"Aris" Athletic Club of Thessaloniki

The "Aris" Athletic Club of Thessaloniki is one of the most historic sports clubs in Greece. It maintains departments in various sports, but is best known for its football and basketball teams. It was founded on March 25, 1914, Greece’s national holiday, shortly after Thessaloniki was incorporated into the Greek state. From the outset, it positioned itself as the rival of Iraklis, which at the time was the main reference point in Thessaloniki’s sports scene. For this reason, the club adopted the name of ArIs, the ancient Greek god of war, the mythical adversary of Heracles. As the emblem of the newly established club, its founders chose the reclining "Ares Ludovisi" statue from the Archaeological Museum of Rome. Its colors, yellow and black, are those of the Byzantine flag, reflecting Thessaloniki’s historical significance as the second-most important city of the Byzantine Empire after Constantinople. Aris began its competitive activity primarily after World War I, especially during the 1920s. Its first base was in the area of the Arch of Galerius, later at the Park of Stratou Avenue, and eventually in the Charilaou district, where the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium is now located. Aris’ golden era in football came before World War II, when it won all three of its national championships. In the postwar period, the club’s greatest football achievement was winning the Greek Cup in 1970. The basketball team of Aris became especially prominent during the 1980s, dominating both domestic and European competitions and winning the hearts of fans with legendary players such as Nikos Gkalis and Panagiotis Giannakis. Pictured: Letter from the Administrative Council of the Iraklis Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki, dated April 7, 1920, addressed to Aris Football Club of Thessaloniki. ©Iraklis New Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki 1908.