Interesting facts about Greece. Incredible facts about ancient Greece

Mark Twain said: "Only two things we will regret on our deathbed - that little loved and traveled a little." Human life has its own time, and there are so many amazing places on the Earth where each of us has not been. So do not waste time - it's time to go to Greece - one of the most beautiful countries in the world with a rich cultural and historical heritage.

History: Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece included a group of several civilizations that existed during the III millennium BC - I century AD. Geographically, this territory was located on the Balkan Peninsula, its southern part, its associated islands, and the west coast of Asia Minor. Historical literature contains interesting facts about ancient Greece. A special role in it 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 the Muses, of Ares as the god of war, Prometheus the defender of people, etc. All of them carried out their functions and were something similar to people - they had desires and even vices. The gods were worshiped, their image in the form of sculptures was common.

Interesting facts about ancient Greece relate to art. It began to develop rapidly with the advent of the ancient Greek theater, where the plays of famous playwrights such as Sophocles and Euripides were staged. Honored by the Greeks were musicians. They played stringed and wind instruments and accompanied all their holidays, games, theatrical performances with their creativity. And in the period of slavery gets its new direction of architecture - appears Hippodamova system of planning and construction of entire cities. 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, Thrace, Ionian, Cretan and the purest of them the Mediterranean Sea, has many islands, many of which are never inhabited. Its territory is home to 10 million people, with each year it takes slightly less than 17 million tourists, attracted by its warm climate and attractions. These were some general, rather short, interesting facts about Greece.

Deserves special attention to the amazing island of Rhodes. According to travelers and experts in the field of studying Greece, the most interesting facts about Greece are also Mount Olympus and related history. Also will be told a little about Greek cuisine, favorite holidays and family traditions. It touches the theme of the country's ecology.

Rhodes and its attractions

The city of Rhodes is located on the island of the same name and is translated as "the island of roses". A beautiful place that is full of flowers. It conquers the hearts of tourists with its transparent waters of the seas and rocky beaches. And of course, Rhodes is famous for having one of the wonders of the world - Colossus of Rhodes. This huge statue in the form of a young man in a long tunic, his head was decorated with a wreath. It was built in 305 BC and was built in honor of Helios, the God of the Sun, who brought out the whole island from the water on his own hands.

This is just a myth or interesting historical facts about Greece, which, indeed, took place in distant times, is not exactly known. But researchers from different parts of the world do not give up trying to find the remains of the monument. Colossus of Rhodes was about 36 meters high and stood for more than half a century, until it was destroyed by a strong earthquake.

The famous Olympus

Olympus is the highest mountain in the northeastern part of Thessaly, Greece. It reaches a height of 2,917 square kilometers. Meters. As evidenced by the facts about ancient Greece, it was inhabited by Greek gods , led by the all-powerful Zeus. With Olympus is associated with the emergence of the famous Olympic Games, which were dedicated to the deities and 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 on the other - it is a sports festival in honor of the heroic deed of Hercules. The mountain is considered a sacred place, and thanks to its history it is known all over the world.

Around the Olympus there is currently a national park. It has more than a thousand species of plants and hundreds of different animals. Some of them live only here. Many tourists come 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, the cuisine of Greece 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 earlier there were two main types of cuisines - urban and rural. They were very different in quality and composition, as there was evident a difference in material wealth among the local residents. On the islands, respectively, more preferred to eat seafood.

In modern Greece on the tables is required cheese. Greeks love the traditional Feta cheese for them. The country has developed olive production, from which they then make olive oil. Very popular are various spices - garlic, oregano, mint, laurel. Often, sweet kinds of herbs are combined with meat, usually meat of sheep and birds. Of cereals, wheat and barley are the most widely used.

Attitude towards the holidays

In Greece, there are many festivals and carnivals. Celebrate and state, for example, Independence Day, New Year, and church holidays, the terms of which are determined by the new style. Among the latter the Easter fell in love with the Greeks. Since the families of the Greeks are large, then, according to average estimates, a man can gather together 200 close friends and friends. Easter is no exception. At this time, the Greeks are a big and friendly crowd going to relatives or somewhere on the islands.

From the location on the day of Easter depends on the customs. So, for example, it is customary for Corfu to throw pots out of the windows, a large fire is built on Crete and a scarecrow of Judas is turned into it. There are general moments: the last week of Lent, Greeks go to church, charity events are organized - for beggars they collect food, and the state helps with housing. Before the holiday a long fast is coming to an end, the residents are actively embarking on preparing a festive table. On it you can usually find lamb soup, salads, fruit for dessert, cakes and necessarily dyed eggs.

Family law in Greece

The Greeks honor traditions and customs, including family ones, that are carefully passed down from generation to generation. They like to gather with their numerous relatives for some celebration. Greeks are serious about marriage. Before a man asks for a woman's hand, he must ask permission from her father. If he gives consent, then certainly invite a priest who blesses and continues to betrothal.

The low number of divorces in Greece is due to the fact that this is a very long and expensive process. After the dissolution of the union, the property is divided between the former husband and wife in half. Since 1982, a decree was issued on the possibility before marriage to implement a civil partnership with the conclusion of a relevant treaty. But still over 90% of the inhabitants of Greece choose the church wedding.

Ecological situation in Greece

Greeks take care of the ecology of their country. There is not a single nuclear power plant on the whole territory, but wind and thermal power stations that work on coal are popular. In the 2000s, a broad program was launched to reduce the amount of harmful gases released into the air from the machines, and progress was made in the management of water resources. Therefore, despite its scale, the Hellenic Republic remains favorable in this regard for the state to live.

The policy of respect for the environment continues. These facts about Greece are confirmed by the exhibitions of the organization Ecodi, which have already been held at the International Airport in Athens for a year now. There are a variety of works from drawings to plastic models, 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 sights, which cause rapture, there are traditions in the country. For the first time, faced with some of them, you can be very surprised.

For example, the Greek greeting is a sweep of the hand with the palm closed, since in this case the straight fingers, in their opinion, show indecent. In turn, compliments are pronounced with a small exhalation with clenched teeth after. It is believed that 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 paint in a blue-green color. According to the legends, this color protects from evil forces.

Greece Today

Greece is still very popular with tourists. Therefore, it is well-developed hotel business, which takes the economy of the country to great heights. Greece is struck by 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. Widely presented and the entertainment area - cafes and restaurants with national cuisine, European discos. Facts about Greece indicate that there is something to see: only in Athens there are about 250 different museums and galleries where permanent exhibitions are held. Temples, monasteries, palaces and architectural monuments open the doors to all admirers of Greek culture and history.