The Battle of Salamis (480 BC) has been recorded as one of the most important battles in human history. Its victorious outcome in the face of the continuous and persistent effort of the most powerful Persian war machine to occupy Greece proved to be crucial for the salvation and development of ancient Greek culture and the evolution of European culture.

Themistocles, whose name is inextricably linked to the political and military preparation of the Greeks and the strategy of the battle, has been associated with Lavreotiki since his birth, since he was born in the municipality of Frearria of the Leontida tribe (Themistocles Neocleus Frearios). With the perspicacity, insight and persuasion that distinguish him, he foretells the return of the Persians and directs the preparations for the strengthening of the fleet (“the wooden walls”). For this purpose, it commits the income to the Athenian citizens from the mines of Lavrio for the construction of 200 new triremes, which proved to be saviors in the critical naval battle.

This event is to be illuminated by the event co-organized, on the occasion of the completion of 2,500 years since the naval battle of Salamis, by the School of Mining-Metallurgical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), the Technological Cultural Park of Lavrio (EADI) and Lavreotiki Studies Society on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 20.00, at the open-air Amphitheater of TPPL, with the support of the cultural associations “Chrysis Tomis”, the Lavrio Training & Excursion Club and the Lavrio Choir.

The event will be opened by Anastasios Vlados, President of the Lavreotiki Studies Society. Greetings will be addressed by Professor Andreas Boudouvis, Rector of NTUA, Dimitris Loukas, Mayor of Lavreotiki and George Iatrou, Representative of the “Golden Section” of Keratea.

Speakers will be Dimitris Kaliampakos, Dean of the School of Mining Engineering-Metallurgy NTUA, Vice President of EADIP-NTUA, on the topic: “The struggle for freedom requires a heart … but also raw materials” and George N. Dermatis, PhD in History from University of Louvain-la-Neuve, on the topic: “2,500 years since the naval battle of Salamis – The mines of Lavrio and the victory of the Greeks”.

Finally, excerpts from the tragedy of Aeschylus “Persai” by the actors Giannis Myrogiannis and Eleni Psarra will be performed.

Spectators, who will be present by personal invitation (limited number according to the law), should follow the instructions and recommendations of the COVID 19 expert committee of the Ministry of Health for safe attendance in the open spaces. The rule of distance of at least 2 meters applies. However, the event will be broadcasted live (livestreaming) from www.lavrion-mines-salamina.eu