Krétská epopej – Hlavatý Ivan (2023)

The title 'Cretan Epic' suggests that the central theme of the book is the centuries-old heroic struggle of the Greek Cretans for freedom against conquerors and occupiers, who have changed on the island over the ages. After a broadly conceived geographical, natural, gastronomic, and socio-cultural introductory general description of Megalonisi (the Great Island), the publication focuses on Cretan history from antiquity to the present. The notoriously known Minoans and Mycenaeans are more or less only mentioned, with a greater focus on Dorian antiquity, including the Roman period, ancient myths about Minos, Zeus, and other legendary figures. The historical excursion continues with periods that have been overlooked in Czech literature, such as Byzantine and Arab, Venetian, and Ottoman (Turkish) rule over Crete. The heroic epic of the Cretan people is concluded with a chapter from more recent history depicting the German invasion, occupation, and local resistance during World War II. The book also includes a depiction of Cretan ethnography, folklore, and traditions at the end. 'Cretan Epic' provides the Czech reader with a unique overview of the history and development of Crete from antiquity to the present, enriched by occasional personal insights and experiences of the author, who visited Crete as an ethnographer and researcher, worked and lived there, but often stayed on the island...