Greek Culture

Greek culture is one that has fascinated people for thousands of years. The rich tradition of this culture is a compelling blend of traditions, myths, religions, food, art, literature, and language that bind a people and intrigue the world. For many it is this culture that influences their desire to learn how to speak Greek. Learning the Greek language is a valuable way to find a deeper appreciation for the culture, both through joining a long legacy created simply by the language, and harnessing the ability to experience art and literature in the original intended language.

Most Greek lessons will offer at least a cursory introduction to Greek culture as to provide context to the learning of the language.

The culture of the Greek people has undergone thousands of years of radical evolution. The earliest example of such culture is the Mycenaean Greeks which then moved into Classical Greeks, which is the culture that is most often linked to the images of “Ancient Greece”. During this time Greek culture was characterized by several things, one of the most notable being architecture. Travelers to the country still marvel at the incredible theaters and temples that were erected during ancient times. The presence of so many beautiful temples speaks to another important element of the culture of Greece: religion.

Greek mythology is honored both as an example of the religious and literary culture of Greece. The myths discuss the exploits of the myriad gods and goddesses that controlled Greek culture and daily life. These stories were meant as cautionary tales that warned humans of the pitfalls of not following the will of the gods, but also the follies that were enacted by the gods, so that Greeks would live lives of virtue. These myths were interpreted through written literature and theater, representing another critical element of culture that has strong roots in Greece. Though modern Greeks no longer adhere to these concepts as elements of their religion, predominantly following the Greek Orthodox Church instead, mythology is widely considered one of the most important products of the years of development.

The culture of Greece is also characterized by the epic form of literature, philosophy, and an appreciation of the sciences, including mathematics. In fact, much of the contemporary understanding of such disciplines as anatomy, geometry, and music are derived from the findings of ancient Greeks.