Concurrently being written on my hubpages.com account, under my name, and under bmwhsd, is a new Greek cookbook entitled Greek Recipes:  Lil Rickie's Most Popularly Requested Greek Recipes Cookbook. Parts One, Two, and Three of this cookbook are now completed, and Part Four, the final part of the cookbook, is under construction. Enjoy - Brett

**********************************************************************************************
**********************************************************************************************

New information will be included in this book daily until it is completed. Greece is a fascinating country so follow along all the way and enjoy it as much as I do - Brett

Another talent of this Author is making presentations on all things Greek suitable for schools, colleges, universities, Travel Clubs, Greek Clubs, and all other interested organizations, contact efkareesto@gmail.com for details - Brett

************************************************************************************************
************************************************************************************************

This book was written by a Hubpages.com Expert Writer.

Chapter One: MINOAN CIVILIZATION

The history of Greece dates back to Prehistoric times beginning with the Minoan Civilization. These Middle Bronze Age people were the first advanced culture in Greece and arose on Crete around 2700 to 1170BC, becoming known as "The First Link In The European Chain".

Intricate Minoan Civilization palaces, with their unique features, were often multi-storied, containing interior and exterior staircases, light wells, massive columns, and courtyards. These palaces served many functions for the Minoan Civilization including uses for governments, administrative purposes, workshops, storage spaces, and shrines.

Pottery styles divide the Minoan Civilization into three main eras. These periods of time are known as the Early Minoan (2650 to 2160BC), Middle Minoan (2160 to 1600BC), and Late Minoan (1600 to 1170BC). The history of the Minoan Civilization is also dated based on the palaces they constructed at the Ancient sites of Knosses, Phaistos, Malia, and Kato Zakros that divides this period into Prepalatial (3650 to 1900BC), Protopalatial (1900 to 1700BC), Neopalatial (1700 to 1425BC), and Post-palatial (1425 to 1170BC).

The oldest evidence of Crete inhabitants are Neolithic remains that date to about 7000BC. The Bronze Age in Crete occurred around 2600BC. A large unknown disturbance on Crete at the end of 1700BC, (possibly an earthquake), destroyed the palaces at Phaistos, Malia, Kato Zakros, and Knossos. Later, at the start of the Neopalatial Period, these palaces were rebuilt larger than the ones destroyed. New Minoan settlements sprang up around Crete as well, and this represents the height of the Minoan Civilization.

At the end of the Neopalatial Period on Crete the Minoan palace culture failed catastrophically and all the palaces were destroyed. The one at Knossos was the only palace rebuilt immediately. Later, palaces like the one built at Chania, were constructed.

Around 1420BC the Mycenaean Culture occupied the palaces of the Minonan Civilization. Most of the Crete cities declined toward the 13th Century BC. Knossos did not decline until about 1200BC. The last Minoan sites to be found were on the defensive side of Karfi, in the Dikti Mountains, a refuge location that survived almost to the start of the Iron Age.

Minoans were Traders of copper with Old Kingdom Egypt, Cyprus, and Anatolia. Evidence of some of the Minoan Civilization's colonies can be found at Kastri, on the island of Cythera, which was the earliest Minoan settlement outside Crete in the Early Bronze Age, and also at Triandra, on Rhodes. Late Minoan stoneware has been discovered at Amman, in Egypt.

Tin was another Ancient Minoan Trade during the Bronze Age, as were saffron, ceramics, gold, jewelry, and silver. The Minoans may have traded these items with the Mycenaen Empire on Mainland Greece, Cyprus, Syria, Anatolia, Egypt, Mesopatomia, and Spain.

The skill of Minoan metalworkers was reknown in the Ancient world and many of them worked in Mainland Greece and the Aegean islands. The Minoans also taught the Mycenaean Empire the art of inlaying bronze with gold.

Loinclothes and kilts were common attire for Minoan men. Ladies wore short sleeved robes and layered skirts or strapless bodices, which are the first known fitted garments in history. Concentration of wealth seemed to be important in Minoan Civilization revealing social equality and even wealth distribution displayed by the multiroom buildings discovered in the "poor" areas of Minoan cities.

The Heraklion Musem, located near Knossos, on Crete's north shore, displays a collection of Minoan art and other material cultural remains, especially ceramic styles sequences. Minoan pottery pieces are the most important surviving examples of Minoan art, along with stone carvings, seal stones bearing impressed figures, and frescas of the Minoan palaces architecture. Very little sculpture remains from the Minoan Civilization as it was not monumental and was small artifacts. Pieces depicting the "Snake Goddess" fetish are some of the best known examples of Minoan sculpture.

A major festive celebration of the Minoan Civilization was the Minoan Bull Dance performed by both men and women who would confront the bull, grab it by the horns, and be tossed over its back landing on their feet in sequential movements, in a non-antaganistic confrontation between man and bull.

Very little internal armed conflict in Crete appears to have been the norm for the Minoan Civilization. There is not much evidence that exist for a Minon army or domination of people outside Crete. Minoans seemed to prefer dances, festivals, and sports to war. The Minoans may have practiced human sacrifice, however, as depicted at the sites of Ananospilia near Mount Juktos (a temple location), a 2900-2300BC sanctuary complex found at Fournou Korifi in south central Crete, and in a 1480-1425BC Knossos building known as the "North House".

Minoan cities had stone-paved roads and sewage pipes available to the Upper Classes. Minoan buildings had flat tiled roofs and plaster, wood, or flagstone floors, and stood two or three stories tall. Minoan columns used for construction were inverted because they were wider at the top and smaller at the bottom, the opposite of most Ancient Greek columns, and were made of wood, not stone. Mostly painted red their columns were mounted on simple stone bases and topped with a simple round piece as a capital that were mainly pillow-shaped.

Cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, wheat, barley, vetch, chickpeas, figs, grapes, olives, and poppies were major Minoan crops. The Minoan Civilization domesticated bees and adopted quinces and pomegranites from the Near East. Minoans developed the Mediterranean Polyculture practice of raising more than one crop at a time and had a more varied, healthy diet. Minoans also had an increased population attributed to these practiced ways of farming.

The volcanic eruption on Thera, present day Santorini, occurred during 1600-1480BC, and is one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the history of civilization. This eruption devastated Akrotini on Santorini, and severely affected the Minoan culture on Crete. The eruption may have possibly created a tsunami that destroyed the coastal areas of Crete and many Minoan settlements in it path, however, the Minoan Civilization is thought to have survived these disasters being conquered by the Mycenaean Empire not long after they occurred. It is thought a crisis situation in the Minoan Civilization may have allowed the Mycenaean Empire to easily conquer them

*************************************************************************************************
*************************************************************************************************

Chapter Two: MYCENAEAN EMPIRE

The Early Helladic Period, 3000 to 2000BC, was a prosperous time mainly because of the copper and bronze trades that flourished on Mainland Greece. Walled cities arose and some of the architecture of this era was built on a monumentally grand scale similar to the finds at Lerna on the Gulf of Argos.

Even wealth distribution is evidenced to have existed among the citizenry of the Mycenaean towns and Trade with the Near East and Egypt occurred regularly. Seal marks began appearing at the end of the Early Mycenaean Period, however, this time also provides evidence at several sites of destructions, fires, and abandonments of Early Mycenaean cities by unknown invaders, possibly from the north of Greece.

The Middle Helladic Period, 2000 to 1675BC, is a not too well known period of Greek history, with less cultural development than was found in the Early Period. This era did see the Indo-European languages spread throughout Greece and a distinct pottery style develop known as Minzan ceramics. The pottery was wheel-made with sharp, clean edges and elegant, decorative lines. The pottery was also highly polished.

The architecture of this Age suggests the Mycenaean citizens lived in poverty and Trade was diminished although they contacted the people of the Cycladic Islands and the Balkans. Metalworking eventually became more important to the stagnant economy as did architecture.

The shaft graves found at Mycenae towards the end of the Middle Helladic Period provide evidence of the growing wealth of Mainland Greece during this time. These graves are well known for the highly decorative gold and silver artifacts found in them including weapons, armor, cups, and burial masks.

The Early Myceaean Age, 1675 to 1340BC, is evidenced by the fall of the Minoan Civilization on Crete, who at that time had great influence on the entire Aegean world and on Mainland Greece.

Trade with Egypt and other Eastern Mediterranean countries was widespread for the Early Mycenaean Period as demonstrated by the Armana letters of Akhenaton, the 18th Dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh.

Mycenaen architecture, the minor arts, and ceramics based on the Minoan Civilization's Palace style, with its detailed and complex abstraction, began developing during this Period along with the first appearances of the Megaron and the Tholos tombs. These tombs were the wellknown beehive tombs of the Mycenaean Empire. Tholos tombs were built using corbelled arches with a post and lintel design that was cut into a hillside and had doors weighing several tons.

Mycenaean cities of this Period formed small, independent kingdoms centered around a larger town united by a common culture. Mycenaean weaponry that has been discovered demonstrates the nature of the Mycenaean Empire was warlike. Many wars were faught among the kingdoms established and against other outside powers as well.

Hittite texts from Anatolia describe the Mycenaean's naval war nature, and bureacracy within the kingdoms, was at a highly elevated level although they did trade with each other. The warring Mycenaeans quickly became the dominant military power in the Aegean region after the collapse of the Minoan Civilization.

The Late Mycenaean Age, 1340 to 1020BC, saw the power of the Empire grow and with it a large expansion of the Greek culture. Mycenaean influence was widespread throughout Crete, the Aegean Islands, and Mainland Greece.

The expanding architecture of the Mycenaeans during this Period saw cities and palaces grow in their monumentality when huge Cyclopean walls began to be built around Mycenae, Thebes, and Pylos. Ceramics continued to advance as well. The Warrior Vase is one example of what became the Mycenaean style.

The Mycenaean Empire spoke an early form of the Greek language. This was a written language that is known as Linear B and has been translated. The language was written on stone tablets and is distinctly different from the Linear A language of the Minoan Civilization which has not been translated.

Mycenae was known as the "Bronze Age City of the Argolid". The city contained a citadel surrounded by thick walls of enormous boulders and had several fortified palaces. The
Ancient city was located southwest of Athens in northeast Peloponnese, with Argos to the south and Corinth to the north. Important Mycenaean discoveries that have been made include the Lion Gate, the shaft graves, and the Mycenaean Acropolis.

Important crops of the Mycenaean Empire included wheat, barley, olives, grapes, and figs. Perfumes, wines, flaxes, and linens were other products of the Mycenaeans. The workforce was specialized with assigned categories especially in the textiles, wool, flax, and fiber Trades. In all, fifteen different Trades are known to have existed during the Mycenaean era including bronze and gold metalworking, ivory carving, stone cutting, and ceramic pottery. These were all Traded as far away as Sicily, Central Europe, and England.

Mycenaean painting was heavily influenced by the Minoan Civilization. Frescoes depicting hunts, battles, and processions have been found. Military artifacts discovered include the Dendra Panoply, a complete suit of armor made of bronze plates sewn to leather garments.

Pylos was destroyed about 1200BC beginning the short-lived dominence of the Mycenaean Empire. All the major Mainland Greece Mycenaean centers were abandoned as the citizens moved to areas like Attica or left Greece altogether. With the fall of the Mycenaean Empire the Bronze Age in Greece came to a close for unknown reasons. This was perhaps because of the Dorian Invasions that occurred then, though there seems to be widespread disagreement as to what The "Dorian Invasions" were, or by the raiding of the Sea People that happened in Mycenae, Cyprus and Anatolia, bringing on the Greek Dark Ages from about 1200 to 800BC.

************************************************************************************************
************************************************************************************************

Chapter Three: ANCIENT GREEK CITY-STATES

In the 8th Century BC Greece's recovery from the Dark Ages presented a population explosion problem and colonization became the only solution. Approximately 1500 to 2000 Ancient Greek city-states sprang up along the Aegean coast of Asia Minor, Cyprus, Thrace, the Black Sea, and as far northeast as the Ukraine. These were followed by Albania, Sicily, the south coast of France, Corsica, northeastern Spain, Egypt, and Libya.

Naples, Marscilles, and Istanbul all had their beginnings as the Greek colonies of Neapolis, Massilia, and Byzantium. The Greek colonies were not politically controlled by their founding cities and each polis, or city-state, had its own laws and customs.

Ancient Greeks were extremely loyal to their city-states. Some of these city-states were ruled by kings, tyrannats, or other governing authorities. Wars were commonplace events between them. Starting first in Crete, then speading throughout all the Greek cities, Pederasty became a formal practice to find a permanent solution to overpopulation and would remain a control feature for about a 1000 years.

Some of the most important city-states that sprang up were Athens, Sparta, Argos, Thebes, Sikyon, Corinth, Delphi, Olympia, Troy, Macedon, and Syracuse.

Athens, located in the Attica region of Greece, is one of the world's oldest cities. No other city contributed more to civilization than Athens did. Humanism and democracy were born in Athens. Ancient Athens was formed by a tribe of Ionians and existed between 1796-338BC. Athens was one of the most powerful city-states in Ancient Greece and dominated as an unchallenged sea power and as the leading commercial center for 100 years. Athens was the center of Greek literature, philosophy, the arts, the sciences, and education, becoming the "School of Hellas". Athens was ruled by a direct democracy and survived until the Roman Empire invasions occured.

Sparta occupied the central finger of Peloponnese during the period 1000-195BC. Sparta began as a small Dorian village. The Spartans were warmongers famous for the Argos, Tegea, Messenion, Trojan, Persian, Thermopylatae, Plataea, and Pelopponese Wars. Sparta also faught in the Asian Conquest battles at Ephoses, Sardis, Pastolos, Koronea, Leuctra, Mantinea, and Thebes (who Sparta fell to). Modern Sparta occupies the territory of the ancient city. The government of Sparta was oligarchy. A small band of warriors ruled Sparta making the city-state the most dominant military power in Ancient Greece.

Argos, a Neolithic city-state in Peloponnese, was a trade harbor. Argos invented coinage in Ancient Greece. The city-state was famous for its fine sculptures of athletes, its musicians, its poets, and for Drama. Argos was ruled by a monarchy.

Thebes, located north of the Cithaeron Mountains range dividing Boeotia from Attica, in Central Greece, was the largest Boeotian city-state and a rival of Athens. Thebes is famous for introducing the Phoenician alphabet writing, and led the Boeotian Confederacy. Thebes defeated the Spartans at the Battle of Leuctra in 371BC, and fell at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338BC to Alexander the Great, who destroyed Thebes in 335BC.

Located 11 miles northwest of Corinth, on the Corinthian Gulf Plateau, in northern Peloponnese, and built on the elevated grounds of the Acropolis, Sikyon was the first settlement of Achaean Ionians in Greece. Sikyon was known as "The Cradle of Art". Tragedy, and painting in its present form, began in Sikyon and spread throughout all of Ancient Greece. The theater of Sikyon, built at the end of the 4th Century BC, was one of the biggest in Ancient Greece and theater performances still occur there today. Sikyon was founded around 1900BC although it had been populated before the Neolithic time (5000-3000BC). Sikyon was first known for 100 years as Aigialeia, then as Telekis. Sikyons were iron and bronze metalworkers. Sikyon was also known, at one time, as Mycone because of the abundant poppy crops found there. In the 11th Century BC the Dorians captured Sikyon with a surprise night invasion. Sikyon was subjected to Mycenae and Argos but regained its independence for 100 years in the 7th Century BC. Sikyon has survived to Modern times.

Located on the isthmus at the northern tip of Peloponnese, Corinth was one of Ancient Greece's most important city-states. Corinth controlled the communications of Peloponnese with Mainland Greece. Master shipbuilders, the Corinthians were the richest commercial city of Ancient Greece. Corinth is famous for Diolkos, the stone road on which wheeled platforms carried the warships to sea, and for the Isthmus Canal.

Located above the Gulf of Corinth, on the mountain of Parnassas, in lower Central Greece, Delphi was a religious and cultural center that imposed the first known International Law in human history. Delphi was the guiding power of Ancient Greece influencing education, literature, the fine arts, colonization, and Trade. The Delphi Oracle Shrine was the most important one in the Ancient Greek world. Ancient Greeks considered the Omphalos Stone in Delphi the center of the earth and the universe.

Olympia was a sacred Ancient Greek city-state located in the Valley of Olpheious, in Pisatis, in northwest Peloponnese. Olympia is world famous for the Olympic Games that first began in 776BC. Modern Olympia is situated on the ancient site.

Troy was located in Hisarlik, in Anatolia, close to the Canakkale Province in northwest Turkey, southwest of the Dardenelles, under Mount Ida. Troy was a legendary city and the center of the Trojan War. Troy was the first Greek city in the 3rd Millenium BC, during the Bronze Age. Troy was a flourishing mercantile city with control of the Dardenelles each merchant ship had to pass through traveling from the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea. Modern Troy is a Turkish town in the vicinity of the ancient achaeological site and is officially recognized by the Turkish government as Troia.

Macedon was founded in the 7th Century BC and was known as the Barbarians. Macedon seized the city-states of Amphipolis, Methone, and Potidaea to obtain their gold and silver mines. Macedon also took control over Thessaly and Thrace establishing a Macedonian Party in every Greek city. In 338BC Macedon defeated Thebes, Sparta, and Athens in the Battle of Chaeronea ending the Greek city-states era as independent political units.

Ancient Greek Corinthians founded Syracuse, which is located in Italy, in the southeastern corner of Sicily, next to the Ionian Sea. Syracuse was famous for its rich Greek history, culture, amphitheaters, architecture, and as a top military power of the Mediterranean world. Syracuse is more than 2700 years old. Syracuse was described as the "Greatest Greek City and the Most Beautiful of Them All".

In the mid-6th Century BC the Ionia Greek cities, including the great centers of Miletus and Halicarnassus, lost their independence and fell to the Persian Empire. In 480BC Athens was captured and burned by the Persians, but the previously departed Athenians, defeated the Persians in the Battle of Salamis and gained control of much of the Greek city-state region as the Athenian Empire.

A Time Line for Ancient Greek City States:

800BC - Greek city-states, known as polis, appeared as important political innovations.
776BC - The first Olympic Games were held on Mount Olympus.
667BC - Byzantium was established in Modern day Istanbul, Turkey by Greek colonists from Megara.
500BC - Athens was the first Greek city-state to use the democratic system of government.
490BC - The Persian Empire began threatening the Greek city-states and was confronted by Athens.
431BC - The Athenian Empire led the Delian League of Greek city-states that opposed the Persians. Athens became the world's first great naval power and emerged from the war with the Persians in Asia Minor to become the most powerful Greek city-state.
404BC - Sparta defeated Athens and inspired opposition from the other Greek city-states giving Persia an oportunity to recover territory in western Asia and the Anatolia coast. Macedonia was developing into a military power.
338BC - The Macedonian Empire invaded and united most Greek city-states under their control. Sparta was the only city-state that remained independent. This brought about the end of the Greek city-state era in Greece.

*************************************************************************************************
*************************************************************************************************

Chapter Four; GREEK MOUNTAINS AND VOLCANOS

Eighty percent of Greece is mountainous terrain. These mountains are located at the following locations:

Arcarnanian - dominates the northwestern part of Aitolia-Akarnania in Peloponnese.
Ainos - tallest mountain in Cephallonia in the Ioanian Islands.
Agia Dynati - the third highest mountain in the Ioanian Islands.
Agkistro - in Central Macedonia.
Aigaleo - west of Athens in Attica.
Arachnaia - in the Ioanian Islands.
Artemissio - in the Ioanian Islands.
Aroania - in Peloponnese.
Askio - in western Kozani in Macedonia.
Athamanika - in northwestern Arta in Epirus.
Attavyros - on Rhodes in the Aegean Sea.
Athos - in northern Greece in Macedonia.
Chasia - in northern Trikala in Thessaly.
Cholomon - in northern Chalcidice in central Macedonia.
Chortiatis - in central Greece between Boetia and Attica.
Dikti - in Lassithi on Crete.
Dirvi - in Phthiotis in Central Greece.
Dirfys - on Euboea, the second largest Aegean Island.
Doskouri - near Athens in Attica.
Drys - on Lefkara in the Mediterranean Sea.
Erymanthos - second tallest Arcadian Mountain, in northwestern Arcadia in Peloponnese.
Evmorfia - on Kefalonia in the Ioanian Islands.
Falakro - in northern Greece in Drama in Thrace.
Faloi - in eastern Llia in Peloponnese.
Geraneia - north of Agioi Theodoroi to the Gulf of Corinth in Peloponnese.
Gioupari - on Kefalonia in the Ioanian Islands.
Ghiona - in Phocis in Central Greece.
Grammeni Oxia - in Phocis in Central Greece.
Gramos - in northeastern Ionnina in Epirus.
Helicon - in Thespiai in Boeotia.
Hymettus - near Athens in Attica.
Ida - known as the "Mountain of the Goddess". Located on Crete.
Kahia Skala - east of Kineta in westernmost Attica.
Kallidromi - in southeastern Phthiotida in Central Greece.
Kalon Oros - northwest of Kefalonia in the Ionian Islands.
Kampoli - on Salamis, the largest Greek island in the Sarconic Gulf, in the Aegean Sea.
Kantili - in northwestern Euboea in the Aegean Islands.
Karampoli - in Viotia in Boeotia.
Karvounis - on Sassros in the north Aegean Sea.
Kerdylio - in Serres in central Macedonia.
Kerkini - in Macedonia.
Kofinos - in Heraklion on Crete.
Kakkini - in Kefalonia in the Ioanian Islands.
Kyllini - in Corinthia. The second highest mountain in Peloponnese.
Kyparissian - in western Messeria in Peloponnese.
Kythnos - on Delos in the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea.
Lafna - in southeastern Epirus.
Lakma - in eastern Ioannina in Epirus.
Lekani - in southeastern Epirus.
Lefki Oros - in west Attica.
Lissi - in west Attica.
Lycabettus - in Athens in Attica.
Lykaio - in Arcadia in Peloponnese.
Lykodimo - in Messina in Peloponnese.
Lyrkia - in Arcadia in Peloponnese.
Mainalo - in Tripoli in Peloponnese.
Makrynoros - in the southern part of Aitolia-Akarnania in Peloponnese.
Mavrinora - on Salaminas Island, the largest Greek island in the Sarconic Gulf, on the eastern side of the Isthmus of Corinth, in Peloponnese.
Mavros Oros - on northeast Salaminas Island, in Sarconic Gulf, in Peloponnese.
Mavrovorini - northeast of Varneva in Attica.
Mavrourini Salaminas - the highest mountain on Salaminas Island in Sarconic Gulf, in Peloponnese.
Menoikio - in Serres in central Macedonia.
Merenta - in southeast Attica.
Messapio - in Epirus.
Minthi - in Llis in Peloponnese.
Mitsikeli - in east central Ioannina in Epirus.
Movri - in Achaea in Peloponnese.
Nerovoulo - on Ithica Island in the Ioanian Sea.
Nitritan Oro - on Ithica Island in the Ioanian Sea.
Ochi - on the southeastern part of Euboea in the Aegean Islands.
Oeta - part of the Pindus Mountain range in northern Greece.
Olympus - the highest mountain in Greece at 9577 feet. Located in Macedonia.
Omplos - in the northern part of Achaia in Peloponnese.
Orvidos - in nothernmost Greece and southwestern Bulgaria.
Ossa - in Larissa in Thessaly.
Othrys - in northwestern Phthiotis in Central Greece.
Paliki - in western Kefalonia in the Ioanian Islands.
Panachaiko - the northernmost mountain range in Peloponnese.
Panaitolika - in Aitolia-Akarnania in Peloponnese.
Pangaion - in Kavala in the Aegean Sea.
Panion - in Attica.
Pantokrator - on northeastern Corfu, the second largest Ioanian Island.
Parnassus - near Delphi in Central Greece.
Parnitha - north of Athens in Attica.
Parnon - east of the Laconian Plain in Attica.
Pastra - on the border of Voioteia in northwest Attica.
Pateras - in Oinoi in west Attica.
Pellinaio - in southeastern Trikala in Thessaly.
Pelion - in southeastern Thessaly.
Pierian - in Kozani in central Macedonia.
Pindus - "The Spine of Greece". Located in northern Greece along the border of Thessaly and Epirus.
Profitis - on Rhodes in the eastern Aegean Sea.
Provai - south of Penteli in Attica.
Psiloreitis - in Rethymnio on Crete.
Rhodope - in northern Greece along the border with Bulgaria.
Sharpa - north of Penteli in Attica.
Skollis - in the Peloponnese.
Smorlikas - the second highest mountain in Greece. Located in the Pindus Mountain chain in northern Greece,
Tainaro - in Arcadia in Peloponnese.
Telethrio - on the northwestern part of Euboea in the Aegean Islands.
Thesprotian - in southwest Epirus.
Tmolus - Ancient Ioanian region of central Anatolia in the Aegean Sea.
Tomaros - in southwestern Ioannina in Epirus.
Tsiberou - in Arcadia in Peloponnese.
Tymfaios - in southwestern Trikala in Thessaly.
Tymfristos - in the southern Pindus Mountain chain in northern Greece.
Tzalika - in southern Etoloakarnania in Central Greece.
Varasova - in southern Etoloakarnania in Central Greece.
Vardousia - in Phocis in Central Greece.
Varnous - in northern Florina in Macedonia.
Varvara - in northern Etoloakarnania in Central Greece.
Vasilitsa - one of the most popular ski resorts in Greece. Located in the Pindus Mountain chain in northern Greece.
Vergina - in Imathia in Macedonia.
Vermio - in Kozari in Macedonia.
Verno - in northeastern Kastoria in Macedonia.
Verousia - in Kavala in Macedonia.
Vertiskos - in Thessaloniki in Macedonia.
Voio - in southwestern Kastoria in Macedonia.
Valvi - in Thessaloniki in Macedonia.
Xerovouni - in southern Epirus.
Ypsari - in Kavala in Macedonia.
Zas - in Macedonia.
Zygos - in Macedonia.

VOLCANOS:

The Greek volcanos are Santorini, Methana, Milos, and Nisyros. Greek volcanic eruptions can be caused by the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, which includes the volcanos on Santorini, Methana, Nisyros, and Milos. They can also be caused by the convergence of the Aegean Plate with the African Plate, producing magmas, calc-alkalines, and rocks. Yali and Kos are the other two Greek volcanos.

Santorini is the most famous Greek volcano and is located in the southern Aegean Sea. The island of Santorini is what is left of an enormous volcanic explosion. Santorini is the most active volcano center in the South Aegean Volcanic Arc. Santorini began volcanic activity about 2 million years ago on Ancient Thera, around the region of Akratiri, which was completely destroyed by the most famous eruption of this volcano, known as the Minoan Eruption. This was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history and occurred about 3600 years ago.

The Methana Peninsula contains 32 volcanos that are mostly lava domes. Methana is listed as an active volcano. The last eruption of this volcano occurred in 1700 north of Kameni Chora. The lava dome of Kameni Chora that erupted in 230BC is a famous event of this volcano. Because of many cuts in the tectonic fault Methana is also a high risk location for earthquakes.

The Milos volcano, located in the Sea of Crete, has made the island an important supplier of gold, silver, kaolin, perlite, bentonite, baryte, and obsidian. The last known eruption on Milos occurred 70000 to 90000 years ago around Tsingrado but strong geothermal activity still takes place on Milos.

The Nisyros volcano is located in the Dodecanese Islands. Several craters are found in the middle of the mountainous terrain of Nisyros. The volcano is listed as currently active but not erupting. 1888 was the last eruption of Nisyros. Small eruptions also occurred in 1871 and 1873.

Yali is a small volcanic island in the Dodecanese Islands with lava domes. There have been no recent eruptions of this volcano.

The Kos volcano has fumarole fields and emits hydrogen sulphide. No recent eruptions of this volcano have occurred.

*************************************************************************************************
*************************************************************************************************

Chapter Five: GREEK ISLANDS

There are more than 6000 Greek islands but only about 227 of them are inhabited. Crete, located at the edge of the southern Aegean Sea, is the largest island in Greece. Euboea in Epirus, is the second largest followed by Lesbos, which is found in the northern Aegean Sea, then Rhodes in the eastern Aegean Sea. All the other Greek islands are two-thirds, or smaller, than the size of Rhodes.

The Greek islands are traditionally grouped into clusters known as the Argo-Saronic Islands, which can be found in the Saronic Gulf near Athens. Along with these islands are the Cyclade Islands that are found in the central Aegean Sea and are the most popular Greek islands. The Cyclades include Santorini and Mykonos, the two most popular Greek islands of all. The north Aegean Islands are located off the west coast of Turkey. The Dodecanese Islands are found between Crete and Turkey. The Sporades Islands are off the coast of Euboea, and the Ionian Islands are west of Mainland Greece in the Ionian Sea. Kythira, located off the southern tip of the Mainland, is considered an Ionian island.

The ten largest Greek islands are Crete, Euboea, Lesbos, Rhodes, Kefalonia, Khios, Corfu, Lemnos, Samos, and Naxos. Each one of these islands comprises more than 100 square miles. Ten of the most popular Greek islands for visitors are Santorini, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Mykonos, Paros, Skiathos, Ios, Naxas, and Sifnos.

Found in the Aegean Sea, Santorini is the most favorite Greek Island for tourists and is known as the "Diamond of the Greek Islands". Crete was where the Minoan Civilization, the first Ancient Greeks, rose up. Crete is also the largest Greek island. Corfu's most popular beach is Glyfada. One of the most scenic areas of Corfu is Palestrikaeo. Surrounded by bays and coves, Lindros is Curfu's most popular beach.

Rhodes capital city is Rhodos which is considered to be one of the most beautiful medieval cities to be found in the world. Mykonos is full of golden beaches and is a favorite of jetsetting tourists. Mykonos can be crowded at times with visitors and Platos Yalos is one of its most popular destinations. Paros is a Cyclades Islands long remembered for the town of Paraikira and its golden beaches. Nauossa is another popular location on Paros becase of its port.

Skiathos is one of Greece's northernmost islands. Big Banana Beach is famous for its natural beauty. Pine trees cover the island and there are many blue coves with some of Greece's best known beaches. The relatively undeveloped island of Ios is a well known party island. Milopita Beach found on the island is wide and sandy. Maganari is actually three white sandy beaches put together that have crystal clear turquoise waters, and includes No Windy Beach. To the Greek tourist crowd Ios is a smaller version of Mykonos especially after the seemingly empty village starts to come alive in the afternoon with the rocking partiers.

************************************************************************************************
************************************************************************************************

Chapter Six: CYCLADES ISLANDS

The Cyclades Islands are located southeast of Mainland Greece in the Aegean Sea and contain some 220 islands. Most of the smaller islands are uninhabited. The main town, and adminstrative center of the Cyclades, is Ermoupolis.

The islands of the Cyclades are peaks of submerged mountainous terrain, except for Milos and Santorini, which are volcanic islands. The Cyclades climate is dry and mild and they do not receive much Wintery weather. Except for Naxos, the Cyclades are not very fertile.

Neolithic culture arose on the Cyclades islands in the western Aegean before 4000BC based on barley, emmer wheat, goats, pigs, sheep, and tuna, however, no more than a few thousand people per island could be supported by the Ancient Cyclades. Pure white marble sculptures are significant artifacts of the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Cyclades culture.

When the intricate Minoan palace culture came into being on Crete the significance of the Ancient Cyclades culture faded, with the exception of Delos which remained archaic.

Olive oil, fruit, wine, wheat, and tobacco are the major crops of the Cyclades.

Along with Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Sifnos, and Ios, other popular Cyclades Islands include Amorgos, Andros, Folegandros, Kea, Serifos, Sikinos, Kythnos, Delos, Syros, Tinos, and Milos.

NAXOS:

Naxos is the largest, most mountainous Cyclades island comprising approximately 166 square miles. Naxos was the center of the Archaic Cycladic culture between 4000BC and 1000 BC. The island contains more than 64 villages scattered among the many mountains found on Naxos.. Naxos is also green with a lively harbor town.

Naxos Town is the capital city of the island. Filoti, Apironthos, Vivlos, Agios Arsenios, Koronos, and Glinado are the main villages of Naxos.

Naxos is a popular tourist destination with many ruins and beaches. Agio Anna, Agios Prokopios, Alikos, Kastraki, Mikri Vigla, Plaka, and Agios Georgios are some of the most popular beaches found on Naxos.

Mount Zas is the highest elevation point in the Cyclades. Agriculture, cattle breeding, fruit crops, and vegetables are important products of Naxos. The island is famous for its potatoes.

An unsuccessful attack by the Persians in 502BC led to the Ionian Revolt from 499BC to 493BC, and the burning of Sardis in 498BC, the first major conflict between Greece and the Persian Empire. Aeolis, Doris, Cyprus, and Caria were other Greek cities involved in the Ionian Revolt that led to the Persian Wars lasting in the Helladic world of Ancient Greece until 450BC.

Naxos dominated commerce in the 7th and 8th Centuries during the Byzantine Period. The Venetians established control of Naxos in the Fourth Crusade and ruled until 1566. The Ottoman Turks influence on the island was limited, mainly as a tax collector, and lasted from 1564 to 1821.

Potara, the Temple of Apollo, is found in Naxos Town. The Temple of Demetra is located in Sagri. The Temple of Yria is in Gyroulos. Ancient Cycladic settlements containing copper, silver, gold, and wood and stone implements, have been discovered in Grotta and Korfari. The most prominent artifacts of the Cyclades culture on Ancient Naxos are marble statues with simple lines and a singular sensitivity.

Thracians, Pelogians, and Carians settled Ancient Naxos which was also known as Dia, Strongyli, and Dinoysios. The Ionians developed a major civilization on Ancient Naxos, colonized Arkesini and Aigiali, and faught with Milos and Paros.

Naxos contributed the House of the Naxians, the Stoa of the Naxians, the Terrace of the Lions, the Colossus of the Naxians, and a famous statue of a woman (housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens), to the sacred island of Delos.

Macedonians, Egyptians, and Rhodesians all annexed Ancient Naxos. In 41BC the island fell under Roman rule. In 1083 Naxos became the seat of the Paronaxia Metropolis. In 1207 Naxos became part of the Duchy of the Aegean that lasted about 300 years.

Products of Naxos include Graviera, Anthotiro, Kefalotyri, Mizithoa, and Arseniko cheeses, Raki, Hitro, wine, sweet onions, and various herbs. Naxian marble and emery are some of the best quality ones in the world.

Naxos has a warm Mediterranean climate and dry, hot Summers with stiff breezes. Winters are mild on Naxos. November to March is the rainy season for what limited rain the island receives.

SIFNOS:

Sifnos, the "Pottery Island," is a mountainous island with fertile valleys, located in the western Cyclades, and comprises approximately 86 square miles. Sifnos has been inhabited since about 3000BC when Early Bronze Age settlers from Asia Minor arrived on the island. Sifnos is full of olive trees and bright red bougainvilleas. Sifnos has less tourism than the other Cyclades islands do.

Sifnos is famous for having some of the best food in the Cyclades. Sundays on Sifnos are Rivithia (Chickpea Soup) Days. Sifnos is also well known for its pottery dating back to the 8th Century BC. Apollonia is the capital city of the island. Kastro, Kamares, Vathi, and Heronissos are major villages found on Sifnos.

Ancient Sifnos was well known for its marble works. The Minoan Civilization controlled Sifnos in 1600BC. In 1400BC the island was ruled by the Mycenaean Empire who replaced many of the local inhabitants with Greeks from the Mainland. In 1100BC Sifnos was colonized by Ionians from Attika. In the 6th Century BC Milos controlled the island. Gold and silver were mined on Sifnos making the island rich. The streets of Ancient Sifnos were paved in Parian marble, and a wealthy Treasury was built in Delphi.

In the 5th Century BC Sifnos was part of the alliance that defeated the Persians at Marathon, Platea, and Salamis, and Sifnos joined the Delian League. From 328BC to 146BC the island was ruled by Macedonia, Egypt, and Rome. By 395AD, Arab, Venetian, Ottoman Turk, and Byzantine pirates raided Sifnos. In 1207 the island was part of the Duchy of Naxos. In 1261 Sifnos was controlled by the Greek Nicea Empire. During the Greek War of Independence the island was used to moor the Ottoman fleet.

Sifnos contains 365 churches and monasteries. Panagia tou Vounou overlooks the beach at Platiyialos with views of Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, and Ios. Chrysopigi is the most well known church on the island and was built in 1650.

Heronissos, Apokofto, Pharos, Agia Marina, Kastro, Platiyialos, and Chrysopigi are popular beaches on Sifnos. Vathi is recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Kamares is one of the longest beaches in the Cyclades and very shallow. Poulati is a popular beach for young tourists.

Heronissos is popular for yachts and Kostos pottery. The village has several stone dwellings in a horseshoe shape around the small beach found there. Kastro has been inhabited for about 3000 years and is rich in artifacts scattered throughout the village. Kastro sits perched upon a domed rock above the sea and was built on the summit of a small peninsula. Kastro was the capital city of Sifnos until the 19th Century. An Ancient Acropolis, and The Church of the Seven Martyrs, can be found in Kastro. Saralis is the port for Kastro.

Vathi is a popular sailboat stop and has a sheltered harbor. Vathi is well known for its pottery. Kamares is a famous beach town for families. Agios Spyridon and Profiti Ellas monasteries are located in Kamares. Apollonia is a collection of villages including Artemonas, which is famous for its Venetian mansions, Ano Petali, Kato Petali, and Exambala, which is famous for festive evenings. Apollonia is well known for its traditional Cycladic architecture.

Sifnos is famous for its Panigirios, daily traditional fiestas, celebrating the island's Patron Saint.

AMORGOS:

Amorgos is approximately 49 square miles in size and is the easternmost Cyclade island. Amorgos has deep, light blue seas and crystal clear beaches. The island is one of the first places the Ancient Ionians passed through to reach the Greek Mainland. The Monastery of Chazoviotis was built into the side of the mountain. Ancient towers, tombs, stone tools, vases, and various artifacts of the Cretan culture that colonized the island can be found on Amorgos.

Aigiali is the main port of Amorgos and is located on the northern end of the island. The capital city of Chora is in the mountains, The largest settlements on the island include Arkesini, Katapola which is the western port of Amorgos, Ormoz Eqialia, Potamos, Raskili, Tholaris, and Xylorheratidion. The climate on the island is dry with mild Winters. Wine, olive oil, figs, peas, grains, and fish are the main crops of Amorgos. Amorgos is also developing a growing tourist population as well.

ANDROS:

Andros is the most northerly Cyclades island and is very mountainous, consisting of about 68 square miles. Andros is a green island with a lot of shipowners. Hora, the capital city, is located on the east side of the island. Gavrio is the island's main port. Batsi is a popular tourist destination although tourism is not really desired by most of the local inhabitants of Andros. Chryssi Ammos is the "Golden Beach" of the island. Paraporti and Nimborio are two wide open and unbuilt beaches found in Hora. Andros is a windy island with cold Northerlies. Fog is also common on the island.

Karthi Bay offers windsurfing competitions. Andros provides the extensive archives of the Kairis library and the Kydonievs Art Gallery. Hora has the Archaeology and Modern Art Museums featuring gold artifacts, marble statues, and models of the pre-Classical era architecture of Zagora. The Goulankis Modern Art Museum displays works by some of the biggest named Artists of the 20th Century, Artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Rodin, Dali, Braque, Klee, Miro, Moore, Giacometti, and Toulouse-Lautrec.

From Ancient to Byzantine times Palaeopolis was the capital of Andros. Moni Panachrantos is a monestary built on the island in the 960s. Many Venetian Age, 1207 to 1566, houses still remain on the island. Famous for its silk, Ancient Andros was populated by the Ionians who colonized Chalcidice. The Palaeopolis ruins are found on the west coast of Andros island.

On May 10, 1821, Theophilos Kairia, one of Andros' leading Intellectuals, declared the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire by raising a Greek flag at St. George church and delivering a rhetoras that inspired a Greek navy be built to combat the Ottomans who controlled the country.

Andros is well known for its Sariza Springs at Apoikia where water comes out of a lionhead. Hora, Ydrousa, and Karthio are its largest municipalities. Cheese, capers, gritsinia, preserves, wheat, and olives are the main crops of the island. Other notable villages on Andros are Aladinon, Ammalochos, Chora, Ano Aprorato, Ano Gavrio, Arnas, Epano, Fellos, Gavrio, Kalyvari, Kaparia, Katakilo, Kipri, Kochylos, Lamira, Livadia, Makrotantalo, Mermingies, Mesaria, Ormos Korthiou, Palaiokastro, Piso Maria, Pitrofos, Sineti, Stenies, Varidio, Vitalio, Vouni, Vourkati, Ypsilou, and Zaganiaris.

FOLEGANDROS:

Folegandros is the southernmost Cyclade island. Folegandros is an oblong rock, about 12 square miles in size, and very narrow in the middle. The island has three small villages connected together. They are Chora, Ano Meria, and Karavostassis, which is known as "The Stop of the Ships".

Dorians were the early settlers of Folegandros. The Venetians conquered the island in 1207 and ruled Folegandros until 1566 when they lost the island to the Ottoman Empire. Greece reclaimed the island after the Greek War of Independence.

There are tall cliffs and a large cave on Folegandros. The capital city of Chora was built into a high cliff. Karavostasis is the island's port. An Ecological and Folklore Museum is located in Ano Meria. Chora is one of the oldest medieval towns in the Cyclade Islands. The castle found in Chora ia a medieval fortress dating back to the 13th Century.

Known for clear blue waters the island has been named as one of the Top Ten Beaches In The World. Folegandros is also known as "The Island of Peace". Dry-placed walls have been built throughout the island over the centuries it is known to have existed to help create terraces on the sunny slopes of Folegandros and help raise the cereals the island is known for.

Katergo, Livadi, Angali, and Agious Nikolaous are the most popular beaches on Folegandros. Vathy and Plaka Bays are located on the sides of the island. Agious Elefterious is the highest elevation point in the mountains found on Folegandros. Olive oils, wines, figs, honies, goats, cheeses, and herbs are the major crops of the island. Caper flowers, thyme, and oregano cover Folegandros.

Rare mavropetritis and aegeoglaros birds can be seen migrating on Folegandros enroute from Africa to Europe. The island has a dry climate with scarce vegetation found. Eastern Folegandros is a Greek Protected Environmental Area.

KEA:

Located South of Attica in the Aegean Sea, Kea is one of the largest Cyclade Islands, and the one closest to Athens. Ioulis is the main village on the island that is also known as Tzia. Kea's claim to fame is being the site where the Britannica sunk in 1916. This wreck remains a favorite attraction on the island.

Known as the Ancient Hydrossa, "Water Island," Kea has been inhabited since Neolithic times. A cemetary on the island, dating to around 3000BC, was the first systematic burial site in the Aegean Sea region of Greece. About 2000BC the Minoan Civilization fortified the island as a link between Crete and Mycenae. Hydrossa was destroyed around 1500BC. Ancient Kea was known for its practice of Keian Momimon, the law requiring all citizens past the age of 70 to commit suicide by drinking poisoned hemlock.

Famous sites found on the island include Liondra, a large archaic sculpture of the Lion of Kea, the 18th Century Panagia Kastriani monestary, the Tripospilis mines, and the Ancient Acropolis in Ioulis.

Agriculture, stock breeding, and fishing are the major industries of Kea. Acorns, barley, wine, honey, and dairy products are the island's main crops.

Otzias, Koundouros, and Korissia are the most popular beaches on Kea. Windsurfing is a favorite sport on Otzias. Gialiskari is a small beach on the northwest coast of Kea with tranquil blue waters and is popular with the local inhabitants of the island. Koundouros, an isolated sandy beach with crystal clear waters, on the northwest part of Kea, receives many tourists yachts. Liparo, located on the island's southwest coast, is one of the "Golden Beaches" of Kea.

Pisses, on the island's southwest coast, can be affected by the Summer winds of Meltumi that can create rough seas. This beach is located on the site that once was the Ancient city of Poiessa. The Temple of Apollo, the church of Panagia Sotira, and the Poissa Fort are ruins found on Pisses. There are Ancient ruins of another village located in the mountains south of Pisses as well.

Kambi, a small beach on Kea's west coast, has overhanging cliffs and mountains. Korissia, on the northwest side of the island, has the port of Korissia and rocks that provide natural seats from which to enjoy the beach. Xyla, Spathi, Kalidonychi, Mavrambeli, Melissaki, Orkos, Kaliskia, Kastelakia, and Lygia are other beaches found on Kea.

Korissa has an enormous smokestack, and the ruins of the Enamel and Metallurgy Factory, that are easily seen upon arriving on the island. Vourkari is the night life area of Kea. Agai Irini contains the ruins of a temple to Dionysious, and the walls, tower, and gate of the Bronze Age settlement that was built there. The Mansion of the Master is an impressive site from the Minoan and Myceaean eras. The Lighthouse of Agious Nikolaous is located on an Ancient site where a temple to Posideon stood. The remains of Neolithic tombs, and a 6th Century temple, can be found on the peninsula of Kefela.

SERIFOS:

Located in the western Cyclades, Serifos is an island of about 49 square miles that maintains its customs and traditions without relying heavily on tourism. The "Iron Island" is famous for its mines, including the Groman Mines. The climate of Serifos is temperate Winters with infrequent rainfalls and hot, dry Summers.

There are more than 70 beaches of all shapes and sizes scattered around Serifos. These beaches range from sandy to pebbly to golden. Some of the most popular beaches on the island include Livadi, Livadakia, Avtomonos, Karavi, Kalo Ambeli, Psili Ammos, Agious Sostis, Lia, Agios Ioannis, Avessalos, Kenturchos, Platis Gialos, Sykarnia, Koutalis, Malliadiko, Vagia, and Ganemia.

Major communities on Serifos include Galani, Kallitsos, Koutalis, Livadi Serifos, Megalo Chorio, Megalo Livadi, Panagia, Sykomia, and the capital city of Serifos.

Kallitsos, also known as Kentorkos, is found on the southeastern side of Serifos. The settlement was established during the Greek Revolution in 1821 and has ruins of the "Thelos", or tomb, of a Roman Centurion.

Koutalos is on the island's southeast side. Ganema Vagia and Koutalos are beaches located in front of the village. Kastro tis Grious contains the ruins of an ancient fortification wall and the basilica chapel of Agia Irini. Iron was a major product of Ancient Koutalos. Other popular sites in Koutalos include the Aspropyrgos, which are the ruins of a Hellenistic White Tower. The cave in the town has interestingly shaped stalactites and stalagmites that are a popular attraction. Kalo Ambeli is one of the most favorite beaches on Koutalos because of the scenery it offers.

Megalo Livaldi is a village on the southwest side of Serifos that was founded to support the bauxite mines in the area between 1880 and 1890. The Mining Ladder built in 1932, and the Metal Workers Monument, are popular attractions. Neoclassical buildings, Agia Triada, Agios Ioannis Prodromos, and Agious Nikolaous are other interesting sites found in Megalo Livaldi. Wind surfing, paddle boating, water skiing, and other family related activities are available at the beach that is situated in a deep cove with shallow waters.

Sykamia is one of the longest seasides on Serifos and is on the island's north side. Sykamia has two ports, Skala and Aspri Lagada. Sykamia is a fishing village with several beaches.

Popular attractions on Serifos include Agios Konstantinos, Agios Eleftherios, Agios Athenasios, the Archaeological and Folklore Museums, Paspari Springs, Pyrgos, Agios Georgios, and Agios Ioannis in Liomandra.

SIKINOS:

Sikinos is a Cascade island of about 15 square miles, including the uninhabited island of Kardiatissa. Sikinos is located midway between Ios and Folegandros, in the Aegean Sea. In Ancient Greece the island was known as Inos, "the Island of Wine".

Sikinos is less developed than other Cascade islands and has a hard scrub landscape. Sikinos is difficult to travel because of its rough terrain caused by its history of terraces used for the agriculture of wine, which along with honey, are the main crops of the island. Tourism remains limited, however, snorkeling and fishing are favorite past times on Sikinos.

Alopronia is the port for Sikinos. The island's other city is Kastro Hora. Popular attractions in Kastro include a folklore museum, a large church built in the 18th Century, and the 15th Century monestary Crissopigi. Epishopi has a Roman Mausoleum called the Iroon and a temple to Apollo.

Pandelimonas is a popular pebble beach found on the island. Agios Nikolaos is another. Agios Georgios is a local beach with overhanging cliffs. Climbing them is the way off the beach.

Sikinos was settled in the 10th Century BC by the Ionians. The Venetian Empire ruled the island between the 13th and 16th Centuries, and the Ottoman Turks conquered Sikinos in 1566. Pouring boiling oil on the invaders was the locals defense against the Ottoman Empire.

KYTHNOS:

Kythnos, a mountainous island, full of olive trees, is located in the western Cyclades. Kythnos contains about 39 square miles and has more than 70 beaches. The cresant shaped Isthmus of Kolona is one of the most popular beach areas on the island.

Messeria and Dryopis are the island's largest settlements. Kanala, on th east side of Kythnos, is a growing coastal area and has the Panagia Kanala monastery. Merikas is the island's port city. Loutra, Kakavos, and Agioi Amargyri are famous for their thermal springs.

Kythnos is one of the oldest known inhabited islands of the Cyclades. A Mesolithic settlement from 10000 to 8000BC can be found at Maroulas on the northeast coast. In the Bronze Age Ancient Kythnos supplied copper to other islands. The Kares were the earliest inhabitants of the island. The Dryoges, from Mount Parnassus on Mainland Greece, migrated to Kythnos but were unwelcomed by the Ionians living there and moved to other locations.

An inner sanctum of a 2700 year old temple from the Hellenistic site at Vryokastro was discovered intact with over 1400 unplundered artifacts. Vryokastro was inhabited until Roman Times. The ruins of Kastro, the island's capital during the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, have been discovered as well. Kythnos contributed an oared warship, known as a trireme, and a merchant ship, known as a penteconter, to the Battle of Salamis

Beginning in 1207 Kythnos was ruled for 400 years by the Venetian Empire and was known as Thermia. In 1617 the Ottoman Empire gained control of the island and Messaria became the capital city. Kythnos was one of the first Greek islands to revolt and join Mainland Greece in the Greek War of Independence.

Kythnos was a place of exile for political prisoners, and in 1823 most of its inhabitants died from the Bubonic Plague. The people of Kythnos were shepherds or fishers. Iron was found on the island but mined out. Kythos was Greece's first Aeolian (windmill park). Kythnos is a popular tourist destination with many vacation homes. Katafiki Cave is one of the largest caves in Greece and contains rock curtains and speleotherms.

Popular beaches on Kythnos include Agios Irini, Agios Dimitrios, Agios Sastis, Agios Stefano, Apokrousi, Episkopi, Flabouria, Kolona, Kanala, Martinakia, Merihas, Potamia, and Shinari.

SYROS:

Syros, "the Pope's Island," is a Cyclade island of about 503 square miles located southeast of Athens in the Aegean Sea. The major port, and capital city of Syros and the Cyclade Islands, is Ermoupoli. Ano Syros and Poseidonia are other major towns on the island.

Ermoupoli was founded during the Greek Revolutionary War and became a leading industrial center. Thousands of ships were built in the Syros shipyards during this time. Neoclassical architecture, old sea captains mansions, and Miaoulis Square highlight the "City of Hermes".

The town contains several churches of note including Metamorphasis, St. Demetrius, Three Hieraches, Koimisis, Evangelstria, St. Nicolas, and Anastasis. The Municipal Library and Archaeological Museum display rare finds. Vaparia is lined with numerous mansions.

Built on rocks by the Venetians from the 8th to the 13th Centuries, Ano Syrus is located on San Giorgio hill and maintains a medieval atmosphere. Marble steps service the town and the Catholic Basilica of San Giorgio is its main feature. From the church the islands of Tinos, Debos, Mykonos, Paros, Andros, and Naxos can be seen.

Popular sites on Ano Syros include the Old Castle's Gates, the Heroes Monument, the Kapoukinon Monastery, the Markas Varnvokais Museum, and the Saint Athanasios Fountain. Agathopes, Delphini, Finiikos, Galissas, Kathergaki, Komito, Kini, and Megas Gialos are popular beaches on Syros.

In Ancient Times Syros was inhabited by the Phoenicians. Fabrics, silks, ship building, leather, banking, and iron have been major trades on Syros since 1830. The largest villages on the island include Galissas, Finikas, Vari, Mana, Kini, and Poseidonia.

Although Syros did not participate in the Greek Revolt the island was a refugee center for Chios, Spetses, Psara, Aivali, Smyma, Kydonia, Kassos, and Asia Minor. Additionally, Syros played a prominent role in the elaboration of the Greek Constitution.

Located in southwest Syros, white beachlillies make Agathopes a popular beach on the island. In west Syros, Delphini is a well known walking beach. Finikos, in south Syros, is a family beach with little winds unlike other beaches on the island have. Finikos offers many water sports and is a safe harbor for yachts. Found in northwest Syros, Galissas is one of the largest beaches on the island and is a major tourist area. Katergaki and Komito are small beaches on the island's southeast side. Kini is a small beach on the west side of Syros composed of two beaches separated by a narrow road.

The Festival of the Aegean, presented by the Opera Aegean, is performed annually on Syros.

TINOS:

Comprising approximately 114 square miles Tinos is one of the largest Cyclades Islands. Tinos is located in the geographical center of the Cyclades. Ancient Tinos was known as Ophiussa and Hydroessa. Between 1207 and 1821 Tinos was ruled by the Venetian and Ottoman Empires.

Tinos is well known for the Panagia Evangelistria, windmills, dovecotes, and Venetian fortifications at Mount Exobourgo. Tinos has 50 villages and famous Sculpters and Painters. Tinos is the location of the annual Dormition Pilgrammage (August 15), the most highly noted one in the eastern Mediterranean region, highlighted by participants crawling on their hands and knees from the wharf to the sanctuary being the sign of devotion.

Tsiknias is the highest mountain on the island. The Plain of Falatados is flat but elevated with rare terrain. Tinos has many Meltemis (strong, dry North winds of the Aegean Sea). Granite and marble are mineral resources on Tinos.

Volax has unusual landscape resulting from giant boulders some as much as two or three stories high. The mountains around Pyrgos are full of some of the most beautiful green marble found in Greece. Marble is also mined at the Volakas mine. All the hills of Tinos have been terraced with stone walls and stone walkways connect the villages of the island.

Panormos, Kalimbithra, Kionia, Agios Yannis O Portos, and Agios Sostis are popular beach locations on Tinos.

MILOS:

Milos is the southwesternmost Cyclades Island. Milos is a rugged, hilly, volcanic island located in the Sea of Crete and comprises about 58 square miles. Ancient Milos was famous as part of the Athenian Massacre and recolonization of 416BC. Milos is also famous for the Statue of Aphrodite, (Venus de Milo displayed in the Louvre Museum), the Statue of Asclepius (located in the British Museum), the Statue of Posiedon, and an archaic Statue of Apollo (found in Athens).

Obsidian, a natural volcanic glass from the Milos volcano, was a major commodity of the island 13000 years ago. This glass, used for razor sharp stone tools, was Traded with many countries, before farming began on Milos.

A Bronze Age Minoan palace was discovered at the Ancient site of Phylakopi on the northeast coast of Milos. "The Famous Fresco of the Flying Fish" was found in this palace. Pottery and artifacts discovered at Phylakopi were from three main periods all before the Mycenaean Age. In the 6th Century BC Dorians occupied Milos producing many artifacts of that time including a series of large vases and terra-cotta relics.

Milos did not join the Delian League but faught in the Battle of Salamis. In 415BC Athens attacked Milos killing all the men capable of fighting, enslaving the women and children, and colonizing 500 inhabitants to the island.

Bentonite, perlite, pozzolana, and kaolin are mined on Milos. Baryte, sulfur, millstones, and gypsum were previously mined products of the island. Olive, orange, cypress, tamarisk, juniper, and arbutus trees grow throughout Milos. Cotton, barley, and vines are the main crops produced by the dry island that has little vegetation.

Mount Profitis Elias, on the west side of the island is the highest elevation point on Milos. There are hot springs on the east coast of the island. Adamas is the port for Milos and has a Mineral Museum and the 600 year old Church of the Holy Trinity. Plaka, perched on top of a large rock overlooking the Gulf of Milos, is the island's main town. The Ancient town of Milos occupied the slope between Tripiti and Klima. Other villages on the island include Pera Triovasalos, Triovasalos, Pollonia, and Zefyria.

DELOS:

Delos comprises approximately 15 square miles and is isolated in the middle of the Cyclades Islands although Delos has been one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological Greek sites throughout history.

Some of the most extensive excavations in the Mediterranean have occurred on the island. Delos was established as a cult center between 900BC and 100AD. Stone huts found on Delos indicated the island had been inhabited since the 3rd Millenium BC by Carian pirates exiled from Crete.

Starting in the 6th Century BC Athens performed numerous purification ceremonies to make Delos fit for the proper worship of the gods in Ancient Greece by removing all the graves on the island within sight of the temple and relocating them to a nearby island. In the 5th Century BC, under instructions of the Delphi Oracle, Athens removed all dead bodies off Delos and no one was permitted to die, or be born, on the island to preserve its sacred importance or neutrality in commerce. The First Quinquennial Delian Games Festival was celebrated on the island.

Founded in 478BC after the Persian Wars, the Delian League used Delos as a natural meeting ground. The League's treasury was stored on the island until 454BC when it was moved to Athens.

The Ecole Francaise d'Athenes (French School of Athens) has been excavating Delos since 1873. The island had no production capacity for fiber, timber, or food, and they were imported into Delos. Water was exploited through an aquaduct system and the largest slave market in the region was maintained on the island.

In 1990 Delos was placed on the World Heritage List as an "exceptionally extensive and rich" archaeological site.

Famous landmarks on Delos include the Sacred Lake, the 6th Century BC Minoan Fountain, the Hellenistic Agora of the Competaliasts, the Temple of the Delians, the 600BC Terrace of the Lions, the Venetian Arsenal, a Greek sphinx (located in the Delos Museum), a 2nd Century BC Roman Meeting Hall, the Stoivadlion and Phallus, the Dorian Temple of Isis, the 500BC Temple of Hera, a 2nd Century House of Dionysus, a Phoenician House of the Dolphins, and the 150 to 128BC Delos Samarian Synagague, one of the oldest in the world.

Mount Kythnos provides spectacular views of the ruins, countryside, and coast of Delos. The House of Masks on the island is an Ancient Greek structure that contains beautiful mosaics, and The Avenue of the Lions is a 7th BC street lined with stone lions.

SANTORINI:

MYKONOS:

Mykonos, the smallest and most famous Cyclades island, is centered in the Aegean Sea. The island has a rocky terrain with gentle hills and small valleys. Mykonos is a very popular tourist destination famous for its cosmopolitan center and festive night life. Mykonos contains approximately 46 square miles and is comprised mainly of granite. Mykonos Town, on the island's west coast, is the capital city. Mykonos is also famous for its sandy beaches.

Ionians settled Mykonos in the 11th Century BC. Finds in Ftelia indicate Neolithic Kares settled on the island as early as 3000BC. Ancient Mykonos was an important supply island.

PAROS:

Paros is a Cyclades island, famous for its fine white marble, that comprises approximately 64 square miles. Paros has a round, plump-pear shape formed by a single mountain sloping down to a maritime plain. The island is composed of marble, gneiss, and mica-schist. Paros is one of the most popular European tourist destinations and includes numerous offshore islets.

Ancient names of Paros include Plateia, Demetrias, Strongyli, Hyria, Hyleessa, Minoa, and Carbornis. Ionians from Athens achieved prosperity on the island and colonized Thasos, Parium, and Ellyria before 385BC.

In the Greco-Persian War of 490BC, Paros provided a trireme to Marathon causing the capital city of the island to be beseiged by the Athenians, which failed, but was laid to waste by the invaders. The ruins of a Temple to Demeter are located on that site. Paros sided with Persia against Greece in the Second Persian War of 480-479BC as well, but remained inactive at Kythnos after the Battle of Artemisium.

Paros paid the highest Tribute of all the island members of the Delian League because Paros was one of the wealthiest islands in the Aegean. In 357BC, along with Chios, the island severed all ties with Athens. From 305BC to 30BC, Paros was ruled by the Hellenistic Ptolemies Dynasty, then fell to the Romans and the Byzantine Empire.

In 1204 Paros was controlled by the Fourth Crusaders and became part of the Duchy of the Archipelago under Venetian rule. In 1537 Paros was ruled by the Ottoman Turks. In 1832, under the Treaty of Constantinople, Paros became part of the Kingdom of Greece.

Parikia is the capital city of Paros. Parikia is full of oranges, pomegranites, and traditional Cycladic-style architecture. The ruins of a medieval castle made of marble are located by the sea at Parikia. Ekatontapiliani, the "Church of a 1000 Doors," is the main church of Parikia. A famous windmill can also be found in the city.

Popular beaches on Paros include Chrissi Akti, a "Golden Beach" near Drios on the island's east coast, Pounda, Lagaros, Piso Livada, Naoussa Bay, Parikia, and Agia Irini. Windsurfing is popular in the Strait between Paros and Naxos. Kalimbithries is a legendary beach known for torquoise waters and famous rock formations. Santa Maria is a well known windsurfing area. Parosporos has giant waves.

Naoussa is a safe harbor for Paros, as is Drios. The Villages of Kephalos, consisting of Dragoulas, Marmara, and Tsipidos, are major villages on the island and occupy an Ancient site. The ruins of the Ancient Agios Antonios monastery, and a Venetian medieval castle, are found there.

Parian marble is white and semi-transparent, with a coarse grain, and was the chief source of wealth for Ancient Paros. Marble has been exported from the island since the 6th Century BC.

The Paros Museum contains fragments of the Parian Chronicles of Ancient Greece.

IOS:

Ios is a hilly Cyclades Island, with cliffs down to the sea, located between Naxos and Santorini in the Aegean Sea. Ios comprises about 44 square miles. The island is named for the violets that fill it. Ios is known as the place where the famous Ancient Greek Poet Homer died, and was buried, in Plakoto, on the northernmost end of the island. Ios has been inhabited since the Early Cyclades Period between 3000BC to 2000BC, a significant Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age time. Careans, Pelosgians, Achaeans, Phoenicians, and Ionians settled Ios.

From 338BC to 315BC, when Ios became a member of the Islanders Community, Macedonia ruled the island. The Romans conquered Ios in the 2nd Century BC and it became a place of exile. Many churches were built on the island during the Byzantine Period.

Ancient Ios was raided frequently by pirates because its harbor was a natural shelter. In 1204 the Crusaders gained control of Ios, and along with Naxos, the island formed part of the Naxos Duchy that lasted until 1537, when Ios fell to the Ottoman Turks but retained its Greek identity. In 1770 Ios was a participant in the Russian war with the Turks. The island also faught in the Greek War of Independence in 1821, providing 24 warships to the cause. Ios became incorporated into Modern Greece on March 10, 1829, with the signing of the Protocol of London.

Ormos is the port and capital city of Ios. Mylopotas is a popular party beach for young tourists. Theodoti, Kalamos, and Maganori are other popular beaches. Skarkos was a Prehistoric settlement on the island. Several well built two-story buildings, with stone-paved floors, and a known sewage system, remain in Skarkos. In 2008 Ios was awarded the European Union Cultural Heritage Prize for exceptional conservation efforts at Skarkos. The remains of a 15th Century Venetian Castle can be found on the north end of the island and 365 churches and chapels have been constructed on Ios.

360 local festivals are major attractions on the island. Name Day festivals occur throughout the year, and on the night before these festivals take place, wine and meat are offered to all participants. Occurring in Pyrgos, on June 24 and August 2, the most significantly held of these festivals is known as the Feast of Saint John Proromos. Kalamos and Psathi celebrate this same festival on August 29th. Another important simliar festival is the Feast of Saint Theodoti which is held on September 8, in Aghia Theodoti.

Beginning in 1991, on the first two weekends in May, Omiria is the most important cultural event on Ios, and celebrates Homer. The Helmut Kand Art Gallery displays noted artwork of the landscape, sun, and sea, of Greece. The Modern Art Gallery shows creative pictures, multi-colored Mediterranean wood carvings, and water images. The Loukianos Art Gallery displays mosaics created from Ancient Greek traditions.

************************************************************************************************
************************************************************************************************

Chapter Seven: AEGEAN ISLANDS

************************************************************************************************
************************************************************************************************

Chapter Eight: DODECANESE ISLANDS

************************************************************************************************
************************************************************************************************

Chapter Nine: SPORADES ISLANDS

The Sporade Islands are located northeast of Euboea. There are 24 islands in this chain that are known as the "Scattered Islands" because they are found all along the east coast of Greece and split between the Peripheries of Thessaly and Central Greece.

The Sporades are well known for dense vegetation, mountainous terrain, some of the bluest, cleanest seas in the the world, and numerous earthquakes. The waters of the Sporades are known as the "Cleanliness of the Aegean" and are a Greek Marine Park.

ALONISSOS:

Located east of Skopelos in the Aegean Sea, Alonissos is the northernmost island of the Sporades. Alonissos has been inhabited since Ancient times and faught over repeatedly by the Athenians and the Macedonians. The island was conquered by the Roman Empire in the Second Century AD. and the Byzantines built the walls of Patitiri, Alonissos capital city. Alonissos became a part of Greece in 1830.

The National Marine Park of Alonissos, the International Multi-Terrain Marathon, the Monastery of Evangelisteria, Papadiamontis, and the Archaeological Museum are popular attractions on Alonissos.

Major towns found on Alonissos include Rousoum, Vatsi with its yellow-okra colored reefs, Capuluogo, Patitiri, the capital city of Alonnissos, and the fishing port of Steni Vala.

SKIATHOS:

SKOPELOS;

SKYROS;

Minor islands of the Sporades include Adelfoi which is southeast of Alonissos. Gioura, also known as Pelagos and PelagonissI. Abandoned in the mid to late 1990s, Gioura was Ancient Ephthyros and Polyaigos. Located northeast of Alonissos, Kyro Panagia was also known as Ancient Gerontia and Gioura. Has a Neolithic settlement. Abandoned in late 1990s. Peristera is east of Alonissos. Was known as Ancient Aspro and Xero. Abandoned mid to late 1990s.

Erinia is located west of Skyros in the Sporades. Repio is an abandoned island in the eastern Sporades. Sarakino is south of Skypos in the Sporades. Other minor Sporades Islands include Agios Georgios Skoplou, Argos Skiathou, Dasia, Rineia Skyrou, Grammeza, Skandili, and Lekhousa.

Piperi is the easternmost Sporade Island. Because of the Monk seal found on the island it is a Protected Area of Greece. Piperi has rare plants and birds of prey that reproduce on the island in its inaccessible rocks. The island is covered by pine forests, hollies, fryganas, and chasmophytes. Piperi has 33 species of birds and is home to about 400 pairs of Eleonora's Falcons.

************************************************************************************************
************************************************************************************************

Chapter Ten: IONIAN ISLANDS

*************************************************************************************************
*************************************************************************************************

Chapter Eleven: SARONIC ISLANDS

The Saronic Islands are located in the Saronic Gulf off Mainland Greece. These islands are scattered between the Attica Prefecture and eastern Peloponnese.

Minor islands found in the Saronic Islands chain include Psyttalia, Leros Salaminos, Revythoussa, Moni Aiginos, Spetsopoula, Romvi, Plateia, Psili, Patrokiou, Fleves, Agios Georgios Salaminos, Ypsili Diaporion, Ypsili Argolidos, Agios Thomas Diaporion, Agios Ioannis Diaporion, Plateia Aiginis, Luosses, Kyra Aiginis, Trikeri Hydras, Alexandros Hydras, Stavronisi Hydras, Velopoula, and Falkonera.

SALAMINOS:

Salaminos is where the Ancient Greek navy defeated the Persians in the Battle of Salamis.

**********************************************************************************************
**********************************************************************************************

AEGINA:

**********************************************************************************************
**********************************************************************************************

ANGISTRA:

**********************************************************************************************
**********************************************************************************************

POROS:

***********************************************************************************************
***********************************************************************************************

HYDRA:

Hydra lies off the northeast tip of Peloponnese.

***********************************************************************************************
***********************************************************************************************

DOKOS:

Dokos lies off the northeast tip of Peloponnese.

***********************************************************************************************
***********************************************************************************************

AGIOS GEORGIOS:

***********************************************************************************************
***********************************************************************************************

SPETSES:

************************************************************************************************
************************************************************************************************

METHANA:

************************************************************************************************
************************************************************************************************

Chapter Fifteen: CRADLE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION

Greece is known as the "Cradle of Western Civilization". Democracy, Western Philosophy, political science, Western literature, historiography, mathematical principals, Western Drama, Tragedy, Comedy, and the Olympic Games were all born in Greece.

Athens became the capital of Greece in 1834 following the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire, however, Greece has many other Modern cities as well. The dynamics of Greek cities contain criteria such as geography, climate, history, landscape, architecture, landmarks, suburbs, demographics, government, infrastructure, economy, logistics, population, and more. Based on these, and other factors, the 100 largest cities in Modern Greece are the ones listed here.

*************************************************************************************************
*************************************************************************************************

(To Be Continued...).