Greece comes to life in two photographs today by Lia Mageira. She talks about both below.

In autumn, the banks of the Evinos River in western Greece display beautiful shades of brown. The river is named after King Evinos who drowned in its waters while pursuing Ida, who had kidnapped his daughter, Princess Marpissa. This story comes to mind while observing the river, which sometimes flows deep and calm, and at other times becomes wild.

Founded in 370 BC, the ancient town of Messini features a remarkable theater that once accommodated nearly 10,000 spectators for entertainment performances and political gatherings. Built around the 3rd century BC, the theater is considered one of the most significant in Greece’s ancient past. Today it offers performances, concerts, and cultural events, serving as a bridge between the excavation work of the past and contemporary society.

To symbolize this connection, the archaeologist Petros Themelis planted an olive tree at the top of the theater. Sacred to the Greeks both then and now, the olive tree represents the link between the present era and classical antiquity.