HunGreece

The project HunGreece aims to explore and document hunger in Greece from a historical perspective, employing an innovative and integrative analysis that addresses this multifaceted and enduring phenomenon. Spanning almost a century, from the mid-19th century to the 1940s, the project seeks to illuminate the pervasive nature of food scarcity across various historical phases. While the starvation experienced during the Axis’ Occupation (1941–1944) is extensively documented, HunGreece contends that hunger was prevalent in earlier periods as well, albeit with varying intensity. Food shortages played a pivotal role in shaping public policies, state formation, economic decisions, agricultural practices, and technological choices. Furthermore, they influenced family and individual strategies, impacted mentalities, and ultimately weighed upon the everyday lives of the local population. Despite its significance, this phenomenon is often overlooked and under-recorded. As a result, our understanding of hunger during the 19th and early 20th centuries remains limited.

HunGreece aims to bridge this gap, through robust documentary and archival evidence, supported by a highly qualified research team. It sets three interconnected objectives.

Specifically, it will:

a) systematically document and map occurrences of food scarcity and famine;

b) trace the policies implemented by state and local authorities, along with the individual and collective strategies employed to address and mitigate the challenges posed by food shortages;

c) evaluate the profound impact of hunger as a cultural factor on mentalities, as well as on personal and collective actions.

The project’s findings will offer valuable insights for researchers exploring the history, anthropology, sociology, and economics of food in Greece and beyond. The outcomes of the project will also serve as a valuable resource for educators, social workers, and policymakers, in a context where hunger remains alarmingly relevant.