March 11, 2026

Athens News

News in English from Greece

How the psyche district got its name


In times Ottoman rule In the now fashionable Athenian district, psyche was a source with clean and cool water, which was a great value for that time.

One wealthy philanthropist allocated funds or personally participated in the construction wellso that travelers can quench thirst. This well was called “Psyche”What does a charity act mean for the benefit of society.

Etymological analysis

In the Greek tradition, the word “Psyche” translated as “Good deed” or “Gift for peace of mind”. Such actions were committed to help people or atone for the sins of the benefactor. That is why the area is called Psyche – In honor of the well, built as an act of mercy.

Other theories

Although the above explanation is most common, there are other versions of the origin of the name:

  • The existence of a small settlement or toponym called the psyche since the time Byzantium.
  • Natural beauty and “Calm” areas that are associated with mental peace.

The most likely version is related to activities Holy Philotha (in the world of Riguda Benisel), which made “Psyche”sacrificing funds to help the Greeks during the Ottoman rule. Holy Filofei came from a noble Athenian family and devoted life to the care of the poor, sick and slaves. She founded monasteries, schools and shelters in the Afin area. Near the psyche there is a area named after it – Filofei. Thus, in the area where many wells have still been preserved, Holy Philotheus did good deeds, providing support to those in need.

The meaning of the word “Ψυχή

Word “psychoAnd has an ancient Greek origin and is associated with the verb psycho (psycho – blow, breathe, I am).

Psycho:

  • Means “Blood”, “breath” or “Cool air”.
  • In ancient times, breathing was directly associated with life, being considered the main sign of existence.

Psycho:

  • Initially meant “Breath of life” – What revives the body.
  • Over time, with the development of language and philosophy, the concept “Crazy” acquired deeper values:
  1. The intangible essence, the source of life, thought, consciousness and emotions.
  2. The spiritual or divine part of the human being.

Many Greek philosophers, such as Plato And Aristotlestudied the nature of the soul.

The burial of Queen Filonoi in the psyche

According to mythhistory, Filonoy was the Spartan princess, the daughter of the king Tindarea and queen Iceto whom the goddess Artemis granted immortality. She had a sister Clytemnestramarried to Agamemnon (Source: Apollodorus, “Library”3-126). The psyche was found Tombstone stele – Monument on the grave. This stele, discovered in the modern area of ​​the psyche, is unique. Instead of the baby, it depicts a more adult child, which is desperately trying to break out of the hands of the nurse to reach the mother. This movement, full of tenderness and desire for lost maternal affection, emphasizes the tragedy of separation and the inevitability of death.

The origin of the name Filonoy

Name Filonoy It has an ancient Greek origin and consists of two parts:

  • Phil (the root of the fil) means “tribe”, “clan”, “origin” or “group of people”.
  • Noos or Noesis (root no-) is translated as “mind”, “thought”, “logic” or “understanding”.

See also:

https://rua.gr/athina/atTractions/19009-otkuda-proizoshli-nazvaniya-acinskikh-rajonov.html



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