What the Golden Fleece is Greek Mythology

The Golden Fleece in Greek mythology is mainly associated with the story of Jason and the Argonauts, was one of the most coveted objects of that time period. This ob... Read More

Metics – Non-Citizen Residents of Athens in Ancient Greece

Athens was one of the most thriving city-states in all of Ancient Greece. one of the reasons for this is that it was not only a place where the citizens of Athens dw... Read More

Tragic Tale of Queen Lamia in Greek Mythology

One of the classic themes in Greek mythology is the fact that Zeus, the king of the gods, had many mistresses and that Hera, the queen of the gods and Zeus’s w... Read More

Delian League – Alliance of City-States in Ancient Greece

In Ancient Greece, the Persian Empire presented a serious threat. Although Greece was victorious after the first Persian invasion, the fact that Persia went home did... Read More

All About Pan in Greek Mythology

The Greek mythological god Pan, was a  half human, half goat god that lived in nature. He was rustic god, commonly worshiped in Arcadia. He was often associated wit... Read More

What Was the Kingdom of Candia?

There was a time when the Venetians ruled over many parts of modern day Greece, and the island of Crete is one of those places. Referred to as the Kingdom of Candia,... Read More

Pegasus – Winged Horse of Greek Mythology

Pegasus is a unique creature in Greek mythology because it isn’t a monster. In fact, this is a celebrated creature that tends to be looked at in a positive way... Read More

Ancient Greek Black-Figure Pottery Originated in Corinth

When many of us think of Ancient Greece, we often picture the traditional vases that have been found in Ancient Greek archaeological sites throughout Greece. The bes... Read More

Kronos and Zeus Battle for Control of the Universe

Have you ever wondered how Zeus became the King of the Gods? Zeus wasn’t always the head of the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus. According to the stories, ... Read More

Sophocles – Ancient Greek Dramatist

It is a well known fact that the Ancient Greeks invented theater and besides that, they also developed genres, such as comedies and tragedies. In fact, the plays tha... Read More

How the Byzantine Empire Began in Greece

The Byzantine Empire’s influence can be found throughout Greece. For instance, Churches from the days of the Byzantine Empire can be found throughout Greece an... Read More

What to Know About Poseidon’s Grudge Against Odysseus

Odysseus, the hero of Greek mythology and the star of both the Iliad and the Odyssey, was known for being a great warrior. His actions during the Trojan War, which... Read More

What to Know About the Ottoman Empire in Greece

Every year on March 25, Greeks living all over the world celebrate their Independence Day. On March 25, 1821, war broke out between the Greek people and the Ottoman ... Read More

All About Andromeda in Greek Mythology

Andromeda was the daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia, who came from the Kingdom Aethiopia. She was not only the kingdom’s princess, but she was al... Read More

History of the Republic of Venice in Greece

Greece didn’t always look the way it does today, and in fact, has had a long road. In Ancient Greece, the Greek-speaking region was separated into a number of ... Read More

How the Four Seasons Came to Be in Greek Mythology

The story of how the four seasons came to be originates with Demeter, the Greek mythological goddess of the harvest. She was the goddess who blessed the earth and ma... Read More

All About King Cassender of Macedon in Ancient Greece

Cassender was the King of Macedon in Ancient Greece after Alexander the Great. He was born around 350 B.C. and his father, Antipater, was already a well-known genera... Read More

All About the Fountain of Youth in Greek Mythology

The fabled “Fountain of Youth” is something that has made it’s way in the folklore and mythological stories across many cultures, and Ancient Greec... Read More

Greek Mythological Story of Odysseus and the Cyclops

One of the most recognizable tales in all of Greek mythology was the Odyssey, which was written by Homer. The second part of a grander tale, with the Iliad being ... Read More

Education System in the Ancient Greek City State of Sparta

Most of us understand how unique the Spartan culture was since it was entirely focused on the success of their warriors. Every aspect of the society, including the e... Read More

Hebe – Greek Goddess of Youth

Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth in Greek mythology, is one of those goddesses that you may not have heard of before. This is because she is a relatively obscure mem... Read More

Neolithic Period of Ancient Greece

When most of us think of Ancient Greece we think of the glory days that were written about by Homer in the Iliad and the Odyssey, or the Golden Age, where philoso... Read More

Dragons of Greek Mythology

Webster’s Dictionary defines a dragon as a, “huge serpent,” and although these creaturs weren’t necessarily called “dragons” in G... Read More

What to Know About Ancient Greek Literature

When we think of Ancient Greek literature, most of us envision works like the Iliad and the Odyssey, which were written by Homer. Although these works are enjoyed ... Read More

Psyche – Greek Goddess of the Soul

Psyche is the goddess of the soul in Greek Mythology who was also the wife of Eros, the god of love. However, her journey of marrying Eros wasn’t a straightfo... Read More

All About the Ionian Revolt

The Ionian Revolt was a military rebellion that took place in Ionia, Antolia, which was part of Ancient Greece. It was associated with many other military rebellions... Read More

Anaximander – The Pre-Socratic Philosopher

Anaximander was an early Greek philosopher known to be the founder of astronomy. He was born in Ionia, a part of Ancient Greece but is now in modern-day Turkey.  He... Read More

Children of Zeus and Hera in Greek Mythology

All of the Olympian gods and goddesses were paired up into couples. There were six gods and six goddesses, and although each of the gods and goddesses were matched, ... Read More

What is Pre-Socratic Philosophy?

The origins and foundations of western philosophy can be traced back to some of the early Greek thinkers who lived between 6th and 7th century BC. These individuals ... Read More

Sphinx – Greek Mytholigical Creature that is Half Lion and Half Woman

Although most of us associated the Sphinx with Egyptian mythology, she was present in Greek mythology, as well. The Sphinx has its roots in Ancient Greece in Anatoli... Read More

Six Labors of Theseus

When Theseus was young, he was brought up in Troezen, which is a small city that lies to the south of Athens. He was raised by his mother, who never told him who his... Read More

History of Epicureanism

The Ancient Greeks were particularly known for their innovations in philosophical thought. Although philosophers such as Socrates are amongst the most well known, th... Read More

Cerberus – Monster Who Guarded Hades

Cerberus was a hound with multiple heads who was always associated with Hades, or the Underworld. His role was to guard the main gate of Hades and his role was to no... Read More

What to Know About Ancient Greek Pottery

During antiquity, the region around the Easter Mediterranean was a center for trade. The Greeks had some valuable commodities to offer its neighbors, such as wine an... Read More

Peisistratos – the Popular Tyrant of Ancient Athens

Although Ancient Athens is known for having been the birthplace of a true democracy, it wasn’t always this way. Democracy grew out of a political discontent in... Read More

Greek Mythological Story of How Achilles Became a Warrior

To the Ancient Greeks, Achilles possessed all the qualities that a good hero should have, and his story has been said to inspire people throughout the ages. In anti... Read More

What Made the Spartan Warriors so Effective

There is a lot of lore surrounding the idea of the Spartan soldiers. At the time, there was nothing quite like them, and their military strength was so formidable th... Read More

Story of King Midas and the Golden Touch in Greek Mythology

These days, most of us understand what it means when we say someone has the “golden touch” or the “Midas touch.” We understand that someone w... Read More

Pheidon – The Tyrant of Argos

Argos is one of the oldest city-states in all of Ancient Greece. It also became one of the most powerful, but before that happened, it went through a period of polit... Read More

The Greek Myth of Theseus and the Minotaur

The Minotaur, the creature who was part man and part bull, terrified the people of King Minos’s kingdom and ultimately, the people of Attica.. The child of a ... Read More

Greek Mythological Story of Perseus and Andromeda

Andromeda was the daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia from Aethiopia. Perseus was a hero who is said to have founded Mycenae and who eventually bested the ... Read More

What to Know About Minoan Art

The Minoan Civilization existing during the Bronze Age, long before the Classical Period of Ancient Greece. They were a thriving, peaceful culture that had a foothol... Read More

Greek Mythological Story of Dionysus and Ariadne

Dionysus is the Greek mythological god of wine and also of the theater. Ariadne is best known as the daugher of King Midas and would later on become Dionysus’ ... Read More

Argos – One of the Oldest of All the Ancient Greek City-States

Argos is a city-state that first rose to prominence during the Mycenaean era in Greece, which is much earlier than the classical period. By the time the classical er... Read More

Typhon – Deadly Humanoid Beast of Greek Mythology

Greek mythology is filled with deadly creatures, and Typhon is perhaps one of the deadliest. Yet, for those who are new to Greek mythology, he is a creature that man... Read More

Corinth Was One of the Most Powerful Greek City States

Most of us know all about city-states like Athens and Sparta. However, other city-states, such as Corinth, were also important. In fact, at it’s height, it wa... Read More

The Hydra – Multi-Headed Greek Mythological Beast

The Lernaean Hydra, the Hydra of Lerna, or the Hydra as the creature is most often referred to, is a fearsome and memorable creature in Greek mythology. This beast h... Read More

Thales of Miletus – The Father of Science

Although Thales of Miletus  was actually an Ancient Greek philosopher, he is also considered to be the Father of Science. Classified as a pre-Socratic philosopher,... Read More

The Chimera – Terrifying Creature in Greek Mythology

The chimera was one of the most terrifying creatures in Greek mythology. Although different versions of the creature exists depending on the source, there are charac... Read More

Where Were the Colonies in Ancient Greece?

Although history often portrays Greece, particularly the Athenian city-state, as being idyllic, people often left their city-states for various reasons. Those who l... Read More

Who Were the Gorgon Sisters of Greek Mythology?

Most of us know about the tragic story of Medusa, the Gorgon who had a deadly gaze and venomous snakes instead of hair. Medusa began as a young maiden who served Ath... Read More

Zeno of Citium – Creator of the Philosophy of Stoicism

Like many of the philosophies that were developed in Ancient Greece, they still have an influence over our thoughts today. The same is true of Stoicism, which was de... Read More

The Greek Myth of Odysseus and the Trojan Horse

One of the earliest stories told about Odysseus had to do with him and the legendary Trojan Horse. It was mentioned Homer’s Odyssey as well as from several o... Read More

Statue of Zeus at Olympia – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Although it is no longer standing, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, which is one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, continues to enchant all those who learn ab... Read More

Who the Cyclops Were in Greek Mythology

Although many people believe that “Cyclops” was one person, this isn’t actually the case. Cyclops were an entire race of gigantic, one-eyed monster... Read More

Ostracism – Legal Social Shunning in Ancient Greece

It is well known that democracy was invented in Ancient Greece in the city-state of Athens. However, what people don’t necessarily realize is that ostracism wa... Read More

Greek Mythological Story of Cassandra and Her Cursed Gift of Prophecy

Cassandra was a princess who originally came from Troy. She was the daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba, the rulers who were in power during the fabled Trojan Wa... Read More

Cleisthenes – Father of Athenian Democracy

On the surface, Cleisthenes seemed to be an unlikely candidate to support the concept of a democracy. A nobleman who was born around 570 B.C., he was raised to look ... Read More

How Medusa in Greek Mythology Turned Into a Monster

Medusa is one of the Gorgon Sisters in Greek mythology and is always depicted as being a monster. It has been said that her hair was made of venomous snakes and one ... Read More

Battle of Plataea – Final Battle of the Second Persian Invasion of Greece

Back in the time of the Battle of Plataea, which took place in 479 B.C., the Persian Empire was formidable. The largest empire in the world at the time, they had th... Read More

Ganymede – Cupbearer to the Gods of Greek Mythology

Ganymede was a hero in Greek mythology who came from the fabled city of Troy. He was the son of Tros, who was from Dardania, and Callirrhoe, the daughter of Scamand... Read More

Who Were the Helots of Ancient Sparta?

In order to understand who the Helots were, one needs to also mention their relationship with the Spartans. In Ancient Sparta, the Helots were a subjugated populatio... Read More

Culture and Society of the Spartan City-State

There was a time when Sparta was one of the most prominent and successful city-states in Ancient Greece. Since they were a warrior society, they were formidable oppo... Read More

Did the City of Troy Really Exist?

Most of us are familiar with the fabled story of the Trojan War. We know from Homer’s Iliad that the war essentially began because Helen of Troy fell for Pari... Read More

How Persephone Became Queen of the Underworld in Greek Mythology

The story of how Persephone became the Queen of the Underworld is about more than just Hades’ almost obsessive love for the young girl. The tale also serves a... Read More

Odysseus Arrives Home to Penelope in Greek Mythology

At this point, the goddess Athena, who is the goddess of wisdom, was reluctant to help Odysseus get home. However, his journey was so fraught with difficulty that He... Read More

Palace of Nestor – An Ancient Mycenaean Palace

The Mycenaean Civilization was a Bronze Age civilization in Ancient Greece that achieved a remarkable amount of growth. They came shortly after the Minoan Civilizati... Read More

Greek Mythological Story of How Oedipus Became the King of Thebes

King Oedipus was the main character in Sophocles’ tragic plays, Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone. However, before Sophocles wrote about Oed... Read More

Role of the Sacred Band of 1821 During the Greek War of Independence

After roughly four hundred years of occupation by the Ottoman Empire, the Greek people had finally had enough. At various times during the Ottoman occupation, resist... Read More

All About Leonidas I – King of Ancient Sparta Greece

Most of us know who King Leonidas I is because of the role he played in the ancient battle at Thermopylae, where 300 brave Spartans fought the Persians to the death.... Read More

Filiki Eteria – Secret Organization to Liberate Greece

When tracing how the Greek War of Independence actually began, it is difficult to pin it to any one thing. The overall feeling within the country is that the people ... Read More

How the Goddess Athena Became the Protector of Athens

In the Ancient World, Athens hadn’t always been named after the goddess Athena. Back in the days when Athens was ruled by kings, King Cecrops, the city’s... Read More

How the Ancient Athenians Went from Oppression to Democracy

When people think of Ancient Greece as being the birthplace of democracy, they may form an idea in their mind that the journey towards that system was an enlightened... Read More

Greek Mythological Story of Orpheus and Eurydice

The story of Orpheus, son of Apollo, and Eurydice, the oak nymph, is a tragic tale that began joyfully. The story began when Apollo, the god of music and the twin of... Read More

SYRIZA – The Coalition of the Radical Left

SYRIZA, the political party in Greece that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is head of, is the party that is the current government of Greece. The party’s name it... Read More

All About Alexis Tsipras – the Prime Minister of Greece

Alexis Tsipras is the 185th Prime Minister of Greece and prior to that, he was also the 183rd Prime Minister of Greece and this term was from January 26, 2015 to Aug... Read More

Constantinople Becomes Head of the Byzantine Empire

Constantinople began the head of the Byzantine Empire in 330 AD. King Constantine the Great moved the head of the Byzantine Empire to an already existing city, which... Read More

What is Oxi Day in Greek History?

Oxi Day, also referred to as the, “Day of No” is an important part of modern Greek history that is also celebrated as a holiday each year on October 28th... Read More

All About Ceto the Sea Goddess in Greek Mythology

Ceto, also spelled Keto and translated as “sea monster,” is the daughter of Pontus and Gaia in Greek mythology. She is the primordial goddess of sea mons... Read More

How the Greek Economic Crisis Began

From 2007 to 2008, much of the world was faced with what is now referred to as a “global financial crisis.” Many economists even classify this event to ... Read More

The Rise of the Ancient Kingdom of Macedonia

Although the Kingdom of Macedonia, which was located in the northern area of Ancient Greece, ended up being one of the most prominent and influential kingdoms in al... Read More

All About the Ancient Greek Battle of Salamis

The Battle of Salamis, which took place in 480 B.C., was possibly the single most important naval victory in all of Ancient Greece. In fact, there are those who say ... Read More

Phorcys – Sea God of Greek Mythology

The names of classical Greek deities like Athena and Apollo are instantly familiar to modern students of mythology. The ancient pantheon was also populated by countl... Read More

All About Pausanias – Ancient Greek Geographer and Traveler

Pausanias was a Greek geographer who lived from A.D. 110 to 180 during the era of Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius and Hadrian. As a traveler, he used his firsthand o... Read More

All About Hesiod – The Ancient Greek Poet

Hesiod is an ancient Greek poet considered to be a contemporary and peer of the famed poet Homer. Hesiod is often referred to as “the father of Greek didactic ... Read More

Story of Adonis in Greek Mythology

In modern times, the term “adonis” is sometimes used when referring to a man who is beautiful and desirable. The word has deep roots in ancient Greek mythology, ... Read More

All About the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK)

The Panhellenic Socialist Movement was founded at the end of the Greek military dictatorship that ran from 1967 until 1974. On September 3 of that year, Andreas Papa... Read More

Thucydides – Ancient Athenian General and Historian

Much of our modern knowledge concerning life in the ancient world is the product of diligent scholars. These luminaries recorded what they observed in their lifetime... Read More

What Was the Greek Republic Referendum of 1974?

The Greek Republic Referendum of 1974 represented an important piece of modern Greek history. It was the country’s first since 1974, when nearly 70 percent of ... Read More

How Greece Became a Democracy after the Military Junta

The Greek Military Junta was a time of oppression for the people and after it was over, they were eager to restore democracy once again. However, before democracy co... Read More

Kostatinos Karamanlis – Greek Politician and Prime Minister

Konstantinos Karamanlis is one of the most influential Greek politicians in the country’s modern history. However, like any Greek politician, his career was bo... Read More

Melpomene – Greek Mythological Muse of Tragedy

In Greek mythology, there was a muse who created the inspiration for every aspect of artistic and scientific thought. The Ancient Greeks believed that with the mus... Read More

Aristophanes – Ancient Greek Playwright

Without the Ancient Greeks, theater wouldn’t exist as we know it. Invented during Greece’s Golden Age, playwrights used the theater to express themselves... Read More

All About the Trial of Socrates

The Trial of Socrates, which took place in 339 B.C., is probably one of the most famous trials in history. Socrates was a philosopher on Ancient Greece who was born ... Read More

Greek Mythological Story of Jason and the Argonauts

Jason is one of those mortals who had an important place in Greek mythology. He was most well-known as the leader of the Argonauts, a group of heroes who were Jason&... Read More

History of the Communist Party in Greece

After the Greeks won their independence from the Ottoman Empire in the 1800’s, it took the people some time before they settled on a form of government. The co... Read More

What to Know About Ancient Greek Warefare

When many of us think of warfare in Ancient Greece, this invokes images of the Ancient Spartans and their unique brand of fighting that involved the hoplite soldiers... Read More

Civil Rights Aftermath of the Greek Military Junta

The Greek Military Junta, or dictatorship, lasted in Greece from 1967 to 1974 after a successful coup that was plotted and executed by a group of Greek military offi... Read More

All About the Fall of Constantinople

Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine Empire, which was also referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire. Over the course of its life, the Byzantine Empire wen... Read More

Erato – Greek Mythological Muse of Love Poetry

In Greek Mythology, it is said that the Nine Muses were responsible for all manner of creative and intellectual thought that took place in Ancient Greece. They are r... Read More

About the First Modern Olympic Games in 1896

It’s true that the Ancient Greeks founded the original Olympic Games.  They took place in Greece from 776 B.C. through to 393 A.D. The games were originally ... Read More

Pericles – Building the Athenian Navy

Pericles was a prominent Greek statesman who was alive from 495 B.C. to 429 B.C. during the Greek Golden Age. He had such a profound impact on the culture of Ancient... Read More

Euterpe – Greek Mythological Muse of Music, Song, and Lyric Poetry

The nine muses of Greek mythology are a legendary part of the folklore of the time. In fact, they’ve even made it into today’s pop culture. Each of the n... Read More

Modern History of the Port of Piraeus

Piraeus is one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean and the city itself has a population of over 160,000, while the greater Piraeus area has a population of ove... Read More

What Was the Golden Age of Greece?

What do you picture when you think about Ancient Greece? When many of us envision what it was like during that time, we have certain expectations. These include, Gre... Read More

Clio – Muse of History

In the Greek mythological tradition, there are a total of nine muses and each one of them has her own purpose. However, like many of the ancient myths, there are som... Read More

History of the Ancient Theater at Epidaurus (Epidavros)

Theater was a big part of the culture in Ancient Greece. In fact, there are many who believe that the Ancient Greeks actually invented theater as we know it. The Gre... Read More

All About the 4th of August Regime in Greece

Back when Greece finally won its independence from the Ottoman Empire, the attempted to have a republic for a short period of time. This republic was highly unstable... Read More

History of the Athens Acropolis

The Acropolis in Athens is one of the city’s most recognizable features. Perched atop a large hill, this remnant of Athens’ ancient past is surrounded by... Read More

Arachne – The Weaver Who Turned Into a Spider

Most of us know about the major gods and goddesses in Greek mythology but there are other characters that are part of some of the stories. In fact, there are some we... Read More

Themistocles – Ancient Athenian Politician and General

When the Persian Empire first invaded Greece in the hopes of expanding its borders, it seemed unlikely that Greece would be able to hold. Not only was the Persian Em... Read More

A Brief History of Modern Greece

Even though Greece has been a solid presence on the world stage since ancient times, Greece, as we know it today, is fairly young. Its modern history officially begi... Read More

The Real Story of Pheidippides

Pheidippides, also referred to as Philippides, was the messenger soldier who famously ran a long distance from the battlefield at Marathon to Athens in order to tell... Read More

Greek Gods and Goddesses Family Tree

When most of us think of the Greek gods and goddesses, we envision popular ones, such as Athena or Zeus. However, these recognizable deities from Ancient Greece only... Read More

What You Need to Know About Ioannis Metaxas

Ioannis Metaxas was the Prime Minister of Greece from 1936 to 1941. History looks at him as a general and dictator, but that may not necessarily give the whole pictu... Read More

The Story of Pygmailion

There aren’t just gods and goddesses who make up the stories in Greek mythology. Often, the master story tellers from Ancient Greece tell of mortals who have h... Read More

The Great Powers and the Kingdom of Greece

After enduring four hundred years of occupation by the Ottoman Empire, the people of Greece decided that they wouldn’t put up with it any longer. After seven ... Read More

An Overview of Hera’s Acts of Revenge

As queen of the gods, Hera was often portrayed as majestic and solemn in many of the stories. However, there was another side of her. Zeus wasn’t always fait... Read More

Overview of the Early Reign of Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great was one of the most influential historical figures from Ancient Greece. His father, King Philip II of Macedon, turned Macedonia into the most pow... Read More

Who Were the Giants in Greek Mythology?

There are some stories throughout Greek mythology that involve creatures known as the Giants, or Gigantes in Greek. In our modern minds, we envision giants to be exc... Read More