Thinking about venturing to the lands where democracy, theatre, and written language were born?
Greece is a unique and significant country to travel to and learn about. Many languages and many concepts we value today stem from Greek culture.
Keep reading to find out fun facts about Greece to inspire your travels and enhance your understanding of this ancient place.
Table of Contents
1. Greece Dates Back to Prehistory
The roots of Ancient Greece go as far back as the Paleolithic Era (also known as the Stone Age).
It’s not the oldest civilization but it goes without saying that its history and culture have developed over a long period of time.
2. Greek Is One of the Oldest Written Languages
The Greek alphabet is thousands of years old. It is one of the oldest remaining written languages still in use.
In fact, many languages today are built upon the foundations of Greek. Examples are -phobia (the fear of) and micro- (small).
3. Greece Holds the Most Archaeological Museums in the World
Because Greece has a rich history, it is host to approximately 100 archaeological museums.
There’s much to be learned in this country from its storage of historical artifacts to the culture itself.
4. Thousands of Islands Belong to Greece
Greece is home to 6,000 islands, yet only 227 of them are inhabited by locals.
The islands have diverse landscapes, including beaches, caves, and volcanic soil.
This fun fact made the list because it’s quite incredible that there are so many uninhabited islands in a European country.
5. Ancient Greeks Religiously Danced
Throughout history, Greeks have believed that dancing was a god-sent invention.
Thus, it was and is considered a religious practice connected to the gods.
Today, there are more than 10,000 traditional Greek dances from different regions of Greece. If you decide to visit, perhaps you’ll partake in the ceremonies by watching or learning the dances yourself.
6. Greeks Wield Blue Eyes to Ward Off Evil
The ancient custom of carrying a blue talisman is still common throughout Greece.
These charms have an eye painted on them and are used to ward off “the evil eye” or “mati”. Basically, they are good luck for keeping away curses or negative energies.
7. It’s Good Luck to Find Coins in Your Cake
In Greece, St. Basil’s Day is the celebration of New Year’s Day.
It’s a large celebration of food, blessings, and gathering.
One necessity of bringing in the new revolution is to put a gold coin into a cake and cut slices for everyone.
Whoever gets the gold coin receives good luck and fortune for the year.
8. Greek Coffee Is a Little Gritty
Similar to Turkish coffee, the Greeks enjoy creating their brews with fine grounds on the bottom of the cup.
It stays there while the drinker slowly enjoys a mixture of creamy foam and coffee.
If this is a little too risky for you, you won’t be disappointed to go out on a limb in trying other culinary customs. Greek food, such as greek salad, gyros, and tzatziki, are world-renowned and are a delicious way to experience the culture.
The Fun Facts About Greece Don’t Have to End There
You can continue learning about Greece and Greek culture by traveling there yourself.
Consider taking educational trips to Greece throughout your life to experience it on your own and learn more about the world around you.
Stay Curious
These fun facts about Greece may inspire you to learn more online, through people, or by traveling for yourself.
Keep reading our blog to keep learning through curiosity.
