GREECE Discovery Chest Artifact Description Cards THOUGHTS ON ANCIENT AND MODERN GREEK HISTORY AND CULTURE Located on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, the European country of Greece is known for its rich ancient history. Many of the ideas that originated in ancient times-philosophy, democracy, medicine, literature, art, theater architecture as well as numerous other topics have influenced our modern day world. Greece is a land of rugged mountains, shady olive trees and more varieties of wildflowers than any other European country. Its beautiful islands have attracted tourists for years. According to Greek mythology, in a war between the gods, the Titans tore the tops off mountains, using them as weapons. The rocky peaks fell into the sea, thus creating the many islands of Greece. Mythology, history and folklore have shaped the way people thought during ancient times. The land itself shaped their way of life and has made a footprint on many cultures around the globe. Greece is believed to have been first settled around 3000 B.C., when invaders swept down from the north. The invaders did not reach the island of Crete, home of the Minoan civilization. This civilization was advanced and progressive for its time. The Minoans lived in lavish cities and palaces. They were a literate people using their own hieroglyphic writing system. They had flushing toilets, hot and cold running water and thermal heating systems. In about 1600 B.C. an eruption occurred just north of Crete on the island of Thera (Santorini). This eruption caused earthquakes, tidal waves and threw up huge clouds of ash, ruining crops and burying cities thus, destroying the Minoan civilization. The decline of the Minoan civilization allowed the Mycenaeans to take over Crete and become major traders in the eastern Mediterranean. They set up colonies in northern Greece and Italy from which they shipped goods to markets throughout the Mediterranean. Eventually, Mycenaean society began to fall apart when invaders from Europe invaded Greece. About 300 years after the Mycenaean civilization declined, the Greeks started to join together in small groups for protection and stability. They began to form city-states called “polis”. Each had its own rulers, army and individual type of government. Our own democracy is based on the government of Athens at the time. The creation of the city-states marked the beginning of what is known as Greece’s Classical Age which was recognized as an era of great achievements. The Classical Period, in the context of the art, architecture, and culture of ancient Greece, began in the 5th century B.C. Greece led the world in science, mathematics, culture and the arts. The city-states were at war and fought violently amongst each other. In 338 B.C., Philip of Macedonia conquered the Greek city-states. His son, Alexander the Great, enlarged the empire by introducing Greek culture to the lands he conquered. THOUGHTS ON ANCIENT AND MODERN GREEK HISTORY AND CULTURE (Continued) Over the next 2,000 years, from 145 B.C. onward, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottoman Turks ruled Greece in succession. Although Greece gained its Independence from Turkey in 1830, there was unrest among the Greeks. In 1974, Greece rejected its military government and became a democratic republic. Greece’s landscape and mountainsides has shaped its people, as to the way they live, where they live and the type of work they do. Its people live no more than 60 miles from the sea. The rugged terrain and dry, rocky soil allows agriculture to flourish on only one third of the land. Transportation is difficult. Although farmland is limited, half the Greek population works in agriculture. Olives, olive oil, figs, raisins, tobacco, sugar and wheat have been the country’s valuable assets. The bare rocky land is perfect for growing olive trees. In villages along the coast and on the islands many other Greeks earn their living from the sea. Using open, single mast wooden fishing boats known as “kay-e-kees”. The whole family can be involved in the fishing business. Sponge diving was once also a very prosperous but dangerous way to earn a living. Many Greeks also work in the tourist industry. Spectacular historic sites are all over the mainland. The islands draw people from all over the world for their breathtaking beaches, windmills, snow-white streets, unique homes, caves and historic sites which, vary greatly among each island. Finally, one third of the population works and lives in the modern day capital of Athens. Both men and women in the household work in government offices, banks or other public positions hoping to earn a good living. In rural Greece, in the remote villages, the traditional way of natural living has continued very much the same way for centuries. Donkeys are still the major way of transportation, and everyone knows one another. In the evenings, people gather in the main square to chat, or sing and dance to Greek folk music. Men will play backgammon or sway their worry beads. Women will work on needlepoints or share amazing sweet recipes. The official religion Greek Orthodoxy plays a major role in the daily lives of all Greeks- always devout and prayer filled attending church services. Greek culture and traditions have always been rich and meaningful and a major source of pride for all Greeks. The way the Greeks have influenced the entire world will always be a reminder of their greatness and excellence. Embroidered Tapestry Who would have used this item? • Members of the household, primarily in the third century, BC. What is this? • Fabric made of sheep’s fleece, woven into fine thread and dyed with bright colors. It was used as clothing for members of the household, wall hangings, covers/cushions for furniture, and sacks/backpacks to carry items. What is its significance? • It was considered to be very important for the women of Greece to be able to weave. Greece 1A, CRAFTS Greek Sandals Who would have used this item? • Anyone. What is this? • Early Greek sandals were made from a stiff leather or wooden sole to which leather straps were attached. Much could be told about a person just by the style of their sandals. Sandals revealed social status, as there were styles reserved for the wealthy, high officials, stage performers, and workers. What is its significance? • The craft of shoemaking was believed to be watched over by Apollo, god of the sun, music, poetry, and healing, among others. Hermes and Iris, the messengers of the gods, were always pictured in winged sandals, and goddesses such as Hera, the queen of the gods, and Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, were often depicted in golden sandals. Greece 1B, CLOTHING Women’s Head Scarf Who would have used this item? • Women. What is this? • A hair accessory. In ancient times, Greek women were expected to fully cover their bodies, although more styles of hair shown on ancient Greek art depict that women wore their hair down. During the classical period, women’s hair was worn high at the back of the head and held in place with a net and ribbons. Headbands and other gold hair decorations were worn on special occasions. What is its significance? • Hair accessories like the scarf have been used from the 5th and 4th centuries BC to the present day. Greece 2B, CLOTHING Fisherman’s Hat Who would have used this item? • Fishermen, but today anyone can wear it. What is this? • It is a soft cap with a firm, small visor brim made of black wool fabric. Traditionally, a braid rests between the visor and the crown. Fishermen and maritime military groups often wore this style hat. It was first created in 1886 in Athens, and became extremely popular in the 1960s because John Lennon frequently wore it. What is its significance? • The fishing industry was a way of life for many men on the Greek islands. Fishing today continues to thrive and allows many island locals to survive in Greece’s present day economic situation. Greece 3B, CLOTHING Evzones Shoes (Tsarouchia) Who would have used this item? • The Greek Presidential Guard. What is this? • Part of the Presidential Guard uniform. The toe of the Tsarouchia is pointed upwards and covered by a black silk pom pom which is hand cut to shape. The base of the shoe is made from cowhide and over 300 hand stitches are required to hold each shoe together. What is its significance? • Shoes that weigh over three kilograms and feature at least 60 nails on the base of the shoe which simulate the sound of battle. Greece 4B, CLOTHING Evzonas Hat (Farion) Who would have used this item? • The Greek Presidential Guard. What is this? • A hat made from a soft red felt-like, woolen material, featuring a long silk tassel. The front of the cap has the Greek coat of arms with the officer’s rank displayed underneath. What is its significance? • The dramatic length of the tassel is difficult to untangle which encourages the guards to maintain an extreme upright posture to avoid the trouble. Greece 5B, CLOTHING Amalia Costume Who would have used this item? • Women or girls. What is this? • The Amalia dress is a traditional Greek folk costume created by Queen Amalia. It is a romantic, folksy dress, influenced by Western European fashion and combining details from Greek traditional costume. It was most popular from 1837 to 1862. What is its significance? • The outfit is the result of an attempt to establish a unifying symbol of Greek identity. On various occasions, such as Greek national days, young girls sometimes amuse themselves by wearing lower-quality Amalia dresses for Carnival or dress-up parties.