We Help You Step Back into Ancient Greek Culture
Every year, millions of people travel to Greece, hoping to learn more about the country's history and how it played a part in shaping the world as we know it today. But even with all this interest, it is quite clear that there is an informational gap that keeps people from understanding the nuances of Greek history and culture. Somewhere in between the tours and the news reports, misinformation makes its way into the conversations, thus resulting in confusion.
We have been there and know just how difficult it can be to sort the wheat from the chaff. And that's why we created a website where we offer accurate and well-researched guides that enable you to learn more about Greek culture while filtering out the misconceptions that you may have come across. Welcome!
Embark on a Journey through Ancient Greece
Whether or not you love delving into historical books and understanding the lives of our ancestors, we can all agree that ancient Greece calls to everyone - it is not just historians who are passionate about its ruins. Even so, going down memory lane can be a tad confusing, and might we say, boring. That's why we shake things up by categorizing our content into easily digestible articles that cover the following topics:
Greek History
When we talk about Western Civilization and marvel at what it has come to be, we also take note of the role that Greece played. But rather than just give you the dates of each milestone that brought us to the 21st century, we walk you through the following:
The Beginnings of Democracy
Have you ever wondered when and why people started advocating for a system that worked for them? How did people end up with a voice, and why did they decide to elect their own into power? We will tell you how the ancient Athenians came to decide on this form of government and how it spread to other regions.
The Growth of Philosophy
Many people have heard about Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, and many other philosophers with Greek roots. But how much do you truly know about the factors that shaped their ways of thinking? As we appreciate the introspection that these amazing philosophers had, we also walk you through their messages and how they show up in our modern world.
The Myths and Legends
Greece is home to gods, heroes, and monsters of all kinds. Some of these are myths, others are legends, and others are real. You have probably even come across many of them in literature and art. But can you tell the stories behind them? Some of the stories that we share will shock you.
The Evolution of Culture
While Greeks have worked to preserve their way of life, it's evident that it has changed over the centuries. Our guides take you back several centuries, explaining how people lived and the factors that influenced the changes that we see today.
If you love digging for information and love to understand even the nitty-gritty, our historical guides will entertain and educate you.
Greek Wonders
While ancient Greeks did not have access to the same equipment we have today, they excelled in creativity and built structures that would last a lifetime, either physically or ingrained in our memories. The Colossus of Rhodes is a great example of this. This bronze statue, which towered at over 30 meters, was so huge that when it fell down, the Arabs are rumored to have used over 900 camels to transport the pieces to another location. The Temple of Artemis is yet another ingenious creation whose architectural precision is just out of this world. In our quest to cover these and more wonders, we focus on the following:
The Engineering Principles
What did it actually take to bring these structures to life? You might be surprised at just how much work and time (we are talking years) that went into these projects.
The Cultural Importance
Were people building these structures as a show of wealth? Was it to honor their gods? Interestingly, all the wonders had a story to them, many of which were important in Greek history.
And, of course, we talk about the destruction of these wonders. The Colossus of Rhodes, for example, came down during an earthquake. If you think that's interesting, wait until you read about the fires and conquests that brought down the others.
Greek Monuments
If you plan a trip to Greece, your travel planner will likely include a monument as part of your tour. And how could they not? Greece is home to 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as many other historical sites that tell a story about its people. Thanks to these sites, we are able to step back into the past and relive it. However, it's also important to understand the factors that shape this preservation of Greek culture, which is why we talk about the following:
Challenges in Preservation
Just what goes into protecting monuments that have existed for centuries? What about the effects of pollution and tourism on these sites? The work that goes into these seemingly simple projects might shock you.
Successful Preservation Projects
Over the years, the government has worked hard to preserve what remains of Greek Culture. The Acropolis Restoration Project is a good example of this. We include the modern preservation methods that have been used and why they promise to safeguard these monuments for future generations.
As a plus, we include comprehensive lists and guides of all the monuments you can tour in Greece and what you can expect to find during your visit.
Greek Architecture
Over the years, you may have noticed that more architects are leaning into energy-efficient and open living spaces. Here's the interesting thing - these architectural elements are not new. If anything, they have existed for centuries, as evidenced by ancient Greek building styles. In our guides, we will let you in on their tried and tested building approaches, including the following:
- Natural insulation and heating methods.
- Sustainable material sourcing and use.
- Water management systems.
- Integrative building designs.
The ancient Greeks worked according to the elements, such as facing their homes towards the south to account for hot summers and cold winters. They were also intent on building on the environment as it were, instead of working against it. For example, when they built their monasteries on mountain peaks, they worked into the terrain, thus creating stable structures. We have been borrowing a lot from them over the years, as evidenced by green roofs and indoor-outdoor spaces.
Welcome to the Past
Are you interested in uncovering all that you can about ancient Greece? Would you like to get practical tips to use on your trip? If yes, we welcome you to become part of our very active community so that, together, we can explore this beautiful country.