History

Europe’s oldest civilisation, Greece’s recorded history dates from 3000BC when the Bronze age Minoan and Mycenaean civilisations flourished in the region. Both civilisations engaged in extensive maritime trade and made considerable artistic achievements, examples of which survive at Knossos on Crete.

By 1100BC, an invasion by the northern Dorians precipitated a decline in civilisation for Greece, only dissipating in the 8th century BC, when the great city-states of Sparta and Athens were established. This was undoubtedly the Golden Age of classical Greece, a time when the world’s first democracy was practised, the Parthenon built, and Socrates taught philosophy.

The Spartans by contrast created a militaristic society, founded on physical rigour and discipline. While they wrote few plays, they were primed for battle, and defeated Athens in the Peloponnesian wars of the 4th century BC. Alexander the Great’s invasion soon after ushered in the Hellenistic period characterised by the merging of Greek ideas with those of other antiquarian cultures.

In 146BC, Greece fell under the control of the Roman Empire, and then was integrated into the illustrious Byzantine Empire at the fall of Rome in the 5th century AD. In 1453 the Turks invaded, and arguably devastating Greek culture and relegating Greece to the backwaters of European history for several centuries. The War of Independence (1821-32) finally ushered in a unitary Greek state.

Greece suffered economic disaster and mass starvation during World War Two, and even as peace was declared across Europe civil war erupted in Greece as royalists and communists fought each other for power. Greece entered the European Union in 1981 under the government of Andreas Papendreou, who ruled - with various interruptions and electoral defeats - until his death in 1996.

Costas Karamanlis led the centre-right New Democracy party to power in the elections of March 2004, the year when the whole of Greece celebrated its sporting success with Athens hosting the Olympics and the Greek football team overcoming the odds to win Euro 2004, the continent’s largest international soccer event. As of 2007 he faces the difficult task of cutting down state bureaucracy and tackling corruption.

Relations with Turkey seemed to take a turn for the better in 2004 too, when for the first time a referendum was held on the unification of Cyprus. Although narrowly defeated (mainly through Greek opposition) it is the first positive sign that the Cyprus issue will be resolved sooner rather than later.

 Culture

The Greeks of today are justifiably proud of their classical heritage, which is the lynchpin of tourism in their country.

The Greeks tend to value the Platonic concept of the good life, with an emphasis on the enjoyment of every day through food, family and relaxation. The population is largely rural, and semi-subsistent communities still exist on some islands and parts of the mainland. Although this appears an idyllic life to tourists, the inhospitable terrain of the central mainland makes it hard to make a living. Consequently a lot of the Greek population are very down to earth and phlegmatic in character.

The country still has a system of national service and a lot of Greeks are consequently extremely patriotic. Religion plays an integral part in Greek culture - particularly in rural areas where the church has historically played a unifying role among the people. An estimated 98 per cent of the population is Greek Orthodox and associated church festivals are celebrated with much enthusiasm.

Like the Spanish and Italians the Greeks have a distinctively Mediterranean temperament that shows itself in their natural flair and enthusiasm as well as their sometimes fiery passion.

 Dos and Don’ts

	Generally the Greeks are quite a friendly, laid-back nation and offer a warm reception to tourists, in rural areas being compared to the Irish in their ready hospitality. In such communities offers of food and hospitality are generally well intentioned.
	Watch out in tourist areas where offers of seemingly free hospitality, or complimentary drinks and snacks might be charged for subsequently, with no refusal possible.
	When shopping you will soon wear out your welcome if you try to bargain over prices that are clearly marked. Haggling over goods is expected by market traders but not necessarily by shop-owners.
	A service charge in restaurants is included on the bill, but a small, discretionary tip is the norm. Although it is not a rule, it is considered polite to give taxi drivers a small tip.
	Religion is an important part of Greek life and many national holidays and annual events are centred on the church. Visitors should respect these observances. About 98 per cent of the population is Greek Orthodox.
	Don’t be offended by being challenged. The Greeks are a very passionate race, similar to the Italians in their enthusiasm for an argument or excuse to raise their voice. Although it seems intimidating it is merely the other side of an exuberant personality.
	Although their bark is worse than their bite it’s best to avoid conversation topics such as royalty, religion, Turkey and sport. It’s often easier to agree with your interlocutor - Olympiakos are the best football team in Europe - at least while you’re in Athens.

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