For most of people the acquaintance with Ancient Greece takes place as early as at school — indeed, it is impossible to underestimate the contribution of this great country into the development of the world science. Here arose and developed such modern sciences as Maths, History, Philosophy, Biology, Physics, Geometry, the theatre appeared and the Olympic Games started. The names of many scientists, poets, philosophers, architects, doctors, historians and politicians of Ancient Greece entered the history forever.
Philosophy was considered to be the pinnacle of all the sciences in Ancient Greece. One of the most outstanding philosophers of Ancient Hellas is Aristotle. His name is known for every Greek, and numerous monuments, streets, parks and squares named after Aristotle remind about the great thinker’s contribution to the history of this country. One of the most popular monuments to Aristotle is installed in Thessaloniki on the central square that bears his name.
In the heart of Thessaloniki, just a stone’s throw from the promenade, there is one of the most well-known places in the city — the square of Aristotle. At this place various city events take place, the magnificent twin buildings of Electra Palace and Olympion are situated here, you can feed pigeons right from your hands or enjoy a slow walk at the picturesque streets. Nearby multifarious cafes, lots of shops and boutiques are located, and one of the main sites of interest, sure enough, is the monument to Aristotle.
Cast of bronze, the thinker is sitting in the white marble bench. Aristotle is dressed in a chiton, which was a traditional kind of clothes for inhabitants of Ancient Greece, and wearing high sandals. In philosopher’s left hand there is a vellum scroll. It seems that the thinker, having sit down for a repose, thoughtfully watches unsuspecting modern descendants.
Coming closer to the monument, it is impossible not to notice the highly polished big toe on the philosopher’s leg — against the dark bronze monument it seems to be golden. There is a belief among local residents that by rubbing this toe anyone can become much smarter and more reasonable. That is exactly why the locals and the visitors of the city of all ages and professions aspire to touch the magic part of Aristotle’s body.
The greatest wise man of the Ancient Greece Aristotle was born and lived in Ancient Hellas in the IV century B.C. Many of details of philosopher’s life are disputable, that is why the opinions of the scientists agree not in all the points. Aristotle was born in Stagira, Thrace, just 55 km from the modern city of Thessaloniki. His father Nicomachus was a doctor of the Macedonian king Aminta. In his family, the future philosopher got a perfect upbringing and education, which helped him consequently to delve into the study of many sciences.
After the early death of his parents, Aristotle moved to Athens where he entered the Plato’s Academy that prompted his sincere interest to philosophy. In 343 B.C. the Macedonian king Philip II invited him to become a mentor for his son — Alexander the Great.
Aristotle was giving classes not only to the future great commander but he also was teaching two more future kings — Ptolemy and Cassandr. Later he based his own school of philosophy in Athens, which became known as the Lyceum.
Aristotle left his mark in history as one of the greatest thinkers of ancient times and as the “father of the Western philosophy”. His writings covered many topics in a variety of subjects — physics, biology, zoology, metaphysics, logics, ethics, aesthetics, poetry, music, dramatic art, oratory, psychology, linguistics, economics, politics and management.
The Aristotelous Square, where you can find the monument to the great thinker, is located right in the heart of the city. It is situated not far from the port, begins from the seafront and goes up to the Ancient Rome agora and Basilica of St.Dimitrios. Going up the square from the seafront, keep to the right side — this way you will easily find the bronze monument to Aristotle.
You can get to the square from any part of the city. The buses No 3, 5, 5A, 6, 12, 33, 33A, 39, 39A go here. From the airport, you can take a bus No 78, which runs every 30-40 minutes. From the Halkidiki K.T.E.L. bus station, you can get here by bus No 45.
