Ancient Greeks are the originators of the Olympics Games, theater, and the Greek Islands. But did you know that they also built the most impressive temples in the world? Here are some interesting facts about these fascinating people. Read on to find out more about Greece’s political history and culture. And remember to bring your camera and your appetite for learning. It’s a guaranteed time-traveller’s delight. Unless you’re planning a romantic trip, don’t forget to bring a Greek map!
Ancient Greeks invented the Olympic Games
The Ancient Greeks invented the Olympic Games as a way to celebrate the birth of Zeus and honor his wife, Hera. While they had fewer events than the modern games, they were still immensely popular. In ancient Greece, women were not allowed to participate in the games, and only freeborn male citizens could participate. Women were also barred from taking part if they were married. In modern times, the Olympics are held at different locations around the world.
The first Games were one-day events that consisted of several athletic events. Later, they were extended to three days or even five days. Some of the first sports included running, long jump, shot put, javelin, and wrestling. The Ancient Greeks based these events on soldiers’ training regimens and considered the discus throwing event to be one of the most important. Other events included equestrian events like the dolichos and halteres.
They invented theater
The Greeks invented theater in 465 BC. They used special effects to entertain audiences, such as the use of a stage crane. The gods would be raised on this crane and dropped into the scene. A stage wagon was also used as scenery. Greeks also used masks and a chorus line. The modern word “scene” derives from the Greek word skene. The Greek theater had a proscenium, or lower story, similar to our proscenium.
Greek theatres were constructed on a large scale, seated up to fourteen thousand people. The ancient Greeks also used physics. In order for the actors’ voices to be heard, the designers needed to consider the physics of sound and the laws of physics. The earliest Greek theaters were made from hard earth, while more advanced Greek theaters were made of marble or other material. They also had altars in the middle.
They invented monumental temples with Greek columns
The ancient Greeks invented monumental temples with Greek columns to support these enormous structures. They used solid stone drums to form the columns and sometimes joined them together with bronze pegs. As the columns rose in height, their diameter decreased. Greek architects took advantage of this and tapered the columns upwards to counteract the illusion of concavity. This technique was known as “entasis.”
The original shape of the Greek temple was a simple rectangular structure with a triangular body. The pediment was the front and rear gable, and it usually contained the best sculptural reliefs. They relied heavily on local raw materials, which were abundant in Ancient Greece. The region lacked forests but had an abundance of limestone and white marble, which was widely used in architectural decoration. They were also able to find abundant amounts of clay in Athens.
They invented the Greek Islands
The Greek Islands are the quiet repositories of Mediterranean peasant culture and history. They whitewash their villages every year during Easter. Although automobiles and motor scooters have taken over the road, you will still find ancient Greek and Byzantine paths and ruins. The island of Santorini is one of the most picturesque. It has a church dedicated to Saint Irene. Its capital, Fira, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
They invented the Cradle of Western Civilization
The Greeks first colonized Europe in 750 BC. They established city-states along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. By 600 BC, Greek city-states were found from Spain to Cyprus and as far south as Egypt. The Greeks also colonized Sicily and Southern Italy, and the Romans referred to the area as Magna Graeca, or “Greece’s Garden”.
The ancient Greeks left a lasting impression on modern society. Many of the ideas that define modern society were invented during the ancient Greek period. The ancient Greeks lived similar lifestyles as we do today. Some traditions were pushed aside in favour of others. They used an alphabet and were democratized. Even today, they enjoy the Olympics every two years. In the Cradle of Western Civilization, we can see the roots of many modern innovations.