Byzantium - The Surprising Life of A Medieval Empire - Judith Herrin

I have always been fascinated by the Byzantine Empire. It held a certain mystique, partly because I knew relatively little about it. Judith Herrin's book serves as a good introduction, and more.

This is not an exhaustive chronological history - the author examines various instructive aspects of Byzantium in a digestible and entertaining format.  I derived from it an appreciation of how the empire regarded itself as a continuation of the Roman Empire, as well as being the descendant of ancient and classical Greece, and how these factors, together with the co-existence of pagan and Christian elements, helped to carve out a distinct identity of its own.

The author is keen to emphasize the role of Byzantium in allowing "Europe" the time and space to develop and breathe, by constituting a "shield" in the East. She also makes some interesting observations about how the empire's participation in religious matters, for instance with the Slavs, helped to shape the future make-up of the world farther north.

The ebb and flow of the relationships between East and West is deftly and accessibly outlined, even if some of the theological struggles and disputes seem obscure and bewildering to a modern reader. Above all, this book details how Byzantium constantly reinvented itself, and adapted to new challenges and to the emergence of new influences and threats.

Occasionally the legacy of the empire is placed in a modern context, and there is recurrent reference to archaeological finds, and to the signs, reminders and remnants of Byzantium's existence and vitality which still remain today. The author warms to the task of addressing and analyzing the vehement criticism which the empire was subjected to after its demise, especially during the Enlightenment.

As so often happens with these matters, my opinion of the Byzantine world has actually diminished as a consequence of learning more about it.  Dynamic and idiosyncratic it may have been, but the fact that it was influential and intriguing does not obscure some things which seem less agreeable. One is left feeling that the world had even regressed in some respects since the classical era. Byzantium did not seem to fully incorporate some of the more progressive features of the civilizations which it claimed to be the successor of.

Whatever one's personal opinion of the "goodness" or otherwise of the empire, though, this is a well-written and thoughtful introduction to the subject.

Kirkstall Abbey

For reasons which need not detain us here, I have recently been in a position to visit Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds a couple of times. Despite the place being in reasonably close proximity to the area where I live, this was my first time there since my school days (the early 1980s, to the best of my recollection), when it was a popular destination for day-trips of an educational and enlightening nature.

Kirkstall Abbey is a monastery which was founded in the Middle Ages, and it is situated in the northern suburbs of Leeds. Although today's tourist attraction is basically a set of ruins, it is still a fascinating and thought-provoking place to encounter, exuding some eeriness, but also considerable grandeur and spirituality.  The abbey and its grounds are now surrounded by ordinary residential streets and the normal hubbub and noise of modern commercial activity, and this apparent incongruity only makes the tranquility (both then and now) of the former monastery seem more welcome and desirable....

As I slowly made my way through the various sections of the abbey, what crossed my mind was how the scale and intricacy of the architecture and structures, impressive as it is/was, throw into sharp relief the achievements of other, earlier civilizations in terms of engineering,building, logistics and sheer human effort, ingenuity and endeavour. On the face of it, the things constructed and operated by the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and so forth, hundreds or even thousands of years before, were scarcely less advanced or complex than what was created there at Kirkstall Abbey.

The abbey is yet another of those places which makes me wish that I could have my time again, in order that I could train and work as an archaeologist or a historian! It was quite easy to visualize, looking at the ruins, what the scene would have been like all that time ago, as the monks went about their daily tasks and rituals. The state of some of the ruins also leaves plenty to the imagination, as one speculates what function such and such a row of stones might have fulfilled back when the monastery was active and vibrant.

My recent strolls around the ruins brought back memories of my childhood visits, and I sought in some respects to reproduce the atmosphere and spirit of those times, even to the point of buying myself an ice-cream (complete with chocolate flake!). Looking back, as a callow and somewhat shy youth I was insufficiently inquisitive or outward-looking to fully appreciate what I was seeing, or being told, about the abbey and its history. These virtues have only come to me in comparatively recent times. Better late than never, I'm forced to admit...

If you are staying in Leeds, or even just passing through, Kirkstall Abbey is well worth a quick visit.

The Odyssey - Homer

Having got through Homer's Iliad, I recently set about reading the poet's other celebrated work, The Odyssey.  This was E V Rieu's translation, which was done in a "prose" style.

The poem essentially documents the wanderings, adventures, fortunes and misfortunes of Odysseus (and others) in the aftermath of the Trojan War.  The main thrust of the plot is the quest of Odysseus to return to his home in Ithaca, and his later measures to address the ominous events which had taken place there in his absence.

During the story we are immersed in the world of the palaces  The settings are varied and the story derives much of its richness from the grandiosity or beauty of the locations, and the way in which these are introduced and described. Ironically, this world, as much as it bears some resemblance to historical reality, was shortly to decay and eventually disappear.

In part due to the exotic and evocative settings which form the backdrop for the various portions of the poem, the Odyssey, there is very much a fantasy and/or fairy-tale character to the work, with passages referring to bounteous orchards, streams, forests, springs, exotic fruits and other idyllic features. The mythological element is strong. The constant and elaborate presence of the gods and assorted mythical beings and creatures accentuate this impression.

In other ways I was reminded of some of the stories written by Hermann Hesse, although the precise motivations behind Odysseus' travels were not always the same as those nurtured by Hesse's characters. One can readily appreciate from reading this work how influential Homer has been, subconsciously or otherwise, on many generations of writers, novelists and poets.

For all the tranquil and picturesque landscapes, the Odyssey is not without its violent and disconcerting episodes. The encounter with the Cyclops, and especially his culinary inclinations, certainly raised my eyebrows.  One thing to note is that the story is slightly confusing from a chronological viewpoint, in that much of the plot is related "retrospectively" by Odysseus to the Phaeacians. Once the reader has untangled the order in which the various stages happened, then he or she will be fine, and it should make perfect sense.

The Odysseus is, on the face of it, not submerged by portentousness and gravitas, and some of the dialogue between characters has charm. Moral questions are tackled in a milder and less onerous manner, and this ensures that it is digestible and enjoyable, even if intense concentration is desirable in order to derive the most from it.

It is a gripping and absorbing story, and is well worth reading, and not just for people who have already experienced the Iliad.

The Iliad - Homer

Commonly regarded as the beginning of European literature, Homer's epic poem The Iliad is set in the latter stages of the Trojan War, and largely centres on the experiences and emotions of the character Achilles, and to a lesser extent his Trojan counterpart Hector.  I recently undertook the gruelling but truly rewarding task of reading the work in its entirety.

When reading The Iliad, it is tempting to become preoccupied with the "historicity" question, (i.e. to what degree the poem accurately reflects real events), and to let this hinder one's enjoyment of the story-telling and the language.  Perhaps the wisest course of action is to read it twice - once purely to relish its literary beauty and gravity, and then again to cross-reference minutiae with the archaeological and scholarly canon.

One thing which strikes the reader almost immediately about The Iliad is its sheer power and immersive vitality. As some people have observed down the decades, the experience can be almost overwhelming to the reader.  Although the central thrust of the story is the "rage" of Achilles, and his resentment towards Agamemnon, the length of the work permits a diverse array of characters to come under scrutiny, and their presence greatly enriches the depth of the picture.

Of course, much of the narrative is taken up with the deliberations of the gods.  These supernatural and mythical features of the story do endow it with much of its poetic vigour and mystique. I found myself adopting a dual strategy, of both taking those elements literally, and also of divining more rational and worldly interpretations.

It seems an odd thing to say, but it is surprising at how "sophisticated" the narrative is, as if guile, emotion and a grasp of the vagaries of the human condition had not yet been invented three thousand years ago!  Some newcomers may also be surprised at the graphic nature of the descriptions of the combat. There is little effort to cushion the horror, to sentimentalize it or to shroud the actual consequences in cryptic phrases.

In some ways the story can be distilled down to a study of, and comparison between the "heroic" figure of Achilles and Hector.  The latter perhaps embodies the qualities which would be seen as admirable in later, classical times.

A feature of The Iliad which struck me right away was how it brings the senses alive, making the reader feel as if he or she was there on the battlefield, or beside the Achaean ships.  I could almost reach out and touch the action, and taste it.

Parts of the story have something of a medieval fairy-tale quality about them, and I have heard one or two experts proffer this impression too.  Going back briefly to the gods, I could imagine that a modern audience would draw a parallel between their involvement and the "puppet masters" who, we are told, influence and orchestrate wars and upheavals in our own time. Is this me being over-analytical?

As mentioned earlier, the length of the poem allows time and space to dwell on some of the supporting characters, such as Diomedes for instance. Their "back stories", and details of their background and lineage, enhance the piece. The heterogeneous nature of that world is also highlighted, with portrayals of local natural features, and the traits and activities which distinguished the inhabitants of each region.  Colourful pictures are painted, and the reader is drawn even further in.

It probably helps to have a little knowledge of the story beforehand, as well as the historicity and archaeology, in order to render it a more seamless literary experience. A person approaching it "green" may find the breadth of characters and mythology excessive and bewildering.

I can readily appreciate that many 21st century readers will be ambivalent at best about the world which is depicted in The Iliad.  Even if they are awed and captivated by the beauty and intricacy of the poetry, they will be repelled by the values espoused by some of the characters.  I would contend that if we look beyond this, some simpler, timeless and more noble virtues can still be made out.

My perception was that the tension in the poetry escalated towards the end, and this would be more acutely felt if one had an inkling of what is to come, or if one had worked it out along the way. For all the bravado which emanates from the main players, their fear and anxiety are also easily discernible, which reflects well on the quality of the storytelling. I found that my own revulsion at the pitiless and unscrupulous methods of the fighters rose as I got deeper in; the animalistic lust for vengeance and blood, the deafness to pleas for mercy or clemency.  Still, I was transfixed.

It has been asserted that Iliad embodies the tragedy of war, but it also serves as a commentary and a window on the darker, less palatable and edifying aspects of human nature. It is still relevant, even though we like to convince ourselves that we have conquered, or at least tamed, some of our more unpleasant inclinations.

Troy's inevitable doom, and that of some of the central protagonists, hangs over the piece, and contributes heavily to the drama and the pathos. It is also worth remembering that some of the familiar points of the Troy legend are not in this poem, or else are only referred to obliquely.

The ending, which might have been regarded as a redemption for Achilles, would be uplifting in its way, if we did not sense what would follow, having been placed on notice in the text. This ambiguity, and the curious ending, are additional factors in The Iliad's appeal.

The Iliad is a sometimes uncomfortable, daunting but enthralling read, It will also place much other literature in perspective.

The Classical World - Robin Lane Fox - book review

For a few reasons, I find that the "classical" and ancient worlds are a more interesting and stimulating field of research and study than more modern historical topics. Because of the relative lack of sources and direct evidence, there is more scope for imagination, debate and ambiguity.

The Classical World, by Robin Lane Fox, is a vibrant, absorbing and at times passionate look at Greece and Rome. Faced with such a vast and complicated landscape, the author wisely operates within certain parameters, using 5th and 4th century Athens and the Roman Emperor Hadrian as benchmarks and reference points of a sort. The changes and upheavals through the centuries are examined through the concepts of freedom, justice and luxury, and how they were interpreted and regulated.

The most refreshing thing about this book is that the author is not afraid of making it clear where his cultural and political sympathies lie, especially where the zenith of classical Greece is concerned. In addition, he succeeds in knitting together the various strands and elements of the subject in a way which is seamless, coherent and plausible. The fragments, when assembled, become real, rather than distant, diffuse and unfathomable.

Lane Fox explores the origins of "classical" Greece, referring back to the time of Homer, and detailing how technological, military, economic and cultural factors brought about social and political changes, by altering the balance of power between the classes. The transition to Athenian democracy is also tackled, and how the democratic ethos benefited the city in its conflicts with its neighbours and antagonists. There is also a compelling look at the spread of Greek influence in both the East and the West.

Of course, no account of classical times, in their broadest sense, would be complete without a look at the Macedonians, Alexander the Great and the "successors". Again, this section of the book blends effectively into the big picture, analysing how the fallout from Alexander's exploits affected the wider world.

The secret to this book's allure to me was the blend of enthusiasm, knowledge and authority of the author. His humane, enlightened and principled approach shines through. The classical and ancient worlds are enchanting for the casual observer, but that is nothing compared to how they look and feel when studied and portrayed by a figure possessed of insight and understanding, not to mention a graceful and potent way with words.

The recurring passages about social structures I found pertinent on more than one level. They show how things were, and how flaws still remain in our time. Our generations have less "excuse".  One is also reminded about the pivotal nature and role of the ownership of land...

Often, the phases of history covered by this publication can seem abstract; unreal and threadbare. Lane Fox manages to make them appear as vivid and relevant as the Napoleonic Wars and the Reformation. It seems to me that this was achieved by a combination of admirable focus and plausible interpretation of matters which are subject to endless scholarly dispute.

There is some highly intriguing material about the periods when Macedon, Rome and Carthage overlapped. The odd myth or popular misconception is debunked or dispelled along the way, too. The author also entertainingly points out the differences between the cultural lives and political ethos which prevailed in the various city-states and regions.

The chapters on the Roman Republic, and what came in its wake, are excellent in their level of detail and their erudition. Roman times, in comparison with the earlier Greek world, arguably contained less to be idealistic or enthused about, but they are hugely instructive for students of history and human nature. Rome may have been more "exciting", in a visceral sense, but Athens commands more fondness and admiration.

Throughout The Classical World there is considerable focus on the artistic and cultural consequences and accompaniments of major events, and how the Greeks and Romans saw themselves, as reflected and depicted in art, ceremony, architecture and ritual. Of course, these forms constitute much of the tangible and retrievable evidence by which we appraise and interpret those years.

In summary, this work is hugely enjoyable, imaginative and heartfelt. A stimulating and illuminating read.

Alexander The Great - Robin Lane Fox - book review

Until comparatively recently, Alexander The Great was a bit of an enigma for me. Yes, from early childhood the name had been familiar to me, but this did not persuade me to conduct any great research into who he really was, and how he acquired his legendary status. Until recently, that is....

Robin Lane Fox's book is less a biography than a quest to strip away some of the layers of myth and distortion which have amassed over the centuries, as a consequence of the limited first-hand evidence, and the unreliability and questionable motives of some of the most prominent sources.

The period immediately before and after Alexander's accession to the throne is one of the more intriguing sections, with a cogent outlining of the political and social landscape which he grew up in, and the legacy bestowed by his father.

The author frankly points out the scarcity of  information concerning Alexander's childhood, and eschewing idle speculation, draws together strands from what is known about the region in that period, to offer theories about how he might have developed. The tutelage by Aristotle is naturally looked at, but Lane Fox is careful not to over-play the influence which the great thinker might have exerted.

The role of superstition, religion and myth cannot be ignored in a book about Alexander The Great, or about ancient/classical times, but this telling does not become weighed down by such considerations. The importance of Homeric legend is clear, although it is mentioned less as the story proceeds.

Because of the often dubious nature of the historical "records", much of this tome is taken up in weighing up the bewildering number of interpretations placed on pivotal episodes in Alexander's life. The author's knowledge and erudition come into play, as does an ability to see the "big picture" and to place contentious events into a wider context. These arguments are put forward clearly and plausibly, when one considers the complexity of the subject matter.

I think there is a tendency to portray Alexander as some kind of "superman", but Lane Fox rationalises things by offering earthly explanations for his qualities and prowess, citing factors such as his inheritance, his upbringing, his environment and his intellectual and military nurturing, as well as his innate strengths and foibles. It could be argued that he built on very solid foundations, and reaped the benefits of other trends which had little to do with him directly. Another strength of this book is that it does not attribute every change or upheaval to the foresight, will or "genius" of Alexander. It acknowledges that there was a rich and formidable cast of characters, many of whom were significant players in the drama which unfolded...

The passages which deal with Alexander's pursuit of diplomacy and geopolitical planning are excellent, and I found them more engaging than any descriptions of battlefield derring-do. Not everything was accomplished via "heroic" deeds. Much was relatively mundane, informed with a deal of pragmatism or common sense. To understand these parts of the story, it is necessary to see through the morass of propaganda issued by apologists and detractors. This is all part of the fun, though.

The book comes into its own for me when it deals with the period after Alexander had achieved his initial objectives, by way of "revenge" against the Persians. He had to adjust his tactics, vision and aims, and even he was occasionally afflicted by indecision. Significantly, Lane Fox does not neglect what was still happening in Macedonia, Greece and the Aegean generally, and its ramifications for the campaign much further east.

One is also struck by the varied and unpredictable nature of the threats which Alexander and his army faced as they ventured further into the unknown.  He had to juggle and marshal his resources adroitly, and also make tough decisions about priorities. He did not always arrive at the correct balance, and the localised failures are not concealed.

The whole picture knits and blends together well. Many accounts concentrate excessively on Alexander's charisma at the expense of a broad and accurate picture of the state of play in his newly conquered domains. This version illustrates the magnitude and intricacy of the achievement, and the effort required to sustain and consolidate it.

In the end, the thing which makes this story real, and Alexander seem "human", is the sense of fallibility which intruded towards the end, even though his ambitions remained momentous. The mutinies, and the Makran desert episode, are looked at in depth.

In taking all this in, it is easy to forget the fact that Alexander was approaching what was thought, in Western eyes at least, to be the "edge of the world". The author points out what had been going on foe centuries beyond these frontiers, and this helps in adding perspective. It also tells us what Alexander and his colleagues missed out on, and helps us to conjecture how history might have worked out differently if the army had not turned back.

Naturally, there is a fairly exhaustive probe into the conspiracy theories which surrounded Alexander's demise. As with so much else concerning the man, we will never know for sure....

The book concludes with a look at Alexander's legacy, largely in terms of his enduring impact, and that of Greek culture, on the lands which were subject to conquest. Their limitations are also accepted. If anything, these final chapters left me wanting more...

This is a fine book, and it left me with a much enriched understanding of Alexander the man, and of a dramatic period in history.

Operation Mincemeat - Ben Macintyre

I have become a touch wary of stories about World War Two espionage and subterfuge, as grandiose and excessive claims are often made for the value or import of certain missions or initiatives. However, "Operation Mincemeat", instigated by British Naval Intelligence in 1943, to support the impending landings in Sicily, possesses elements which make it stand out from the crowd. Ben Macintyre's book on the subject therefore became essential reading.

 

In short, "Operation Mincemeat" was a deception scheme arranged by British intelligence, as a means of keeping the German High Command guessing about Allied intentions in the Mediterranean region, in the wake of the conquest of North Africa. To facilitate this, an ingenious and elaborate, if somewhat macabre, operation was mounted, whereby a human corpse was washed up on the Spanish coast, bearing various "fake" and "planted" letters and documents, in the hope that said items would find their way into German hands, and impact upon the Reich's military decisions in accordance with Allied wishes.

 

 

I had previously been aware of this episode, but the book fleshes out the matter considerably, and delivers a penetrating insight into several aspects of the war . The ambiguous and complicated Spanish role, the intricacies of espionage, the various chains of command, overlapping responsibilities and the sometimes petty rivalries and jealousies which constantly threatened to hinder projects of massive importance.

 

Approximately halfway through "Operation Mincemeat", my judgement was still reserved, as I had a feeling of dread about the conclusions which might be reached. There is a natural tendency amongst authors to make outlandish claims for the success or achievement of the enterprise which they are championing or seeking to bring to a wider audience. I am glad to say that in this case my fears proved to be groundless, as Macintyre is realistic, balanced and honest in his assessments of how much "Mincemeat" ultimately accomplished, acknowledging that other factors contributed to Allied success, and that this was just part of a larger overall deception programme.

This is emphatically NOT one of those ".....Who Fooled Hitler" jobs which have begun to populate the bookshelves and broadcast schedules in recent times. Macintyre's approach is much more nuanced and honest. He does not pretend that everything went swimmingly from beginning to end from the Allied viewpoint.

 

The Axis commitment of troops to North Africa in late 1942, and the consequent number of prisoners taken by the Allies in Tunisia, had arguably left Sicily exposed just as much as any decision by the German High Command to divert resources to Greece and Sardinia later on. The author correctly observes that the "Mincemeat" information merely helped to solidify attitudes and prejudices already harboured by Hitler and some of his colleagues. At the absolute minimum, and on balance of evidence, the plan positively benefited the Allies in the Mediterranean, albeit temporarily, as the twin forces of the terrain of mainland Italy, and the astute defensive tactics deployed by their opponents, soon meant much frustration further north.

 

The writing style is not particularly "scholarly", and some may find the tone a little shallow and "populist" in places. I thought that the author tried a little too hard at times to make every character or key player conform to stereotypes or caricatures of loveable eccentricity on the British side or clownish venality elsewhere. Having said that, it is never less than entertaining and absorbing, and several intriguing sub-plots are kept bubbling.

 

It is interesting to note the implication that anti-Nazi elements in German intelligence may have knowingly and deliberately misrepresented the meaning and/or contents of the "Mincemeat" documents, in order to frustrate or deceive their superiors. To be honest, I was expecting to be told that Wilhelm Canaris played a more direct role in the affair, given some of his well-documented activities, but seemingly he did not.

 

If you are interested in espionage or history, or just like a jolly good read, this book is recommended. I breezed through it quickly - always a good sign!

 

The Trojan War - Barry Strauss

In my youth, the Trojan War was something of a staple in primary education, although the allure of Helen of Troy remained with me longer than the military or cultural niceties. The degree of historical truth seemed to matter little back then.

 

In more recent times, my increased interest in history of all periods has brought the story back into my orbit. I am currently working my way through Homer's Iliad, and was very pleased to come across Barry Strauss's book on the subject. My inclination, based on the available evidence, has generally been to be reasonably confident that some form of battle took place at the place cited, in the approximate time normally put forward, however much the tale might have been embellished and distorted later.

 

 

Importantly this book draws on more recent discoveries and evidence. The author's knowledge and enthusiasm for the whole ancient and Bronze Age world is palpable. I was impressed with the reasoned arguments which he employs, citing innumerable examples of events, traditions and tangible evidence found in the wider region, rather than just the narrow Aegean world.

Strauss rationalizes some of the more "fanciful" aspects of the "legend" in more believable and plausible terms, decoding some of the myths, superstition and symbolism for modern consumption. Things are thereby related in digestible and comprehensible form. Each stage of the battle is analysed in turn, helping to make it lean, compact and manageable.
 

This version includes the famous characters from the Iliad, whilst allowing that some of them might not have existed in the precise form cited in Homer, if at all. It doesn't adhere slavishly to the Homer line, pointing to instances where he may have exaggerated or demonstrated bias. Other sources, and the author's own conclusions and theories, are used to give the story shape and cohesion.

 

"The Trojan War" cuts through much of the dusty scholarship that can shroud topics such as this, to provide a breezy and concise telling. Strauss thankfully refrains from spending excessive time agonizing over the minutiae of "authenticity" and veracity, being decisive when he needs to be, imbuing the telling of the story with real clarity and energy. 

Interesting theories are ventured on the vexed question of the Trojan House. Whilst not totally ruling out the possibility that a wooden horse might have played some part, the author puts forward a plausible scenario whereby the "horse" of legend acts as a metaphor for some Greek trick,sleight of hand or deception, which provoked the opening of the gates of Troy.  Espionage perhaps?

Above all, I found this work informative, entertaining and quite absorbing.

 

Germany 4 Greece 2

First of all, please note that I will refrain from drawing political parallels between tonight's events at Euro 2012 and topical matters in the Eurozone.  In my mind, this was a football match - nothing more, and nothing less!

In the end, the scoreline flattered the Greek team, although I did not feel that their performance was quite as dismal as some others are making out.

The decision by Germany to leave some of their main forward players on the bench may have occurred to some as foolhardy, dismissive even, but it was surely based on a realistic and honest appraisal of the respective merits of the two squads, and with an eye on more stringent challenges to follow (Italy/England, and then probably Spain).  I had been slightly sceptical about the strength in depth of this current German set-up, but many of those fears were allayed this evening.  The youngsters looked a touch raw, but brimming with potential.

Even with a "weakened" starting line-up, Germany still looked to have bounteous options available to them as the opening minutes unfolded, and their main dangers appeared to be over-elaboration in build-up play, and general complacency, sloppiness and resultant frustration. Watching the match on television, I kept urging them to try shots on goal, rather than attempt yet more passes.  Eventually, Philipp Lahm tried one from distance, and it opened the scoring. On the question of Lahm, it is always gratifying, in this age of muscle-bound "identikit" football athletes, to see a player of diminutive stature prosper at the highest level.

Many expressed astonishment when Greece levelled the scores through Giorgios Samaras. However, from quite early in the first half I felt that Germany looked a little susceptible to a quick break or counter-attack, provided that the Greeks could make such a move stick. This German team may have more flair and fluidity than its predecessors, but there is reason to suspect that they are less resilient and solid in defensive areas.

The first Greek goal, though, did not change most of the fundamentals, and the Germans were quick to re-establish their superiority.  Sami Khedira may not receive the same hoop-la as some of his colleagues, but his goal showed real style and technique.

It looked at one point as though the scoreline could become embarrassing, but Greek showed some steel and resolve, and Germany had to be content with four goals.

So how do we assess Germany as they advance to the semi-finals?  Admittedly, Greece were not brilliant, but equally one has to take account of the personnel deployed by Germany in this match.  They expedited their task with some elan and vigour.  The fringe players and substitutes offered us a glimpse of the future (and current) riches at Joachim Loew's disposal.

This German side is still developing, improving and blossoming, and the untapped potential in this generation of players seems limitless. By contrast Spain, arguably the other likely finalists in Euro 2012, seem to have reached a plateau of sorts, with nowhere else to go but downwards. Both teams have a plethora of gifted and adaptable midfielders.  A message there, surely?

Germany must be counted as potential winners of the tournament, but both of their prospective semi-final opponents, Italy and England, will provide stern opposition.