Places
10. Sail the Greek archipelago. 09. Where Italy meets Greece in Old Corfu Town. 08. Explore the Droganti caves in Sami. 07. Hike through the Samaria Gorge. 06. Tour the ancient Palace of Knossos. 04. The Modern Olympics’ Alma Mater. 03. Marvel at Rhodes Town. 02. Discover the ruined city of Mystra. 01. Stand in awe at the Acropolis.
History
3000 BC
The first major civilization in the region begins on the island of Crete. Its people, known as Minoans, live peacefully in big cities, trade with other countries and develop Europe's first system of writing.
1550 BC
The Mycenaean culture develops on the Greek mainland. Its people are the first known Greek speakers.
1400 BC
A volcanic explosion on the island of Santorini creates tidal waves and earthquakes that destroy the Minoan civilization.
776 BC
The first Olympic Games are held at Olympia. The winning athletes receive an olive-branch crown, a symbol of honor. The Games begin as part of a religious festival dedicated to Zeus, king of the gods.
750-500 BC
Independent urban areas called city-states flourish and develop different systems of government. Democracy, or government by popular vote, is first practiced here, and science, culture and fine arts thrive.
546 BC
The Persian Empire, a large and powerful Asian kingdom, conquers much of Greece.
480 BC
Greek cities defeat Persians at sea. The city-state of Athens becomes the head of a group of city-states known as the Delian League. It is formed to protect Greece's mainland from overseas invaders.
431 BC
Fighting between the city-states, known as the Peloponnesian War, breaks out. It brings famine and devastation to cities, rural areas and islands. Athens eventually loses this war to the heavily armed Spartans.
338 BC
King Philip II of Macedonia conquers Greece after wars between city-states weaken the country.
336-323 BC
Alexander the Great, son of King Phillip II, expands his father's empire and brings Greek culture to the lands he conquers. Greek becomes a commonly used language among educated people in Asia and other lands.
145 BC
Romans invade and conquer the Greek Empire. After years of civil wars, Greece's city-states prosper once again under the rule of the Romans, who greatly admire Greek culture.
AD 330
Greece comes under Byzantine rule when the Roman emperor Constantine moves his empire's capital from Rome to the Greek colony of Byzantium (now in Turkey). Byzantium quickly gains wealth and power.
1453
Invaders from Asia known as the Ottoman Turks conquer the Byzantine Empire and take control of Greece. Turkish leaders rule over Greek cities, ports and islands for several centuries afterward. Athens, once wealthy and powerful, becomes a poor farming village.
1821-1829
Greeks, tired of living under Turkish rule, defeat the Ottoman Turks in the Greek War of Independence. They accomplish this with help from France, Britain and Russia, as well as successful Greek merchants and traders.
1896
The first modern Olympic Games are held in Athens to build friendship among different countries. Many of its games, including wrestling and discus-throwing, originated in ancient Greece.
1912-1913
During the Balkan Wars, Greece gains power over Turkish-controlled land, including Crete and southern Macedonia.
1952
Greece joins NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), a military alliance of several European countries and the United States.
1960
Cyprus, an island south of Turkey, gains its freedom from Britain. Cyprus was free and after the invasion by the Turks in 1974, it became totally separated. Both Greece and Turkey seek control of Cyprus, but agree to a cease-fire years later. The island is divided into northern (Turkish-speaking) and southern (Greek-speaking) zones.
1975
New constitution of the Republic of Greece is approved. It establishes a president as head of state and a prime minister to run the government.
1981
Greece becomes a full member of the EEC (European Economic Community), an economic alliance of western European nations that provides Greece with money and technology to strengthen its economy.
2004
The Summer Olympic Games take place in Athens, Greece. They returned to the country that gave birth to the Olympics more than 2,000 years ago and the city that staged the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Music @ MySpace:
SEPTEMBER, Artifical Honey, Nexus, newZEROgod, past perfect, Flowers Of Romance, Ta Kourelia, chewing gun, The Cartel and her Collective Members, rag, The Illusion Fades, dingansich, CAIN, Inactive Messiah, Trap, Lisa's Lick, Wastefall, Philosophobia, X-Piral, Nightfall, F.E.M.D., common party, Ypogeia Reymata, anemos, S.E.X., monitor, Horizon's End, Tunes from the Loft, Universe 217, Need, TSOPANA RAVE, Art of Simplicity, EXORISTOI, WhiteRime, Nightstalker, Fragile Vastness, Purity Seal, Tekila, Rotting Christ, THEdEVILWORX, Gyalinos Kosmos, Gimna Kalwdia, Zemial, SOULSKINNER, Ismini, THE FALLEN WITHIN, Nikos Koutras, Nikos Mihas, Haris Aronis, CarpeDiem, X-Piral, InnerWish, Contemplation, Deckstand ..
and the talents of:
our Hellenic god
Giorgos Christopoulos
with additional respect to:
Renos, Giannis, Sotiris, Theo, Loukas, Mike Pougounas, Babis, Thanos, Xristos, Mikkael, Agis, Domenik, Elias, Giorgos Kagialedakis, Kostas Anastasiadis, Tasos Peppas, Nick, Nikos, Nick, Nikos, Bob Katsionis, George, Mike, Babis, Margarita, +CONSTANTINE+, Edem, Stefanos, Ismini, Argy, Andreas, Tolis, Fotis, George Bokos, Mike, Vince, Gio, Maria Kanavaki, Vasilis, Bill, George, Stefanos Bios, Steve Mamalis, Jim, Dj Panos Piretzis ..
and a world of thanks to:
Adrianos @ ARTemis Studio
Yiannis @ Musicenter
Nikos @ LIVE Music
Major Tom
Minas @ HotStation
Ilias @ Cuervo Metal/Rock Bar
Hellenic TV
rockap.gr
zila
for bringing the music to life!
Cafe Song - O Kleftis
Cafe Video - Guns for Lovin'
SEPTEMBER - Guns for Lovin'
..
Add to My Profile | More Videos
Cafe Radio - HotStation.gr
HotStation.gr - Live from Hellas - The most popular Greek Radio on the Net! On the radio since 1984, HotStation 485FM has been providing hours of non-stop entertainment. In 1998, Minas Lavantis brought new life to HotStation Radio by expanding her horizons to the internet. HotStation.gr has now reached beyond expectations, having over 30,000 visitors each month and 15,000 hours of listening, with membership crossing international boundaries!
Additional features at HotStation.gr include Song Dedications and Requests, Music Charts, Games, Photography, Ringtones, Downloads, News, Weather, and Shopping!
The Bands & Artists
SEPTEMBER
Melodic but sometimes hard, progressive, yet direct, SEPTEMBER's intensive beats and lyrical ballads form the perfect combination of rock and metal. Their music is a fusion of the various influences that each musician spent many years developing into one single band.
SEPTEMBER has earned the reputation of a true LIVE band with a vast number of fans who enjoy the impact impression of their impeccable performance. No show is ever repetative with soulful interpretations and renditions being intertwined with passionate and pulsating solos.
To much acclaim, SEPTEMBER recently released their new CD (13 tracks) entitled "2 smiles ago" by "LIVE Records", which can be purchased by visiting either of their websites listed below.
www.myspace.com/SEPTEMBERgr
www.september.gr
On Sale Now!
SEPTEMBER - "2 smiles ago"
SEPTEMBER's CD, "2 SMILES AGO" is now available for purchase! Visit www.september.gr or www.myspace.com/SEPTEMBERgr for complete details!
www.myspace.com/SEPTEMBERgr
www.september.gr
SEPTEMBER - MORE VIDEOS!
In an old rock quarry transformed into a venue for summertime festivals, SEPTEMBER performs The Cult's "Painted On My Heart" LIVE at the Theater of Stone (Theatro Petras) in Petroupoli, Athens, on 25 July, 2006. Greece-Cafe extends special thanks to Minas of HotStation.gr for the superb job in capturing the moment!!
September - Painted On My Heart (Live)
..
Add to My Profile | More Videos
Going beyond the expected, SEPTEMBER's passionate interpretation of the masterpiece by Stevie Wonder, "'Cause We've Ended As Lovers", performed LIVE at the Black Rose
in Hellas. The amorous solos are completely improvised and unrehearsed!
SEPTEMBER - 'Cause We've Ended As Lovers (Live)
..
Add to My Profile | More Videos
Pulsating and seductive, SEPTEMBER brings "All Imperfect Things" to a distinct level of perfection. Performed LIVE on 5 April, 2006, at the Syrmos Club in Athens, Hellas (Greece).
SEPTEMBER - All Imperfect Things (Live)
..
Add to My Profile | More Videos
Giorgos Christopoulos
Giorgos Christopoulos is a proud member of:
CHEWING GUN (formerly Ground), ARTIFICIAL HONEY, & TA KOURELIA!
Giorgos Christopoulos - The Making of "O Kleftis"
..
Add to My Profile | More Videos
Chewing Gun (Live)
..
Add to My Profile | More Videos
Artificial Honey (Live)
..
Add to My Profile | More Videos
The Cartel
- Hellenic Non-Aligned Collective -
The Cartel, the name in memory of the famous UK distributor, is a collective of Greek independent bands. The basic idea behind its conception and creation is rather plain and none other than the joint venture of individuals who share the same visions (both musically and aesthetically), and who after years of lone struggles in an indifferent music status, have decided to join forces. The ultimate goal of The Cartel is to build the right background, upon which the creative efforts of its members will be best exposed.
Initially, The Cartel consists of 4 bands: Ding An Sich, The Illusion Fades, New ZERO God, and Past Perfect. However its aim is to grow and expand with more members in due time. The activities of The Cartel will be manifold and varied. All and each one of them with the sole purpose of promoting the work of its members through gigs or other events, CD releases, merchandise or other marketing enterprise.
Complete information and contacts available at:
... and by supporting the following bands ...
Please join us in supporting this new endeavor!
newZEROgod
newZEROgod was originally formed by select members of the popular Hellenic bands 'Flowers Of Romance' and 'Nexus'. What initially appeared to be a looney idea of four deranged minds soon developed into a nice thought. A slight lineup change to include members of 'Past Perfect' has resulted in the formation of a powerhouse of musical talents. Artistically blending post punk, dark wave, and gothic, an emphasis is placed on the songs which paved the way for these genres in Hellas.
Mike Pougounas - Vocals
Jim Sidhéog Steves - Drums
E-raptor - Guitar
B-abyss - Bass
The Flowers Of Romance - Love Commandos
..
Add to My Profile | More Videos
The Flowers Of Romance - Kashmir
..
Add to My Profile | More Videos
Nexus - Wrapped In Cellophane (2003)
..
Add to My Profile | More Videos
Inactive Messiah
On Sale Now!
"Be My Drug"
Ready for immediate shipment, including international orders!
Fast and Secure Checkout.
Please visit
www.myspace.com/inactivemessiah
for details and the complete line of Inactive Messiah merchandise!
- Videos - Inactive Messiah - Videos -
Inactive Messiah - SING - from "bE mY dRug"
Inactive Messiah - Be My Drug - from "bE mY dRug"
Inactive Messiah at YouTube:
www.youtube.com/InactiveMessiah
monitor
Formed on a "rust red September" in 1997, monitor are a trip hop, electronica, nu jazz duo from Athens, Greece. Singing in both the English and Greek language, they composed the original music for the theatrical play "Telos Pantwn", released on CD in 2002. Their cover of "Little 15" was included on "A Greek Tribute To Depeche Mode" CD in 2004.
www.myspace.com/monitormuzic
WhiteRime
www.myspace.com/whiterime
Film
www.crete1941.com
300themovie.warnerbros.com/
Holidays
OXI DAY
ZHTW H DHMOKRATIA!
28 OCTOBER, 1940
THE FIRST ALLIED VICTORY IN WWII
The magnificent Greek holiday OXI Day is celebrated every year in Greece on October 28th and mostly remembered for General Ioannis Metaxas' strong reply of "OXI!" (NO!) to Mussolini's request to allow Italian troops to come into Greece at the beginning of WWII. The result of this stern message was powerful, and in the end, helped to maintain Greece's course of neutrality for generations to come. Nevertheless, the Italians did invade Greece, but were subsequently driven back into Albania.
The story begins in 1935, when King George II was restored to the Greek throne by a rigged plebiscite, where he made the right-wing General Ioannis Metaxas Prime Minister. Nine months later, Metaxas assumed dictatorial powers with the King's consent under the pretext of preventing a communist-inspired republican coup. The October 28 national holiday also marks the date in 1940 when Greece entered WWII.
On that cherished day in Greek history, Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas not only rejected Italy's ultimatum, he chose the road of resistance, and thus saved his reputation as a dictator. Cypriot countrymen also drew inspiration from Greece's refusal to let Italian troops invade in 1940 in the face of continued Turkish agression.
In 1940 when most countries of Europe had surrendered, Hitler had the continent of Europe in his grip and the democracies were at the lowest point, Mussolini decided to take over Greece anticipating an easy victory based on his superior numbers and mechanized forces. He attacked Greece from Albania.
The Greeks stood up and said "OXI!!!" (No, you shall not pass) and fought fiercely, hurling back the stunned and bleeding aggressors. Mussolini’s divisions were soon back in Albania and for six months were fighting to maintain a hold on the seacoast, desperately calling for help.
When Germany entered the war against Greece with the most powerful army in Europe, the Greeks continued to fight both of these great empires, although reason must have told them that their position was hopeless. Alongside their British comrades they continued to resist stubbornly on the island of Crete.
Greece had fallen, but it had cost Hitler thousands of his finest youth and delayed his attack against Russia by months. German troops ran into the dreadful Russian winter and the Russians imposed such appalling losses that it contributed to the ultimate defeat of Germany. The occupation, Great Famine, resistance and subsequent liberation of Greece followed, and then came "December Movement" in which Greeks fought brother Greeks.
Greece, with the help of England first and, later, of the United States, remained in the Western Alliance.
Today in Greece, celebrations of Oxi Day culminate in a large, lavish military parade down the main boulevards of Athens and Thessaloniki. Soldiers, tanks, armoured vehicles and students parade through most Greek cities with an air of pride, and politicans in reviewing stands have an opportunity to show their own spirit to Greece and the resistance and how in future generations it should be continued.
The essence of Greece's contribution to the allied victory is due to Mussolini's humiliating defeat by the Greeks in Albania. Hitler was compelled to capture the Balkans, mainly Yugoslavia and Greece, thusly, delaying his Barbarossa plan to invade and capture the Soviet Union before the winter of 1941.
The Greek resistance, both in Albania and in the other famous battle in Crete altered, favorably for the allies, his Barbarossa time table by at least three months (and possibly six).
Having at least half of his 9000 outstandingly-trained paratroopers destroyed in Crete was another fatal blow for Hitler; with a decision never to use the paratrooper approach again in the war, for this element of surprise he had hoped to use in the USSR.
These elite paratroopers were eliminated by the defending Cretan peasants who showed no mercy on them during and after landing to the point that the exasperated Fuhrer said that it is illegal for civilians to fight our soldiers ... only to receive the Cretan commentary of "Who says so? This is our country and we have no room for the savage Huns!"
ZHTW H ELLAS!!
For further reading, visit:
Greece-Cafe - OXI!
Videos - Dance
Zorba's Dance Syrtaki
Add to My Profile | More Videos
XaXaXa
View more at:
Greece-Cafe - Joker's Wild!
You Know You're Greek When ..
The Great Greek Zorba
Zorba's Dance