Greece, a country with a population of almost 10,722,00 citizens (as per statistics of 2011) has been the arena for major events of mankind’s history. Covering an area of 50,961 square miles, the country houses a chain of islands counting up to 170 inhabited ones. Athens, the nerve center of the former Greek Empire covering coasts of Turkey, Southern Italy and the Black Sea still stands as its capital. In the 21st century, the country is considered a vacationer hotspot, with 16.5 Million tourists visiting every year contributing to 16% of its gross domestic product. Influenced by modern democratic framework after the formation of the European Union, it changed its form of government to a Parliamentary Republic in 1975. Here you will stumble upon some of the unique Greece facts for kids. Youngsters eager to learn more about the ancient state would find the following facts astonishing:
Greece Facts For Kids
Mount Olympus:
The mountain stands at a height of 9,750 feet or 2,917 meters possessing over 50 peaks. Ancient Greeks believed their Gods dwelled on the mountain top controlling the world of mortals. When trekkers finally conquered the mountains, all myths were disapproved. It also has an entire national park dedicated to it.
Ancient Bullfighters:
Ancient Greece was occupied by many civilizations. The Minoan culture from the island of Crete ruled the land back in 200 B.C. Explorers uncovered wall paintings in the ruins of Knossos palace. These art forms display people jumping over attacking bulls. This shows earliest evidence of bull fighting in Europe.
Voting is a must:
The country always had a strong hold in political and administrative affairs. It gave the world the gift of “Democracy” by inventing the Senate IN 508 B.C. In those times however, only men could vote. But as per laws of 1975, citizen of the country above 18 years of age is obligated to vote. Offenders must pay heavy fine or spend long hours in community service.
Just do it:
Nike, the famous sports clothing brand was inspired by the Greek fable of Pheidippides. As a messenger, he dashed 40 kilometers in Athens yelling “Nike, Nike” meaning “Victory”.
World Wonder: | Greece facts for kids
The ancient city of Rhodes is famous for lodging a giant statue of the god Helios. It is a World Wonder called the Colossus of Rhodes. Standing at the height of 303 meters, its knees cracked due to an earthquake in 226 B.C. Pliny the Elder, a renowned historian of Greek history noted on the fallen statue “But even laying on the ground, it is a marvel”.
Burial:
The Greek law forbids any kind of funeral except burial. Cremation was forbidden by the Greek Orthodox Church because it was against Christianity. To honor their heritage, Greeks dig up bodies after 5 years to wash them in wine. Later they are burnt. This is done to keep the cemeteries vacant for future use.
A foreign national hero:
Interestingly, Lord Byron, a British poet is claimed to be Modern Greece’s national hero. He fought in the War of Independence against the Turks to protect the beauty of Greek civilization. His love for a foreign country also claimed his life when he caught malaria and died in 1824 at the age of 36.
Olives:
The country is the third largest producer of olives in the world. This was possible because of the temperate, cool climate an olive tree needs during growth. The plant was sown by Greeks since ancient times. As of now, trees as old as the thirteenth century still bear fruit. It is also the National Tree, Leaf and Fruit.
National cheese:
The country produces its very own brand of cheese known as Feta. Made from a goat’s milk, it is an ancient practice that dates back to the Homeric ages. The world’s highest per-capita consumption of feat cheese is found in Greece.
Greece has been an integral part of world affairs. Its politics has shaped the world as we know it. Studying the above facts should develop sufficient interest in youth looking forward to build careers as historians. To spread this curiosity in others, readers should extend these details to their friends and families so they too can learn more about this pinnacle of human civilization.
