Digital Material | Children’s book: "Young Rigas and the secret symbols of Charta"

The children's edition "Young Rigas and the secret symbols of Charta" takes us to the Greek region about 250 years ago. At that time, before the outbreak of the Revolution of 1821, there was no Greek state, only slavery. A little boy, Rigas, dares to think freely and compares the ancient culture and the glory of his homeland, Greece, with the miserable situation in which it has found itself. So he decides to take action. Through a fantastic journey, accompanied by a talking bird, he will travel in ancient sites, meet mythical heroes, participate in ancient events, attend historical battles and, full of inspiration and passion, he will try to distribute the message of freedom and justice to all people. To achieve this goal, he conceives the idea of making a large map with secret symbols. Will he finally manage to wake up the lion that is hidden in the soul of the enslaved Greeks?

Children aged 8–12, parents, and primary school teachers.

Rigas Velestinlis included many hidden symbols in his Map. Look carefully at the Map’s copy and try to find them.

162 Ancient and Medieval Coins

They stand for the riches and the glory of the free cities, as well as the prosperity coming with freedom and independence. They also tell us stories about the people, the symbols, and the gods they depict.

Jason and ‘Argo’

They symbolize the adventurous nature of the Greeks, their love for travelling, trading, meeting with other peoples, and learning new things. Greeks do not hesitate to engage with adventures, if there is a reason.

Heracles and Amazon

Heracles, aka Hercules, represents the Greek realm, while the queen of Amazons the Asian one. The Amazons were daring fighters, very well equipped, as was the Ottoman Empire compared to its enslaved subjects. In this fight, Heracles, although he faced an entire army by himself, came out victorious!

The Ancient Greek Theater

It symbolizes the ancient Greek civilization, and its continuity through the ages, focusing on intellectual culture, arts, and literature. Theater is among the greatest offerings of the Greek civilization to humankind.

Ancient Olympia and the Olympic Games

They signify the Olympic Spirit, and its global reach, associated with the values and ideals of Olympism, e.g. mutual understanding between peoples, solidarity, fair play, and peace.

Delphi

There stood the most celebrated oracle of the ancient Greek world, and Delphi was regarded as the center (omphalos, e.g. navel) of the Earth. The Delphic spirit represents the most beautiful and glorious aspect of the ancient Greek civilization. The oracle was consulted by the Greek city-states, but also by rulers throughout the ancient classical world, in cases they wished to resolve disputes or make important decisions with just solutions. It was decorated with words of wisdom engraved on its walls, which inspired visitors all through their lives.

Colossus of Rhodes

One of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, it symbolizes the wealth, beauty, and prosperity of the ancient city-states, but also the fact that Greeks, whenever united, could prove miraculous.

Pyrrha and Deucalion

They represent the power of life and creation, the freedom fire, the justified good, the rebirth following a great natural disaster or war.

The Female Figure on the Forehead

She stands for Greece, the Greek State, Liberty, Justice, or even Science. She holds a pen on the one hand to write history, and a wreath to crown winners; on her other hand, she holds a caduceus (staff carried by the god Hermes), symbolizing the news brought to Greeks about the European Enlightenment, but also trade, the favorite employment of Greeks. At her feet, there are two books, a Geometry one and Odyssey, representing Science and Humanities, respectively, as well as the education’s role on succeeding freedom.

Hero and Leander

A love story ending tragically, which reminds us of the importance to claim our personal freedom in life, at any cost, even if we must overcome great obstacles.

The Battle of Plataea / the Naval Battle of Salamis / The Battle of Thermopylae

These were three major battles during the Persian invasion against Greece, concluding to two victories and a heroic defeat! They remind us that even the few ones who fight for justice can defeat much stronger armies, if they are united and well prepared. They also tell us how harmful treason is, and the importance to defend freedom until the end! For, the Greeks’ ancestors have done it in the past, heroically and successfully.

The Sleeping Lion

It symbolizes the enslaved Greeks who lie dormant, although having so much power inside them. They must raise arms and free themselves from the Turks. The lion could also represent the Ottoman Sultan, sleeping in peace, while the bat at his feet – a Heracles’ favorite weapon – waits for someone to take it, in order to confront him.

Lida Varvarousi (Author, Illustrator): Story, Writing, Illustration

Maria Pazarli (PhD in History of Cartography, Cartographic Heritage Archives, General State Archives, Historical Archives of Macedonia): Idea, Scientific Review, Parallel Texts

Vicky Gerontopoulou (Science and Technology historian, Onassis Library Coordinator): Idea, Scientific Review, Parallel Texts

Christina Kosmoglou: Publication Coordination

Vasilis Douvitsas: Text Editing

Konstantinos Kounadis: Page-setting

Yiannis Alexandropoulos: Responsible of Production

Kostas Diamantis: Augmented reality application creation

Afroditi Panagiotakou: Director of Culture

Efi Tsiotsiou: Executive Director & Director of Education

Dimitris Theodoropoulos: Deputy Director of Culture

Dimitris Drivas: Director of Communication & Marketing

Alexandros Roukoutakis: Head of Content

Cristos Sarris: Head of Creative

Kanella Psychogiou: Campaign Manager

Christina Panagiotakou: Educational Programs Coordinator

Korina Defteraiou: Department of Educational Programs