Interesting facts about Greece. History of Greece. Legends of Greece

Such a sunny, mysterious country. But what do we know about it except that it is the birthplace of 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. Nevertheless, not everyone who knows the legends of Greece knows about modern life in the state. And it is so diverse, so interesting and worthy of attention. Feel at least a little bit of 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 for economy! Almost on the roof of each house you can see a solar battery.
• Very many apartment buildings, like public buildings, are trimmed with marble. Not only is it very beautiful, it also helps to keep cool in the room on hot summer days.

• The entire transport system is very well developed here. On most of the stops there are placards on which you can find out how soon the next bus will arrive.
• Any tourist will be surprised at the way stores work in Greece, because on Sundays there is a day off, and on weekdays they close around 7-8 pm. At the same time, some of them are closed for the summer.
• All Greeks are required to take part in elections. In case of non-attendance, citizens of the country may refuse some state services.
• In 1812, the territory of modern Greece began the war for independence. When the enemy captured the Parthenon, they had bullets and they began to take lead from the columns. The Greeks, fearing for their architecture, sent them lead so that they did not destroy the monuments.
• The sirtaki dance, which many consider Greek, was actually created specifically for the movie "Greek Zorba", after which he became popular. To date, this is one of their important symbols of the state.

• Such a habitual answer for us "ok" in Greece is considered offensive and means belonging to sexual minorities.
• The famous English writer George Gordon Byron so loved this country that even took part in the war for independence from the Ottoman Empire.

About the Greeks and Greek women

• On the part of names, the Greeks do not really strive for diversity. Most of the men wear the most popular names, such as Yannis, Costas, Yorgos or Dimitris, and women - Maria, Vasilika, Panagiota.
• The Greeks are very nice and nice people, always ready to help the neighbor, show the way and explain something.
• In addition, this is a very benevolent people. There is almost no fights, and arguers can only scream at each other and continue the evening.
• The Greeks are extremely slow. 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 do this only with good friends and relatives, they very quickly turn everyone into a category of friends, so after the first meeting they are often ready to show their affection.
• Favorite dance for many here is zeybekik, which is more like a drunken sailor's dance. As a rule, one man dances, and the others sit in a circle and support him with applause. When he gets tired, the baton takes the next one.

Laws, police, crime

Telling interesting about Greece, you must remember about the local order, which is worth learning many other European countries.

• There are few representatives of the law here, and on the street you can meet them very rarely. They come mostly on demand. But you can meet them when they write out fines for incorrect parking or expect violators on autobahns.

• Since the Greeks are very friendly and non-aggressive, then there is practically no crime. In small towns, you can safely leave the phone on the beach and go swimming. Although in larger cities it is worthwhile to be on the alert.

Gastronomy

Interesting facts about Greece relate to a special national, not like a kitchen.

• The most favorite dish of all Greeks - it's souvlaki. This is something reminiscent of shawarma with French fries. Eat it all and everywhere, washing down with overseas Coca-Cola.
• Our "Greek salad" in Greece is called rustic. It consists of the same ingredients, but more large-sliced.

Church

All Greeks are famous for their devotion to religious traditions.

• The more interesting Greece is, especially its residents. They are all believers, even in schools of the country pray before the beginning of classes, and marriages rarely pass without a wedding.

• Talking about interesting facts about Greece, we can not fail to mention the institution of marriage. So, the role of the registry office is performed by the church, registering marriages, and divorces are extremely rare. Children can get both the father's and mother's surnames.
• It is very difficult to find an unbaptized Greek, because the population of this country is predominantly believers. Baptism here is a great event for every member of the family, and celebrate it by inviting all relatives.

A Brief History of Greece. Origin of the country

The path of this state is long and complicated. On 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 main one was considered Cretan, and later the palm tree went to Mycenaean.

Greece survived many rulers, was under the rule of different states, but today it is an independent, unique, colorful country. For a century and a half of its history, before getting under Roman rule, the state managed to survive the monarchy, the republic and even tyranny. In 146 BC. E. Greece passed 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 strongest of which was the Athenian.

In 1460, most of the country was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, and two hundred years later the Turks also expelled the Venetian merchants. In 1669, the territory of the Ottoman Empire was joined by Crete.

Independence

In 1821 the first war for the independence of Greece began, which after the confrontation began to be called 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 20 th century, after the Balkan wars, in which Greece took part, 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 state's position relatively stabilized.

Legends

Ancient Greek culture to the whole world is famous for its legends on a variety of topics. They describe both the gods who lived on Olympus and the ancient heroes. One of the most famous are the myths about Hercules, whose father was Zeus himself - the main god on Mount Olympus. An important role among the legends of Greece is played by the cycle about the Trojan War, which tells about all the events of the confrontation caused by the abduction of Elena.

Hercules

The most interesting facts about Greece and the myths of this state are primarily related to the gods of Olympus. The most important god, as already mentioned above, was Zeus, and his wife's name was Hera. But in legends Zeus was not distinguished by devotion and monogamy, so he had many children from different women. He did not deprive his attention and the earthly girl Alkmenu, as a result of such a union and the famous Hercules was born. Before he was supposed to be born, Zeus said that his child would become the ruler of all earthly peoples. But this statement was not liked by Hera, the wife of Zeus, and she delayed the birth of Hercules, so that the grandson of Perseus would first be born, to whom the son of Zeus will have to obey.

As soon as the child of God and earthly woman was born, Hera began her persecutions. For example, when he was still a baby, she sent two snakes to him, who were supposed to kill him, but it turned out the opposite - the child himself strangled them. During his life, the hero made a dozen feats, which glorified his name.

The result

A unique country with a diverse culture today is an important European tourist center. Yes, it's all Greece. The photos presented in the article prove how beautiful this country is. And getting acquainted with the traditions of the state, and it is absolutely 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 relate, of course, to ancient legends, and adults will like the taste of Greek gastronomy and picturesque beaches.