GREECE

Europe

Introduction to Greece

Geography

Greece lies at the end of the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe. Surrounded by four seas, including the Mediterraenan Sea. It has hundreds of islands (227 inhabited) and rocky mountain peaks in the north of the country, including Mount Olympus.

History

Greece conquered nations and created mighty city-states and Empires with legendary figures such as Philip of Macedon and Alexander the Great. It was subsequently conquered by successive empires of Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, but managed to insert its language and worldview throughout the lands it once owned.

Culture

The birthplace of Western civilization, democracy, philosophy, literature, mathematical principles – Greece created, codified and curated for Western cultures, a basic cultural structure. 18 UNESCO sites attest to the dominance of Greece’s ancient culture and the enduring appeal of its pantheon of gods and their mythological deeds.