Matthew Norman

3 weeks ago | greekreporter.com | Matthew Norman

Considered by some to be the influence for Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels, the Greek-speaking British spy Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz carried out a series of unique, solo espionage missions that undermined the Nazis during their World War II (WWII) occupation of Greece. Up until his capture and execution in 1943, Jerzy Iwanow-Szajnowicz was arguably the most courageous and effective British agent in Nazi-occupied Greece. He was worth an entire division of soldiers, according to British officials.

2 months ago | greekreporter.com | Matthew Norman

Whether between Greek city-states or against external powers such as Persia, ancient Greece was a hotbed for war and the exercising of power. Yet, among the clatter of swords and shields in warfare, there still existed certain laws. Perhaps the earliest and best-known example of a practical statement about international relations and warfare comes from the ancient Greek historian Thucydides.

Mar 6, 2025 | greekreporter.com | Matthew Norman

The Greek Orthodox Holy Monastery of St. Catherine on Mount Sinai is believed to house the oldest icon depicting the crucifixion of Christ. St. Catherine’s icon of the crucifixion of ChristThe icon in question, a panel painting, features the crucified Messiah, with arms stretched over the wooden beams of the cross, surrounded by several figures from the crucifixion narrative.

Mar 6, 2025 | theoldie.co.uk | Matthew Norman

In the way of this dismal age for the young, my son, Louis Norman, has been restored to his childhood home for some 16 months. This is less by choice than through economic necessity. No one within 17 postcodes of sanity, let alone a close relative, would wish to cohabit with me. For all that, I think he finds it almost tolerable. He and his partner have turned the previously condemnable top floor of the house into a pleasant apartment.

Feb 23, 2025 | greekreporter.com | Matthew Norman

The Lelantine War (Greek: Ληλάντιος πόλεμος) was supposedly fought between two cities in ancient Greece, Chalcis and Eretria on the island of Euboea, and occurred, according to some ancient writers, because both parties wanted access to the fertile Lelantine Plain. However, whether the war happened in reality or the realm of mythology is still unknown.