Mark Twain said: “We will only regret two things on our deathbed — that we loved little and traveled little.” Human life has its own term, and on Earth there are so many amazing places where each of us has not yet been. Therefore, do not waste time - it's time to go to Greece - one of the most beautiful countries in the whole world with a rich cultural and historical heritage.
Historical background: ancient Greece
Ancient Greece included a group of several civilizations that existed during the period of the III millennium BC - I century AD. Geographically, this territory was located on the Balkan Peninsula, its southern part, islands connected with it, and the western coast of Asia Minor. Historical literature contains interesting facts about ancient Greece. A special role was played by culture, which, in turn, was largely determined by mythology. The very first deities were associated with the elements and forces of nature, some of them were patrons of animals. The legends also speak of muses, Ares as the god of war, Prometheus - the protector of people, etc. All of them carried out their functions and were somewhat similar to people - had desires and even vices. Gods were worshiped, their image in the form of sculptures was widespread.
Interesting facts about ancient Greece also apply to art. It began to develop rapidly with the advent of the
ancient Greek theater, where plays of famous playwrights such as Sophocles, Euripides were staged. The Greeks held musicians in high esteem. They played string and wind instruments and accompanied with their creativity all the holidays, games, and theatrical performances. And in the period of slavery, architecture gets its new direction - the Hippodamian system of planning and building entire cities appears. A magnificent example, embodying the perfection and harmony of Greek buildings, was the majestic Acropolis located in
Ancient Athens.
Some interesting facts about Greece
Greece is a developed European country, its capital is the famous city of Athens. It occupies about 132 thousand square meters. km - one of the largest countries in the territory. The Greek Republic is washed by the Aegean, Thracian, Ionian, Cretan and the most pure of them the Mediterranean Sea, has many islands, many of which have never been inhabited. 10 million people live on its territory, and each year it receives a little less than 17 million tourists attracted by its warm climate and attractions. These were some general, rather short, interesting facts about Greece.
The amazing island of Rhodes deserves special attention . According to travelers and experts in the study of Greece, the most interesting facts about Greece also include Mount Olympus and its associated history. A little will also be told about Greek cuisine, favorite holidays and family traditions. The topic of the country's ecology will be touched.
Rhodes and its attractions
The city of Rhodes is located on the island of the same name and translates as “island of roses”. A beautiful place that is full of flowers. It captivates the hearts of tourists with its clear waters of the seas and rocky shores. And of course, Rhodes is famous for having one of the wonders of the world - the Colossus of Rhodes. This huge statue in the form of a young man in a long tunic, a wreath decorated his head. It was built in 305 BC and was built in honor of Helios, the God of the sun, who carried out an entire island from the water on his own hands.
This is only a myth or interesting historical facts about Greece, which, indeed, took place in ancient times, are not known for sure. But researchers from different parts of the world do not abandon attempts to find the remains of the monument. The Colossus of Rhodes was about 36 meters high and stood for more than half a century, until it was destroyed by a strong earthquake.
Famous Olympus
Olympus is the highest mountain located in the northeastern part of Thessaly, Greece. It reaches a height of 2917 square meters. meters. As the facts of ancient Greece testify, Greek gods led by the omnipotent Zeus lived on it. Olympus is associated with the emergence of the famous Olympic Games, which were dedicated to deities and were held under their leadership. There are many legends about these games. According to one of them, the God of heaven himself came up with them, and according to the other, it is a sports festival in honor of the heroic deed of Hercules. The mountain is considered a sacred place, and due to its history it is known throughout the world.
Around Olympus, a national park is currently located. It contains more than a thousand species of plants and hundreds of different animals. Some of them live only here. Many tourists go to see the beauty of these places, and prefer to do it on foot - the journey will take about two days.
Greek cuisine
In general, Greek cuisine can be called Mediterranean, and in some ways it is close to the cuisine of Italy and France, but has its own specifics. Historical facts about Greece say that before there were two main types of cuisines - urban and rural. They were very different in their quality and composition, since there was an obvious difference in material wealth among local residents. On the islands, respectively, they preferred to eat seafood more.
In modern Greece, cheese is required on tables. Greeks love their traditional feta cheese. The country has developed the production of olives, from which they then make olive oil. Various spices are very popular - garlic, oregano, mint, laurel. Often sweet types of herbs are combined with meat, usually it is the meat of sheep and birds. Of the grain products, wheat and barley are most widely used.
Holiday attitude
In Greece, there are many festivities and carnivals. Celebrate and state, for example, Independence Day, New Year, and church holidays, the timing of which is already determined by the new style. Among the latter, the Greeks fell in love with Easter. Since the Greeks have large families, according to average estimates, 200 people and close friends can come together. Easter is no exception. At this time, the Greeks in a large and friendly crowd go to relatives or somewhere on the islands.
On the location on Easter Day, customs depend. So, for example, it is customary to throw pots out of windows on Corfu, in Crete a large fire is made and the effigy of Judah turns into ashes in it. There are general points: the last week of Lent, the Greeks go to church, charity events are organized - they collect food for the poor, and the state helps with housing. Before the holiday, a long fast ends, residents actively begin to prepare a festive table. On it you can usually find lamb soup, salads, fruit for dessert, pies and necessarily colored eggs.
Family Law in Greece
Greeks honor traditions and customs, including family ones, which are carefully passed down from generation to generation. They like to gather with their many relatives for a celebration. Greeks take marriage seriously. Before a man asks for a woman’s hands, he must ask her father for permission. If he gives consent, then they invariably invite the priest, who blesses and further carries out the betrothal.
The low number of divorces in Greece is also explained by the fact that it is a very long and expensive process. After the dissolution of the union, property is divided between the former husband and wife in half. Since 1982, a decree was issued on the possibility of a civil partnership before marriage, with the conclusion of an agreement. But still, over 90% of the inhabitants of Greece choose a church wedding.
Ecological situation in Greece
Greeks care about the ecology of their country. Throughout the territory there is not a single nuclear power plant, but coal and wind power and thermal power plants are popular. In the 2000s, a broad program was launched to reduce the amount of harmful gas emissions into the air from cars, and progress also affected water management. Therefore, despite its scale, the Hellenic Republic remains favorable in this regard for the state to live.
The environmental policy continues. These facts about Greece are confirmed by exhibitions by Esos1ti, which have been held at the International Airport in Athens for many years. It presents a variety of works from drawings to plastic layouts, illuminating the idea of a clean city of the future. The authors were Greek students.
Strange facts about Greece
Greece is of great interest to many. In addition to the special nature, Greek attractions, causing an awe of awe, the country has its own traditions. For the first time encountering some of them, one can be very surprised.
For example, a Greek greeting is a wave of a hand with a covered palm, since in this case, straight fingers, in their opinion, show indecent. In turn, compliments are pronounced with a small exhalation after gritted teeth . It is believed that this way a person will avoid the evil eye. Several interesting facts about Greece indicate that often the elements of houses, furniture, even the domes of churches are painted in blue-green. According to legend, this color protects from evil forces.
Greece today
Greece is still very popular among tourists. Therefore, the hotel business is well developed in it, which takes the country's economy to great heights. Greece amazes with the beauty of the clear sea and golden beaches, white houses and coffee aroma floating in the air. In Greece you can have a wonderful rest: several seas are at your service. The entertainment area is also widely represented - cafes and restaurants with national cuisine, European discos. Facts about Greece indicate that there is also something to see: in Athens alone there are about 250 different museums and galleries where permanent exhibitions are held. Temples, monasteries, palaces and architectural monuments open the doors for all admirers of Greek culture and history.