40+ Things About Ancient Greece That Would Surprise Even Historians
For good reason, ancient Greece is regarded as one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Even the most ardent historians will be surprised by the wealth of super-cool facts, unexpected factoids, and astounding knowledge found in the ancient Greek civilization. We’ll look at some of these historical truths that can transport us to the splendor of ancient Greece.
They Invented Yo Yo
Even though the Greek language may be among the oldest in the world, ancient Greece also boasts some of the oldest technologies. The yo-yo is one of these inventions. One of the world’s oldest toys, the yo-yo is thought to have been created about 440 B.C.E. A yo-yo, which was constructed out of wood, metal, or painted terracotta disks, was a common household item in ancient Greece. The Greek pantheon’s gods’ representations were used to embellish it.
One of the Oldest Scripts in the World
Greek holds the distinction of being among the world’s oldest languages. Many significant works and foundational writings, like the Illiad poems, works by Aristotle and Plato, were first composed in Greek at the start of the eighth century B.C.E.
One Of The Oldest Scripts In The World
The Latin, Armenian, Coptic, and Cyrillic writing systems are thought to have been derived from the Greek language. The first alphabet script in history to have clearly defined vowel characters was the Greek alphabet.
Dionysus Was One of Their Beloved Gods
One of the most well-known and revered gods in classical Greek mythology was Dionysus, often known as Bacchus. He and Demeter were regarded as the two most important deities on Earth.
Dionysus Was One Of Their Beloved Gods
Dionysus, the god of wine, was also referred to as the god of grapes, the harvest, and fertility. He was said to have emerged from the flames. In his honor, a number of sad and comedic plays were staged.
Infants Were Thrown Into a Pit
According to a very well-known Spartan story, the infant males who were deemed weak were dumped in a pit. The ancient Greek historian Plutarch revealed this discovery.
Infants Were Thrown Into A Pit
However, according to the present-day scientists, this practice never happened at all. This disproves Plutarch’s thesis that the state decides whether or not babies are fit to be raised and ignores their screams.
About the Greek Gods
Zeus is regarded as the chief deity of the Greek pantheon in Greek mythology. However, this fact is only partially true. Let’s elaborate. Each of the sovereign states in ancient Greece, known as the polis, had its own distinct cult.
About The Greek Gods
The notion of henotheism, which involves worshiping one deity from the pantheon of gods but not rejecting the existence of other gods, was practiced by the ancient Greeks, who fervently believed in ‘n’ number of gods.
Greeks Messed Up Royally
Many of the heroes and figures of ancient Greece committed terrible sins. Even the kindest heroes occasionally committed horrific crimes, and the pantheon of gods was not exempt from this rule. While gods like Jason, Athena, Zeus, Hades, and Uranus committed some very horrible crimes, mortals weren’t far behind.
Greeks Messed Up Royally
For instance, during the Trojan War, following a disagreement, Achilles turned away from his allies. In addition to his four wives, Heracles is said to have had numerous lovers.
Tasteless Food
The cuisine of the ancient Greeks (Laconian) was pretty disgusting. They frequently ate a black gruel, which was said to be a concoction of lentils and beef blood.
Tasteless Food
This cuisine, if you can call it that, was frequently compared to Spartan bravery in numerous jokes among Spartans. It was rumored that only a true Spartan would have the guts to consume this every day. We endorse that!
Of Hetaeras
In general, women in ancient Greece were viewed as second-class citizens and held a lower status than men. But there were those women who could stand on their own two feet. They were hetaeras, these women.
Of Hetaeras
Hetaeras were essentially high-profile prostitutes who also participated in mind-stimulating activities. They had fewer affluent lovers than pornai, another class of escorts in ancient Greece. A woman had to attend a special school from the time she was a little child in order to become a hetaera.
Greeks Had a Peculiar Way of Eating Food
According to popular misconception, Greeks preferred to recline while eating. This might not be entirely accurate, though. It started in the seventh century BC, and the Romans later adopted it.
Greeks Had A Peculiar Way Of Eating Food
Greeks supposedly ate in this manner because doing so represented social position and authority. However, the only people who could recline were guys. In general, women were not permitted at the feasts, and when they were permitted, it was customary for them to eat while seated.
Greeks Were (Very) Messy
The ancient Greeks did not adhere to the notion that cleanliness is next to godliness or that their homes should be Marie Kondo’d. They enjoyed keeping their surroundings as filthy as possible. The black smoke that perpetually erupted when they prepared meat for their meals usually discolored the walls of their house.
Greeks Were (Very) Messy
The soot destroying the weapons hanging on the walls of a typical Greek home is described in Horner’s poem. In a word, black walls were typical in the typical home back then.
A Spartan Kid’s Childhood Was a Series of Hardships
Spartans had a reputation for being quite (really!) severe with their kids. They had a somewhat authoritarian approach to parenting. When a Spartan youngster reached the age of seven, he was dispatched to a special military camp.
A Spartan Kid’s Childhood Was A Series Of Hardships
A Spartan youngster had to survive naked up until the age of twelve because clothing was not permitted. They were also expected to prepare their own meals and be skilled in swordsmanship, spear throwing, and physical conditioning.
Women Were Banned From Olympics
Women were not permitted to watch or take part in the Olympics in ancient Greece. Thus, the Olympics were largely a male domain. Historians have proposed numerous potential explanations for this exclusion.
Women Were Banned From Olympics
The inferior status of women in ancient Greek culture and the extensive preparation (up to ten months) needed to get ready for the Olympics are only a few of the possible justifications for the ban.
Spartans Banned Epicurean Meals
Delicacies were strictly forbidden in a Spartan household in antiquity. Keep in mind the lentils are laced with beef blood. That was typical. To put it kindly, a Spartan supper was a simple affair without much ceremony.
Spartans Banned Epicurean Meals
Lentil soup or gruel of barley with cabbage and turnips was a typical Spartan supper. According to Homer, Spartans enjoyed eating meals made of grains and frequently consumed barley together with wine and goat cheese.
Symposiums: The Hallways of Gaiety
Symposiums were another predominantly male setting in ancient Greece that included bacchanalian celebrations. These exclusively male banquets were filled with dancing, music, and other types of festivity.
Symposiums The Hallways Of Gaiety
A symposiarch, who served as the event’s in charge for the evening, presided over a symposium. In this social setting, other games with a competitive element were also organized. But the word “symposium” has now come to mean a scholarly gathering.
Spartans Knew How to Dress Up for War
The Spartans were skilled in dressing for battle. In a battle, they also carried a lot of supplies and safety gear. Before engaging in combat, a Spartan soldier, also known as a hoplite, wore a massive bronze helmet, ankle guards, and a breastplate.
Spartans Knew How To Dress Up For War
In addition, they used to have a long spear, a sword, and a spherical shield made mostly of wood and bronze. As seen in the film 300, a Spartan soldier frequently had long hair and wore a red cloak as their primary clothing.
The Olympic Truce
All armed conflicts in ancient Greece came to an end—or were at least delayed by three months—with the start of the Olympics. The Olympic Truce tradition, which dates back to 776 BC, was instituted to protect the host city from attack during the Olympic Games.
The Olympic Truce
Additionally, it made it possible for guests to travel safely to the venue of the games without having to worry about it. Despite this, there were also fights during that time, just not in the Olympic region.
Before Spartans, There Was the Sacred Band of Thebes
The great courage, endurance, and self-control shown by the Spartans are well recognized. Based on the Battle of Thermopylae, The 300 Spartans is now a part of popular culture because of the film of the same name.
Before Spartans, There Was The Sacred Band Of Thebes
The Sacred Band of Thebes defeated the challenging Spartans. The group, which was made up of 150 men, all of whom were lovers, brought an end to Spartan dominance. The Battle of Leuctra in 371 B.C. brought the band to fame.
Rhodopis Inspired Cinderella
A well-known hetaera in ancient Greek culture was Rhodopis. Cinderella, a beloved fable, was inspired by her life. According to legend, an eagle grabbed Rhodopis’ slippers while she was taking a bath and immediately dropped them upon the lap of an Egyptian pharaoh.
Rhodopis Inspired Cinderella
The Pharaoh was so taken with the slippers that he made the decision to send out a search team to find its owner. He located Rhodopis after searching. They eventually got hitched, and Rhodopis ended up ruling Egypt.
Women Were Considered as Mere Objects
Women were viewed as pollutants in ancient Greece. They were completely dependent on their husband and had no freedom or rights of their own. A woman was seen as the object of a man’s home in Athens. So, women’s personhood and entity were frequently denied in ancient Greece.
Women Were Considered As Mere Objects
They were urged to stay inside the home’s walls and warned against going out on their own. To use a married woman’s name in a public setting was also viewed as blasphemy.
Ancient Greeks Were Paid Well
In comparison to other civilizations, the ancient Greeks received generous pay each month. Ancient Greece reached the pinnacle of global economic development between the fourth and fifth centuries B.C.E.
Ancient Greeks Were Paid Well
The salaries of regular people showed signs of economic improvement. During that time, a typical Greek individual made 12 kg of wheat. This was roughly four times more than the typical Roman’s monthly wage of 3.75 kg of wheat.
Spartan Women Were Freer
The ladies of Sparta were a little more liberated than their Greek counterparts, notwithstanding the appalling conditions that existed for women in ancient Greece. They were granted some freedoms and advantages that were not available to the other women of the community.
Spartan Women Were Freer
In Sparta, a lady may possess her own land and engage in athletics. Additionally, they were educated. Unlike their Greek counterparts, they had their own areas of freedom even if they had to undertake household tasks.
The Marital Lives of Spartans
Arranged marriage was customary in Sparta. There weren’t many love marriages. Again, the majority of marriages were fictitious in that men frequently had many partners in the past.
The Marital Lives Of Spartans
It was ordinary practice to cheat on your spouse. Ironically, Spartans who chose to stay unmarried faced severe punishment. When a child reached a certain age, there was legal machinery in place to force them into marriage. Those who chose to get married later were also not exempt.
A Loophole in the ‘No-Woman Policy’ of Olympics
Women were not generally permitted to participate in or watch the Olympics, although there was a small exception for the equestrian competitions that allowed them to ride horses.
A Loophole In The ‘No Woman Policy’ Of Olympics
The Spartan Princess Cynisca took advantage of this provision to win the competition without even taking part in it, making history for women. With two first-place finishes from her horses in the competition in 396 and 392 BCE, Cynisca was unquestionably victorious.
Greeks Knew the Worth of ‘Salt’
Similar to their Roman predecessors, the Greeks traded salt. Slaves were once purchased in return for salt. They also adhered to the adage that you shouldn’t trust a man until you’ve shared a salt pack with him.
Greeks Knew The Worth Of ‘Salt’
The Greek term for salt is “alas.” The expression “not worth his salt” was also used by the Greeks, who also utilized salt to create soaps and detergents from animal fats and ashes.
Olympiad Was an Anticipatory Event
The Olympiad was a significant occasion in classical Greek culture. It was eagerly anticipated and was well-attended. The Olympics were so cherished by the ancient Greeks that they centered their social calendars around them.
Olympiad Was An Anticipatory Event
The occasion took place in July or August once every four years. As was previously mentioned, the Olympiad was followed by an Olympic truce, a proclamation of peace that gave the conflict in the host country a three-month reprieve.
They Invented ‘Shaking Hands’
The way that people greet each other around the world was somewhat altered by the Greeks. They bestowed handshakes on the globe. Yes, the handshake was invented by the Greeks, as evidenced by the numerous ancient Greek paintings, sculptures, and works of art.
They Invented ‘Shaking Hands’
However, in ancient Greek, the act of shaking hands was known as dexiosis. Many pieces of art depict Hera and Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, shaking hands. However, handshakes were only exchanged between equals in ancient Greece.
Greek Women Were Quite Fashion Forward
Greek ladies were actually extremely fashion-savvy, it turns out. Now, more information. Although statement brows and unibrows are currently popular (thanks to Cara Delevingne), Greek ladies were the pioneers of this now-dominant fashion.
Greek Women Were Quite Fashion Forward
Ancient Greek culture regarded the unibrow as a symbol of intelligence and a standard of beauty. Women without unibrows used to mimic them with makeup. To create the appearance of a single brow, they frequently employed soot, black powder, or goat hair.
They Believed in Taking Siestas
The ancient Greeks were also leisurely people who thought a nap in the afternoon was restorative. Ancient Greeks were known for their afternoon naps, which were especially popular in the summer.
They Believed In Taking Siestas
The Greeks thought a mid-afternoon snooze may keep the body from drying up. The Greeks used to wake up from their naps, eat something, and continue working until nightfall. The afternoon naps, in our opinion, need to be made required by legislation.
They Created the Word ‘Idiot’
The Greek term “idiōtēs,” which denoted a private person, is where the word “idiot” has its etymological origin. The word was first employed in an entirely different environment and meaning. In its original usage, the phrase was meant to describe anyone who avoided politics.
They Created The Word ‘Idiot’
Oh, how the Greeks of antiquity adored politics. However, the term “poor level of intelligence” has come to be used in the world. If you’re clever, you’ll see the connection between its previous and present meanings and understand the point it is attempting to make.
They Gave ‘Music’ to the World
The gift of music was likewise bestowed upon the globe by the Greeks. — at least in written form! The Greek mythological goddess of the arts, the Muses, is where the word “music” originates.
They Gave ‘Music’ To The World
Western music’s theory and composition have their roots in the music of ancient Greece. Prominent philosophers like Pythagoras also studied it to gain an understanding of other areas of life.
Throwing Apples Was a Declaration of Love
Depending on how you look at it, the manner to propose to someone in ancient Greece was both sweet and subtly aggressive. Their beloved is that person! Greeks threw apples at people to beg for their hands in ancient times.
Throwing Apples Was A Declaration Of Love
These apples in some circumstances turned into a source of contention. A lifetime of wealth was wished for wedded couples by tossing apples their way as well. Unrelated to this, before Newton gave us the theories of relativity, he was struck by an apple. Simply stating!
Potbelly Was a Preferred Body Type
Forget about your washboard abs and focus on your iron-pumped body and musculature. In ancient Greece, having a pot belly was considered to be a legitimate physical type and shape rather than just extra body fat. A potbelly wasn’t a sign of gluttony or sloth either.
Potbelly Was A Preferred Body Type
In actuality, the opposite was true. People with potbellies were seen as excellent leaders. We don’t mind using a body standard from the past in this case. Cheeseburgers need to be served right away!
They Invented Spiked Dog Collars
The first dog collars with spikes were made by the Greeks in antiquity. However, their original use was for something else. Although the Egyptians provided the initial prototype for dog collars, the Greeks were responsible for their practical perfection.
They Invented Spiked Dog Collars
When defending the flock of sheep in ancient Greece, the sheepdogs on the farm wore these spiked dog collars, also known as mellium, to prevent wolf attacks on their necks. It appears to have been a necessity-driven invention to defend against the frequent wolf assaults on the farm’s animals, including watchful dogs.
They Lived Long
Many people in ancient Greece lived to be 100 years old. They had long lives because they followed a nutritious Mediterranean diet, engaged in vigorous daily exercise, and had excellent sanitation systems.
They Lived Long
According to the Greek interpretation of the Mediterranean diet, enough of fruits, vegetables, and olive oil—also known as the “elixir of life”—should be consumed. It is claimed to have a wide range of positive effects on the body, including a decreased chance of Parkinson’s disease, enhanced longevity, and Alzheimer’s.
Red Lipstick Had a Different Meaning
Crimson lipstick, which was created in ancient Greece from crocodile excreta and red pigments, was only worn by specific types of women. Only the escorts were legally permitted to wear this color. The flesh trade quickly learned to recognize this tint.
Red Lipstick Had A Different Meaning
According to Greek law, any other lady beside them might face punishment for engaging in obscene behavior by wearing red in public. The hookers can also be detained for not donning the official color of their line of work.
The Boustrophedon Text
Writing in both directions on manuscripts was a widespread technique in ancient Greece. As a result, the next line of the book would be written from right to left after a line that was written from left to right.
The Boustrophedon Text
It entailed mirroring letters from one line to another, which made it much more challenging and perplexing for the author and the reader. For instance, I adore everything about Greece. I love everything about Greece.
They Invented Vending Machine
The world’s first vending machine was created by the ancient Greeks, which brings us to our next creation. But there were no sodas or snacks available from this vending machine. Holy water was being distributed through a coin-operated vending machine.
They Invented Vending Machine
According to academics, this vending machine was a development from the Greek civilization, which was one of the first civilizations to use coins. However, it ended up serving as the model for all contemporary vending machines.
Melons, Beyond Fruits
Melons were referred to as both the fruit and a code term for a certain area of a woman’s anatomy in ancient Greece. Additionally, it was a general word for all fruits that were or appeared to be foreign.
Melons, Beyond Fruits
Various gourds bearing fruit are referred to by the Greek word mlopepon (gourd-apple). In other words, the meaning of this phrase varied greatly depending on the context in which it was employed.
More Power to the Citizens
In a civic sense, ancient Greek citizens were immensely powerful. They had a structure that permitted them to unite as a cohort, and send a politician into exile for ten years. Ostrakismos was a custom intended to protect the foundation of democracy.
More Power To The Citizens
Ostrakismos was a kind of retaliation used against all politicians who at the time were viewed as both a genuine and prospective threat to Greek democracy. We say, “Such cool!”
They Invented Kettlebells
The Greeks were prolific inventors. When they weren’t creating tangible items, they created words and expressions that are still used today. Like the kettlebell, for instance. Greek Haltere, a forerunner of the kettlebell, was used to push athletes in the long jump in fifth-century Greece.
They Invented Kettlebells
These kettlebells were utilized in Olympic competitions and varied in weight from two to nine kilograms, according to many study investigations. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia in Athens, Greece has a kettlebell that weighs about 144 kg.
Thou Shalt Drink Wine Like This
While drinking a full glass of wine today and holding the glass by the body, among other social faux pas, was frowned upon, drinking concentrated wine in ancient Greece was.
Thou Shalt Drink Wine Like This
One was required to fill their glass with water in a 3:1 ratio. People who didn’t add water to their wine were characterized as being morally bankrupt and alcoholics. However, the potent mixtures were only used on special occasions that called for celebration.
A Large Population Comprised of Slaves
Slaves made up between 50 and 80 percent of the total population in ancient Greece. As we just mentioned, salt was commonly used as payment for slaves. Ancient Greek slaves had no autonomy and belonged entirely to their owners.
A Large Population Comprised Of Slaves
They were thought to have breathing properties by Aristotle. The frequent battles that used to occur were the cause of such a big population. According to a research estimate, one of the four inhabitants of Athens around 320 BC was a slave.
Tricking the Inventor of Brazen Bull
The Brazen Bull’s creator, Perilaus of Athens, was duped into becoming the victim. In essence, Brazen Bull was a hollow statue. The hangman would light a fire beneath the bull once a man had into it, charring him to death.
Tricking The Inventor Of Brazen Bull
Phalaris, the king of ancient Greece, chastised Perilaus for his invention. He had to give evidence that his idea was effective. He gave in and went into the bull’s womb. He was saved just before he was burned to death. Later, though, he was forced off a precipice.
No Clothes Gymnasium
Ancient Greek gymnasiums were clothing-free spaces that were predominately male-dominated. The gymnasiums, which literally mean “a school for naked exercise,” lived up to their name and were used by the athletes as a training ground.
No Clothes Gymnasium
The gods of the Greek Pantheon were respected by the ancient Greeks for competing in the nude. The gym was also a venue to engage in intellectual and social conversation.
They Invented the Red Carpet
Ancient Greece is where the idea of the red carpet first emerged. Prior to then, it was called Crimson (a shade of red) Path. Red carpets were thought to be a luxury reserved solely for the heavenly and not for mankind.
They Invented The Red Carpet
The ancient drama Agamemnon, which is the first in the trilogy of Oresteia plays, contains a description of the Crimson Path. Ancient Greeks believed that the color red was holy and challenging to manufacture. The kermes insect’s colors were used to create it.