20 Interesting Facts About Ancient Greece That You May Enjoy!

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Ancient Greece was a very influential civilisation. It dominated much of the Mediterranean thousands of years ago. During the height of its power, Ancient Greece ruled much of Europe and Western Asia. It was also instrumental in establishing much of the foundation for today’s Western culture. Below we have compiled a list of 20 interesting facts about Ancient Greece that you may enjoy!

Let’s take a look at 20 Interesting Facts About Ancient Greece That You May Enjoy!

1) The Ancient Greeks came up with the concept of demokratia, or ‘rule by the people’, thus establishing the world’s first democracy. However, it lasted for only 185 years.

A picture of democracy in Ancient Greece

2) Ancient Greece condoned slavery. In fact, around 40% to 80% of Athens’ population were slaves!

A picture depicting slaves -Interesting Facts About Ancient Greece

3) Ancient Greeks did not call their land ‘Greece’

An interesting fact about Ancient Greece is that its inhabitants did not call it Greece. The Greeks called their nation ‘Hellas’ or ‘Hellada’. Additionally, its official name was the ‘Hellenic Republic’. The Ancient Romans came up with the word ‘Greece’ which was derived from the Latin word Graecia for ‘land of the Greeks’

A picture of the acropolis-Interesting Facts About Ancient Greece
(C: Frederic Edwin Church 1871-MET Museum)

4) Handshakes originated in Ancient Greece

Handshakes are now a common custom all over the world. However, the concept originated way back in Ancient Greece. Its earliest depiction is on an early 5th Century B.C. archaeological relief. It essentially showcases Hera, the wife of Zeus and the goddess of marriage, shaking hands with Athena, the goddess of war in Ancient Greek Mythology.

A picture of Hera shaking hands with Athena

5) Contrary to popular belief Ancient Greek statues were not always white. Once upon a time they were painted with vibrant colours, however, over time the colours faded to the monochrome we see today. Sculptures such as the ones seen in the Parthenon Frieze were once painted in a wide array of colours.

A picture of a colourful parthenon-frederic-edwin-church-1871-MET

6) The Ancient Greeks worshipped an unknown god

The Ancient Greeks worshipped twelve major gods. However, in addition to those twelve, they worshipped “Agnostos Theos”; which is “Unknown God”. The title was essentially a placeholder for any or all gods unknown to them.

A picture of Greek Gods

7) Another interesting fact in our list is that the term ‘idiot’ originated in Ancient Greece. In Ancient Greece, an idiot was essentially a person who didn’t participate in political or public arenas.

A picture of a assembly in progress
(C: libcom)

8) Another interesting fact in our list is that in Ancient Greece, the unibrow was a sign of beauty and intelligence

In Ancient Greece, the unibrow was considered a sign of great beauty and intelligence. In fact, women who didn’t possess natural ones would draw them with makeup.

A picture of a unibrowed greek woman
(C: Refinery29)

9) Peace before the games

The ancient Olympics is essentially a series of athletic games honouring Zeus. Due to its religious significance, the Ancient Greeks decreed that no wars would be permitted before the games. Initially, they declared a ceasefire for one month but subsequently extended it to 3 months.

Additionally, the territory of Elis disallowed all firearms. Adding instructions that no spectator, athlete or theoroi (the official ambassadors representing the various city-states) should be harmed in any way.

A picture of the ancient Olympics games-frederic-edwin-church-1871-MET

10) The significance of red lipstick

Another interesting fact in our list is that in Ancient Greece, prostitutes were recognised for their red lipstick. In fact, if they didn’t wear red lipstick they were punished. Additionally, non-working women were discouraged from wearing lipstick.

A picture of lipticks and other cosmetics around a marble bust
(C: MessyNessyChic)

11) The concept of the red carpet originated in Ancient Greece

The first mention of the red carpet was in the 5th Century B.C. play Agamemnon. The play essentially mentions a ‘crimson path’, that could only be walked upon by the gods.

A icture of the red carpet
(C: OZY)

12) According to Ancient Greeks, eating while lying down with others serving you is a sign of power and luxury. The elite usually practised this custom.

A picture of people eating food while reclining-Interesting Facts About Ancient Greece

13) Ancient Greeks added water to wine

Another interesting fact about Ancient Greece is that it was considered barbarian to drink undiluted wine. One had to dilute the beverage with water. This was because only the god of wine, Dionysus could drink undiluted wine and not get drunk. The Ancient Greeks believed that if mortal men drank undiluted wine, they could become violent and lose their minds. To avoid this fate, they added water to wine in the ratio of 3:1.

A picture of Dionysus-Interesting Facts About Ancient Greece
(C: Fine Art Images Heritage-Images)

14) Ancient Greeks used stones as toilet paper

Yes, you read that right! In Ancient Greece, people often used stones (pessoi) or fragments of ceramic(ostraka) to wipe.

A picture of ancient stones-Interesting Facts About Ancient Greece

15) Ancient Greeks were highly superstitious!

In fact, they held strange superstitions about food as well. Some wouldn’t eat fava beans as they thought they contained the souls of the dead.

16) Ostracism in Ancient Greece

Another aspect of Athenian democracy was ostracism(ostrakismos). Under ostracism, citizens could vote to exile a politician for 10 years. The voting took place once a year and citizens would nominate people who they felt threatened democracy. Additionally, this practice applied to common citizens as well.

A picture depicting a voting-Interesting Facts About Ancient Greece

17) The Spartans were great warriors however it wasn’t easy being one

Spartans boys began ‘agoge’, a state-sponsored training regimen at the age of 7 itself. The regimen is instrumental in transforming them into skilled soldiers. Additionally, the soldiers could not live with their families until they left their active military service at age 30.

A picture of a spartan-Interesting Facts About Ancient Greece

18) Another interesting fact about Ancient Greece is that slaves were traded for salt. That gave the rise to the common expression “not worth his salt”.

A picture of salt- Interesting Facts About Ancient Greece You May Enjoy!

19) The revolutionary astronomical hypothesis was first proposed by an Ancient Greek

Aristarchus of Samos was an Ancient Greek mathematician and astronomer who first proposed the theory that the planets orbit the sun. He also theorised that the stars are unmoving distant suns. Further stating that the size of the universe is much bigger than his contemporaries believed.

A picture of the solar system

20) State induced infanticide

The last fact in our list of 20 interesting facts about Ancient Greece is that all newborns in Sparta were shown to a council. These inspectors examined the babies for any physical defects. Subsequently, they abandoned the ‘unfit’ ones on a nearby hillside. Fortunately, Spartan slaves (Helots) managed to rescue some. Additionally, infants who passed the examination didn’t have it easy either. For example, to test their constitution, Spartans bathed them in wine instead of water.

A picture of spartans in battle

Enjoyed the above article? You may also enjoy 15 interesting facts about the Sedan chair and 16 interesting facts about the sporran

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