While Greece has appeared in the headlines for all the wrong reasons of late, it’s worth remembering its glorious past.

From ancient ruins and philosophy, to the makings of military tactics and the Olympics, the modern world has a lot to thank the Greeks for.

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It’s easy to forget that it was one of the most powerful civilisations in the ancient world and there is plenty to discover.

So without further ado, here are 9 things that you probably didn’t know about the Greeks and the ancient world…

1. Mountainous lands

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Greece might be near to the Mediterranean Sea but it is also one of Europe’s most mountainous countries – 80% of it is considered mountainous. 

Mount Olympus is the highest mountain and has more than 50 peaks – the highest of which is 2917 metres.

2. The value of olives

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Greece is one of the world’s leading olive producers and the country has cultivated olives for centuries, dating all the way back to ancient times.

Greek mythology states that Athena and Poseidon agreed that whoever gave the city of Athens the best gift would be deemed its guardian. Although Poseidon gave the gift of water, the other Gods decide that Athena’s gift of an olive tree was more valuable. 

3. Museums at every turn

Greece is home to more archaeological museums than any other country in the world – although this should come as little surprise given the expanse of ancient sites that are found in the country.

4. Birthday traditions

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Many Greeks will celebrate the ‘name day’ of the saint that bears their name rather than their own birthday. Most new-born children are named after one of their grandparents, means that many names continue through the family line.

5. Digging up the dead

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The Greek Orthodox Church forbids cremation so the dead of Greece are always buried. However, since there is not enough land to bury people, the bones of people are exhumed several years after burial before being washed in wine and placed in an ossuary.

6. Water is never far away

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Greece is made up of thousands of islands, although many are not large enough to be inhabited. What this does mean is that no point in the country is more than 85 miles from water. The country is relatively small – geographically speaking – but it has around 9,000 miles of coastline.

 

7. Spectacular architecture – standing proudly over Athens

The Parthenon, atop the Acropolis looking over Athens, still stands proudly today, despite being built around 2,500 years ago. Taking 15 years to construct, the giant stone temple contained a huge statue of Athena – the Goddess of Wisdom. It is one of the most famous image of ancient Greece and is visited by thousands of people every year.

8. Alexander the Great – making people pay

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Alexander the Great was renowned for his military exploits after many successes on the field of battle, but he was also the first Greek ruler to put his own face on Greek coins.

Before his exploits, only Greek Gods and Goddesses has appeared on money.

9. The trees are painted

 

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Tree trunks are traditionally painted white every spring to deter ants and other insects. The whitewash is also a common site on many houses and serves the same purpose.