. When asked if recent threats could be classified as “lone wolf” actions, Chrysochoidis called the term unfortunate.

“No one can carry out an action on their own; it requires extensive preparation, extensive training,” he explained. “Let’s abandon these images of the lone wolf and focus on efforts carried out by organizations or through coordinated campaigns aimed at striking specific targets.”

Hamas suspect in Greece faces court deadline

The Minister’s warnings come in the wake of a major counter-terrorism operation in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, where a 37-year-old Palestinian man was arrested for allegedly plotting terrorist attacks against Israeli interests using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The suspect was escorted to court under heavy security measures to face both felony and misdemeanor charges. Appearing before the prosecutor and the examining magistrate without legal representation, he was granted a deadline until Thursday, June 11 to formalize his statement. According to judicial authorities, the 37-year-old is being prosecuted for:

• Forming and joining a terrorist organization
• Receiving specialized training in the manufacturing and usage of explosives for the purpose of carrying out terrorist acts
• Traveling abroad to attend training related to committing terrorist acts
• Providing criminal support for terrorist purposes

Greek authorities are now working to determine the extent of the suspect’s connections and whether he is tied to broader cells operating across other European countries.

Related: Greece Revokes Asylum of Palestinian Over Ties to October 7 Attacks

Cyprus and France signed a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) on Monday that strengthens defense cooperation between the two nations and allows for the conditional deployment of French troops on the island nation.

The agreement was signed in Nicosia by Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas and his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, on the sidelines of the informal meeting of EU defense ministers, hosted by Cyprus.

Vautrin described Cyprus as a key strategic partner for France and an essential hub for French military operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. “Cyprus is an essential support point for the conduct of our military operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Near East,” she said.

She noted that the ports of Larnaca and Limassol host around thirty French naval visits annually, with twenty-one already recorded since the beginning of this year. The French Minister highlighted the extensive cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces, pointing to joint naval exercises, including Argonaut and Eunomia, aimed at strengthening maritime security, freedom of navigation, and crisis response capabilities.

According to Vautrin, cooperation has also expanded in recent years to include land and air operations, military mobility, air defense, operational readiness, and logistical support.

Provisions of the Cyprus-France defense agreement

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides announced the agreement’s entry into force on his official social media accounts, stating that the signing and implementation of the SOFA contribute to the shared European objective of strengthening the European Union’s strategic autonomy.

Όταν ο Γάλλος Προέδρος Emmanuel Macron επισκέφθηκε την Κύπρο στις 23 Απριλίου 2026, είχαμε αναφερθεί δημόσια, κατά τη διάρκεια της διάσκεψης τύπου, στην πολυεπίπεδη στρατηγική μας συνεργασία, ειδικότερα στους τομείς της Άμυνας και της Ασφάλειας. Μέσα σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, είχα… pic.twitter.com/E3Gk5IZgX8

— NikosChristodoulides (@Christodulides) June 8, 2026

Under the SOFA, which was discussed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Nicosia on April 23 and subsequently negotiated between the two sides, the military assets of France may be deployed in southern Cyprus under certain conditions. The agreement also provides a legal framework for the presence of French military forces in Cyprus in support of various activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Furthermore, the SOFA, whose entry into force was announced by Christodoulides, grants France access to military bases and infrastructure in Cyprus. The agreement is reported to also include provisions on military technology sharing, joint exercises, and strategic dialogue between France and Cyprus.

In a novel diplomatic development, US President Donald Trump has reportedly approached the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, to act as an informal mediator to help de-escalate the war between Russia and Ukraine.

According to reports from Israeli media, including Ynet, and Greek news outlet iefimerida, the proposal was discussed during a recent forty-minute meeting between Trump and the Patriarch at the White House. Sources close to the Patriarchate reveal that Trump asked Theophilos III to leverage his long-standing communication channels with Moscow—and specifically with Russian President Vladimir Putin—to explore avenues toward a ceasefire.

Jerusalem Patriarch: A religious intermediary?

Theophilos III is widely regarded as a figure of immense moral and religious authority, largely viewed as free from direct political alignment. Crucially, the Jerusalem Patriarchate has maintained close ties with the Russian Orthodox Church and has notably abstained from recognizing the autocephaly (independence) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which was granted by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 2019. This stance, combined with Moscow’s historical interest in protecting the Holy Sites in Jerusalem, gives the Patriarch unique diplomatic leverage with the Kremlin.

Furthermore, the Patriarch is no stranger to sensitive diplomacy. He previously assisted in securing the release of Israeli citizen Naama Issachar from a Russian prison. Trump is reportedly eager to utilize these open channels to demonstrate swift progress in resolving the conflict, especially as official diplomatic avenues remain heavily strained.

Mixed reactions and official caution

A meeting between Patriarch Theophilos III and Vladimir Putin is already scheduled for later this month. While no official mediation proposal has formally been presented to Kyiv, a Ukrainian government source generally welcomed the initiative. “Why not? The more mediators there are, the more responses we will get from Russia showing that Putin wants to keep fighting,” the source stated.

However, ecclesiastical sources in Athens have expressed deep skepticism regarding the feasibility of the endeavor, questioning whether Ukraine will ultimately accept a mediator with such close ties to Moscow.

Diplomatic talks shift to Athens

Amid these backstage diplomatic maneuvers, Patriarch Theophilos III arrived in Athens for an official visit, where he met with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. While the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs focused on regional stability, Gerapetritis reaffirmed Greece’s unwavering support for the Patriarchate and the protection of Christian populations in the volatile Middle East.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Greek Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture and the Patriarchate to preserve the Holy See’s cultural heritage. Gerapetritis also underscored the vital importance of maintaining the historical Status Quo of Jerusalem, emphasizing the unity required among the ancient Eastern Patriarchates during this highly complex geopolitical era.

Greek activist and academic Antonis Vradis shared his harrowing experience after being detained by Israeli authorities in international waters alongside fellow Freedom Flotilla activists.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Vradis revealed that he was held for 52 hours aboard an Israeli vessel before being transferred to Israel and ultimately deported. He alleges that he was subjected to brutal torture by Israeli commandos during his detention.

As a member of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a fleet of over fifty vessels aimed at breaking the naval blockade of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid and stand in solidarity with Palestinians, AntVradis was aboard the La Sirena when it was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters near Cyprus. The passengers were detained at gunpoint and transferred to the Nahshon, a ship he describes as a “floating prison.”

“I began calculating how many minutes on my knees I would trade for just a few seconds inside the torture container. It felt like we were kneeling for an eternity,” Vradis recalled. “A drone hovered overhead, and a nationalistic song blared continuously from the loudspeakers in an exhausting, repetitive loop.”

Greek flotilla activist alleges torture by Israelis

The activist detailed accounts of beatings, electric shocks, and humiliation. He noted that he was held in metal containers with dozens of other activists and deprived of food, water, and medical care. This experience, he said, helped him truly understand the depth of sumud—the steadfastness and resilience that characterizes Palestinians.

Upon arrival at the Israeli port of Ashdod, Vradis claims he faced further violence and was threatened with a knife, all while being denied medical attention.

“During the fingerprinting and photographing process inside a large registration tent, two guards dragged me into a small, isolated area behind a curtain,” he described. “One of them lunged at me with a folding knife. The blade was aimed at my stomach, but I instinctively moved, and it struck my arm instead, leaving a bleeding, four-centimeter gash.”

Vradis’ allegations are now the subject of legal proceedings in Greece. Reflecting on the ordeal, he warned that his experience reflects practices that have reportedly been inflicted on Palestinians for decades. “They put us in a black box stripped of all rights,” he stated, describing the incident as an act of “state piracy.”

Related: Israel Exploits Greece to Advance Regional Hegemony, UN Special Rapporteur Warns