Greek influence on the world
Origins of Government
The origins of "Western civilisation" are attributed to Greece, which held a strategic position in
the ancient developed world. The need to trade and desire to explore have always produced
cross influences and globalisation is nothing. The government of ancient Greece was
admired, studied and adopted by Nations.
Art and Architecture
Architects, mathematicians and artists have studied the proportions of classical Greek architecture and have used the "Golden Rectangle" in their own work.
Its proportions are instinctively pleasing to the eye. In the late 18th and early
19th centuries "Georgian" buildings including government buildings, railway stations,
hospitals, schools and grand or modest terraces of housing were built throughout the
world and many of us walk past them without noticing every day.
Language
The English language is derived from Greek, Latin, Germanic and Celtic roots, and once you have learnt the Greek alphabet, also used for mathematical symbols, You will recognise the origins of many words that are difficult to spell! Some words are interesting and amusing: One of my favourites is "Afto Kinito", literally "this moves" - The Greek word for "car".
Olives and Greek mythology
Olives are believed to be native to Attica, though their cultivation spread throughout the world as climate permitted. The mythology associated with the olive tree seems to be purely Greek, however, for as all parts have their use,the tree almost represents life itself. During certain times of Greece's history survival depended on it.
Ancient Civilisations
About Athens
As the Capital City, Athens deserves its own page, and this website cannot cover the whole of Greece.
Trigono Lamda Groves are situated near Methoni in Messinia on the Peloponnese, so we'll concentrate on places there.
Peloponnesian Sightseeing
The Peloponnese has a distinctive character and a rich history.
Regions within the Peloponnese also differ; for example, the Sparti region
is a huge flat plain surrounded by mountains and its history, layout and culture reflect this.
The town is neatly laid out and the ancient Sparta site is at one end, a short walk
from the town itself. In the hills above Sparti you will find Mystras, a deserted Byzantine settlement
well documented in guide books. Ancient Sparti is a typical settlement with an ampitheatre,
ancient agora (market) and temples.
Ancient Olympia is famous of course, but there are other important towns, with spectacular ancient sites, including Korinthos, Argos, Patra, Messinia, Naphlion, Pylos, and Epidavros.
As well as the ancient sites, a visit to the smaller places and less well known areas of large towns, reveals the traditional rural life which still exists among shops, hotels, apartment blocks and car dealerships. Times are changing, however!