Archaeologist and Honorary Director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaia, Anita Koumousi, is featured in “Remarkable Personalities” with Stavroula Karali on Voice of Greece on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, at 22:00 Athens time.
Marking 29 May 1453, the day Constantinople fell, the program presents a special tribute to Constantine XI Palaiologos, the last Byzantine emperor, who passed from history into legend and became an enduring symbol of faith, duty, and self-sacrifice.
Anita Koumousi speaks about the remarkable discovery of the portrait of the last Byzantine emperor at the Old Monastery of the Taxiarchs in Aigialeia — a finding that attracted worldwide interest from the scientific community, as it is considered the only known depiction of Constantine Palaiologos created during his lifetime, opening new chapters in historical and archaeological research.
The discussion begins with that unique moment when the image of Palaiologos was revealed at a height of five meters inside the Old Monastery of Aigialeia and expands to the symbolism of the portrait, as well as the spiritual and cultural radiance of the Byzantine Empire as a whole.
As part of the conversation, Ms. Koumousi takes listeners to Hagia Sophia, the Theodosian Walls, the legendary Kerkoporta, and the historical testimonies of the City’s final night. Special reference is also made to the brothers of the last emperor, the Despots of Mystras — Thomas, who fled to Rome after the Fall, and Demetrios, who sought support from the Ottoman side. Constantine Palaiologos, however, remained by his City until the very end, passing into history and collective memory as the “Marble King.”
Produced and presented by Stavroula Karali
Sound editing: Giannis Yalinis
Broadcast: Wednesday, 27 May 2026, 22:00 Athens time
