Romantic poet Lord Byron’s life celebrated in bicentennial event at University of Bolton’s partner college in Athens

She was joined on the podium by Professor George E Holmes DL DSc, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Greater Manchester and Elias Foutsis, President and Founder of the NYC Educational Group.

Dr Throsby, who is also a BBC broadcaster, flew from Australia to Greece to deliver the ground-breaking lecture on 16 April, entitled ‘Byron, the Unparalleled Phenomenon: From Great Poet to National Leader in the Greek War of Independence’.

One of the greatest British poets of all time, George Gordon Byron was born on 22 January 1788 and is considered as something of a folk hero in Greece. In later life he joined the Greek War of Independence to fight the Ottoman Empire, for which Greeks revere him. He died leading a campaign on died on 19 April 1824, at the age of 36, from a fever contracted after the first and second sieges of Missolonghi.

Dr Throsby’s lecture aimed to reshape perceptions of Byron in Greece and beyond. She talked about his multifaceted influence, portraying him as the first celebrity of modern history, whose impact rivalled even today's influencers and stars.

Dr Throsby also emphasised how Byron’s global renown in championing underdog causes made him the natural choice to spearhead Greece’s liberation efforts during the Greek War of Independence. She also showed how Byron’s celebrity influenced other foreigners to join the Greek War.

In his opening remarks, Professor Holmes said: “We have a very close relationship with New York College. We are now a Top 30 UK university and we are working here in Athens to provide the best possible education to students.

“Byron was the architect of an enduring alliance between the United Kingdom and Greece. It is with great pleasure and honour that I welcome you.”

The event took place in the Assembly Hall of the Old Parliament in the Greek capital. This historic venue now houses Greece’s National Historical Museum, which boasts a special wing showcasing Byron’s personal artifacts.

Major General Economides, officially representing General Demetrios Choupis, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Greece, joined Dr Throsby on the panel, along with Dr Vasilios Skianis, Dean of Academic Affairs of NYC, Lt General (Ret) Nikolaos Pitsolis and Dr Antonia Svensson, Head of the Psychology Department and Associate Dean of NYC.