The Greek struggle to claim Western Thrace began at the same time with the one for Macedonia. However, the area was initially granted to the Bulgarians and became part of the Greek state in 1923. What happened in the meantime?

Western Thrace

Lena Divani

The Dodecanese

North-Eastern Aegean Islands

How did we build our national identity and manage to found an independent Greek state? From the decline of the Ottoman Empire to the decisive involvement of the Great Forces, watch the 'birth' of modern Greece.

The Founding of Greece (1821-1832)

Venetian, French and British rulers passed from the Ionian Islands; but never Ottoman ones. This is why their socio-economic development has been a lot different than that of the rest of the country. Discover their unique history!

The Ionian Islands (1864)

Neighboring to the Greek state, Thessaly was a constant 'headache' for the Sultan, who meted out cruel punishments to the locals each time they rose against him. Discover the adventurous history of its unification to Greece!

Thessaly (1881)

Once the territorial dispute over Epirus emerged, the common heritage of Greeks and Albanians was forgotten. And so, in the early 20th century, under the pressure of the Great Forces, Greece was forced to cede Northern Epirus.

Epirus (1913)

From the Frankish rule period to the Ottoman one, follow Crete’s long and bloody course towards its unification with Greece, and discover the role of the Great Forces as well as the conflicts between Christians and Muslims.

Crete (1913)

Extremely important from a geopolitical point of view and claimed by all neighboring Balkan nations, Macedonia’s annexation was a major priority for Greece. Watch how the Greek state finally won its biggest part.

Macedonia (1913)

Following Greece’s involvement in the 1st Balkan War and a great diplomatic battle given by Venizelos, the islands of North-Eastern Aegean became part of the Greek state in 1923. Discover the chronicle of their incorporation.

After a long period of Frankish rule, the Dodecanese passed into Ottoman hands and then into Italian ones. It was only in 1947, after Italy’s defeat in the Second World War, that the islands became part of the Greek state.

From the very founding of the Greek state, territorial expansion was one of its main foreign policy goals. Watch how Greece claimed and incorporated the territories that now make up the body of the country.

Western Thrace

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Season 1 Episodes9

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