Greece history
Greece can trace its history back all the way to the Paleolithic Era, which was around 120,000 years ago. In fact, there is very little known about the country’s first inhabitants, the Pelasgians, and it is only the following advanced civilisations who lived on the Cyclades islands and the Minoan islands of Crete and Santorini, that have been recorded. In fact, the Minoans are a mystery – their written language remains undecipherable to modern archaeologists!
Quick fact!
Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Games with the first one taking place in 776 BC.
15th century – 1862
The origins of Greek history, including renowned Classical Greece, are still evident in the country, in hundreds of archaeological and historical sites and museums. This includes the long domination of the Ottomans, or Turks, who ruled the country for 400 years, all the way to the Greek War of Independence that started in 1821. After that, Greece became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1830, but the country was much smaller then. It was only in the following century that the country expanded.
Initially Greece was a republic, but after the first governor was assassinated in 1831, it then became a monarchy under Otto, of the Bavarian House of Wittelsbach. The King granted a constitution and a representative assembly in 1843 following an uprising. He was dethroned in 1862 and replaced by Prince William of Denmark the First in 1862.
Quick fact!
Soldiers (hoplites) in ancient Greece wore up to 70 pounds (33 kilograms) of bronze armor.
1914 – 1922
Political revolt continued and divided the country into two opposing groups, one of which followed the current monarch, King Constantine the First, and the other that followed the charismatic Prime Minister. As a result, Greece had two governments until they united in 1917, when the country officially entered the First World War on the side of the Triple Entente.
After the war, Greece tried to expand into Asia Minor, but was defeated in the Greco-Turkish War (1919 – 1922), and around one and a half million Greek refugees were incorporated into the country. The country faced political uncertainty after that, partly as a result of these refugees.
Quick fact!
The Greek language is the oldest spoken language in Europe.
1939 – present
At the start of the Second World War, Greece declared its neutrality, but was still invaded by Mussolini’s army. The Greeks were victorious over the Italians, but then the Germans took over the country. The Greek Resistance challenged the Germans considerably, but over 100 000 people died of starvation during the winter at the end of 1941 and in early 1942, and the majority of Greek Jews were deported to Nazi concentration camps, where they died.
Greece’s problems didn’t end after the war; in the following 20 years there was civil war between communist rebels and royalists that resulted in political turbulence. Greece joined NATO in 1952 and underwent a period of economic growth and social change. But this ended in 1967 with a coup d’etat that was staged by a right-wing military dictatorship. After that, all political parties were disbanded, and many prominent citizens were forced into exile, including those with Communist affiliations. King Constantine the Second and his family also fled the country.
Greece became a democratic republic again in 1974 and a parliament was formed. The country joined the European Community (EC) in 1981 – this became the European Union in 1992. By the beginning of the 21st Century, Greece had become a stable nation. The country adopted the euro in 2001 and also hosted the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.
Greek language and culture
Culture of Greece
Greek culture is steeped in customs and traditions, many of which are still seen today. Although many cultural changes occurred during the Archaic period, it was the Classical period that famously produced the thoughts and concepts that shaped Western society into what it is today. Philosophy, politics, music, literature, art and theatre are all part of Greece’s cultural legacy and a source of pride for its people.
Literature
The written word became extremely important during the Classical period in Greece (6th century BC to 600 AD). Stories and poems that were previously conveyed by word of mouth, now became the foundations of Greek literature. Two of the most famous early works are Homer’s poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey. New forms of writing, such as plays, lyrical poetry, philosophy and histories also developed during this period. Herodotus is the best known and important historian who lived around this time. Today many contemporary Greek authors model their works on elements taken from these early writings.
Cuisine
Food has always been an important part of Greek culture and many of the staples of Western cooking – garlic, onions, lemons, herbs and seasonings and of course, olive oil – have their roots in Ancient Greece. Greek dishes are famous all over the world for their unique Mediterranean flavours and healthy, fresh ingredients. There are plenty of delicious iconic Greek foods and dishes but moussaka, greek salad, tzatziki, souvlaki, kalamari and dolmades are some of the most recognised. Food is an essential part of Greek society, especially when it comes to family, friends, and general socialising.
Music
The Ancient Greeks actually invented the word for music ‘musiki’ so it’s pretty safe to say they were up with the play on all things musical. Playing an instrument, such as the lyre, was a popular pastime, and listening to others perform was also an enjoyable way to spend an evening or celebrate an occasion. Today traditional Greek music is known for its distinctive toe-tapping qualities, thanks to a type of guitar called the bouzouki. Weddings are always a good chance for the Greeks to kick up their heels with a few traditional folk songs and dances!
Sports
The Greeks invented spectator sport as we know it today. The first ancient Olympic Games were held in Olympia in 776 BC and since then, the modern Olympic Games have become the benchmark for athletes worldwide to test their speed, strength and agility. Greece itself has hosted the Games a few times, most recently in 2004 in Athens for the summer Olympics. Apart from its association with the Olympics, Greece has a successful national football league, and a national basketball team which ranked 4th in the world in 2012. Other popular sports in Greece include water polo, volleyball, cricket and handball.
Philosophy and science
Ancient Greece gave the modern world philosophy and science, and these two areas have had a major impact on Western culture. The development of scientific thought is especially significant as it was the first time theories were based on observation and thought, rather than looking to the supernatural for an explanation. Philosophy in turn brought new ideas and thinking alongside the development of literature. The works of the great thinkers of the time, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, are still read and studied today.
Languages of Greece
Greek is the official language in Greece spoken by about 99% of the population. There are about nine dialects of the standard language that are spoken in various parts of the country. The minority languages are Albanian, Arvanitika, Cham, Aromanian, Macedonian Slavic, Bulgarian, Armenian, Romani, Turkish, Ladino and Meglino-Romanian.
The popular foreign languages are English, Spanish, French and Italian.
Basic Greek words and phrases
Hello – Yassas
Goodbye – Antio
Please – parakalw
Thank-you – Efharistó
My name is – me léne
I don’t speak Greek – Den miló elliniká
Greece weather
Greece has a hot and sunny climate that is characteristic of Mediterranean countries. Summers are the hottest time of year, and the winters are mild and humid. Greece’s Northern regions can sometimes have snow in the winters, and the Southern regions stay warm and sunny year round.
Spring in Greece
Spring in Greece is normally warm, with little precipitation, and warm breezy nights. The temperature can range between 10°C and 24°C during the months of April and May. Spring brings sunny daysand warm fresh air from the Mediterranean Sea. Clothing for the spring should include light cottons and a light jacket for nighttime activities.
Summer in Greece
Summer in Greece is the hottest and driest time of year. Athens has temperatures of 24°C to 32°C.Daytime can be harsh in the sun and heat, but summer nights offer cooler temperatures. There is a yearly coastal wind that generates off the Eastern shores of Greece that creates a welcomed breeze around July and August. Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable.
Autumn in Greece
Autumn is generally on the warm side, with heavier rain than most times of year. The temperatures range from a chilly 10°C to 26°C. Greece sees higher percentages of tourism in autumn because of the warm, inviting temperatures. The Southern islands of Greece offer the most breathtaking autumnal weather. Clothing for this time of year should be light sweaters, rain gear, and jackets for chilly autumn nights.
Winter in Greece
Greek winters are mild, with snow falling only in the Northern areas of the country. Winter temperatures in Athens range from 9°C to 14°C .The majority of the country experiences a humid, wet winter, with pleasantly chilly temperatures. Clothing in the Northern regions includes coats, hats, and warm shoes, while the Southern regions and islands include warm jackets and sweaters.
Average temperatures in Athens, Crete and Thessaloniki
Average rainfall in Athens, Crete and Thessaloniki
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