The definition of culture implicit within the organisation of the event was extremely wide. This reflected the Greek holistic concept of culture as virtually synonymous with 'civilisation' and 'society' or at least for the cohesive and positive forces that hold society together. As Greeks like to present Greece as the cradle of European culture, it is in their interests to embrace as large a definition of culture as possible. Mathematics and the sciences, pure and applied, as represented by Pythagoras and Archimedes, for example, are naturally included. Sport also has an important role, linked in the Greek mind to the original Olympic games. Therefore alongside the visual art exhibitions, concerts and theatre, sporting and recreational events were organised and technology exhibitions were co-organised with the Aristotle University. For example, there was a European Chess Festival for persons with special needs, a conference entitled 'Aristotle and Contemporary Science' - part of a series concerning the ancient philosopher organised by the University - and an international conference entitled 'Technologies of the Sea'.