Such a sunny, such a mysterious country. But what do we know about her except that this is the birthplace of the Olympic gods and olives? Of course, many read the works of the great authors of antiquity, got acquainted with the fate of Sophocles, Oedipus, Euripides. However, not everyone who knows the legends of Greece has an idea of modern life in the state. And she is so diverse, so interesting and worthy of attention. Feel at least a little what real Greece is.
Interesting facts about the country
- This is a very sunny state, which attracts many tourists who want to become happy owners of a bronze tan. However, enterprising Greeks use their sun and to save! Almost on the roof of each house you can see the solar battery.
- A lot of residential buildings, like public buildings, are decorated with marble. Not only is it very beautiful, it also helps to keep cool indoors on hot summer days.
- The whole transport system is very well developed here. At most stops, there are signs that tell you how soon the next bus will arrive.
- Any tourist will be surprised at how shops operate in Greece, because on Sundays there is a day off, and on weekdays they close at around 7-8 pm. At the same time, some of them are completely closed for the summer.
- All Greeks are required to vote. In case of failure to appear to citizens of the country may be denied certain public services.
- In 1812, the war of independence began on the territory of modern Greece. When the enemies captured the Parthenon, they ran out of bullets, and they began to get lead from the columns. The Greeks, fearing for their architecture, sent them lead so that they would not destroy the monuments.
- The sirtaki dance, which many consider Greek, was actually created specifically for the film “Greek Zorba”, after which it became popular. Today it is one of the important symbols of the state.
- Such a familiar answer “ok” in Greece is considered offensive to us and means belonging to sexual minorities.
- The famous English writer George Gordon Byron fell in love with this country so much that he even took part in the war for independence from the Ottoman Empire.
About Greeks and Greek
- In terms of names, the Greeks do not really strive for diversity. Most of the men bear the most popular names, such as Yannis, Kostas, Yorgos or Dimitris, and women - Maria, Vasilika, Panayota.
- The Greeks are very nice and nice people, always ready to help their neighbor, show the way and explain something.
- In addition, they are very friendly people. There are practically no fights, and debaters can only shout at each other and continue the evening.
- The Greeks are extremely leisurely. They will sit in a cafe, drink coffee, chat for a long time and enjoy life, but not in a hurry.
- During the meeting, the Greeks must kiss on both cheeks. Despite the fact that they only do this with good friends and relatives, they very quickly transfer everyone to the category of friends, and therefore, after the first meeting they are often ready to demonstrate their affection.
- A favorite dance for many here is Zeibekiko, which is more like the dance of a drunken sailor. As a rule, one man dances, and the rest sit in a circle and support him with applause. When he gets tired, the baton takes the next one.
Laws, Police, Crime
When telling interesting things about Greece, you must definitely remember the local order that many other European countries should learn from.
- There are generally few representatives of the law, and on the street they can be met extremely rarely. They come mainly on demand. But you can meet them when they write fines for improper parking or expect violators on the autobahns.
- Since the Greeks are very friendly and non-aggressive, there is practically no crime here. In small cities, you can safely leave the phone on the beach and go swimming. Although in larger cities it is worth being alert.
Gastronomy
Interesting facts about Greece also relate to a special national, unlike anything else cuisine.
- The most favorite dish of all Greeks is souvlaki. This is something reminiscent of shawarma with french fries. Everybody eats it, washed down with overseas Coca-Cola.
- Our "Greek salad" in Greece is called rustic. It consists of the same ingredients, but more coarsely chopped.
Church
All Greeks are famous for their devotion to religious traditions.
- What is of particular interest to Greece is its residents. They are all believers, even in the country's schools, pray before classes, and marriages rarely go without a wedding.
- Talking about interesting facts about Greece, one cannot but mention the institution of marriage. So, the church plays the role of registry office, registering marriages, and divorces are extremely rare. Children can get both the name of the father and mother.
- It is very difficult to find an unbaptized Greek, because the population of this country is composed mainly of believers. Baptism here seems to be a big event for every member of the family, and they celebrate it, inviting all relatives.
A brief history of Greece. The origin of the country
The path of this state is long and difficult. On the modern territory of the country, civilization appeared one of the first in the world. Already in the third millennium BC. e. there were several different cultures: Mycenaean, Cretan and Peloponnesian. For 1500 years, the Cretan was considered the main of them, and later the palm passed to the Mycenaean.
Greece survived many rulers, was ruled by different states, but today it is an independent, unique, colorful country. For a century and a half of its history, before falling under the rule of Rome, the state managed to survive the monarchy, the republic, and even tyranny. In 146 BC e. Greece came under the rule of Rome, and in the 6th century AD e. it became part of the Byzantine Empire and was it until the 13th century.
Development
Interesting facts about Greece also relate to the Crusade, which took place in 1204. During it, the Byzantine Empire collapsed, and the territory of modern Greece was divided into certain counties, the most powerful of which was considered the Athenian.
In 1460, most of the country fell under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, and two hundred years later, the Turks also expelled the Venetian merchants. In 1669, Crete was annexed to the territory of the Ottoman Empire.
Independence
In 1821, the first war for the independence of Greece began, which at the end of the confrontation became known as the Greek Kingdom. Later, in the same century, the country continued to fight for its independence. There were several more wars, as a result of which Greece managed to get back Crete and Macedonia.
In the 20th century, after the Balkan wars, in which Greece also participated, some more lands moved to it. In 1967, "black colonels" came to power in the country. In 1975, a new constitution was adopted here, after which the position of the state was relatively stabilized.
Legends
Ancient Greek culture throughout the world is famous for its legends on a variety of topics. They tell about the gods who lived on Olympus, and about the ancient heroes. The myths about Heracles, whose father was Zeus himself, the main god on Mount Olympus, are considered one of the most famous . An important role among the legends of Greece is played by the cycle of the Trojan War, which tells about all the events of the confrontation caused by the abduction of Helen.
Hercules
The most interesting facts about Greece and the myths of this state primarily relate to the gods of Olympus. The most important god, as mentioned above, was Zeus, and his wife was called Hera. But in the legends, Zeus was not distinguished by devotion and monogamy, so he had many children from different women. He did not deprive his earthly girl Alkmene of his attention, as a result of such a union, the illustrious Hercules was born. Before he was supposed to be born, Zeus said that his child would become the lord of all earthly nations. But Hera, the wife of Zeus, did not like this statement, and she delayed the birth of Hercules, so that the grandson of Perseus was born first, to whom Zeus's son would have to obey.
As soon as the child of God and the earthly woman was born, Hera began her persecution. For example, when he was still quite a baby, she sent two snakes to him that were supposed to kill him, but it turned out the other way around - the child himself strangled them. During his life, the hero accomplished a dozen exploits that glorified his name.
Total
A unique country with a diverse culture is today an important European tourist center. Yes, that’s all Greece. The photos presented in the article prove how beautiful this country is. And having become acquainted with the traditions of the state, it is completely impossible not to fall in love with it. Despite the fact that in antiquity it was a very developed cultural center, now Greece attracts tourists rather than admirers of art and culture. The largest city here is Athens, the capital of the state of Greece. Interesting facts for children about this country concern, of course, ancient legends, and adults will like Greek gastronomy and picturesque beaches.