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  • See Mosque of the Janissaries, on the Old Harbor of Hania (Chania), on the island of Crete, in Greece, Europe. Mosque of the Janissaries was built in 1645, when Hania fell to the Turks, and is the oldest Ottoman building on Crete. GREEK HISTORY: The Greek War of Independence of 1821-1829 reclaimed Ottoman Turk holdings in the Peloponnese, Sterea Ellada, and the Cyclades & Sporades Islands, but intervention by Britain, France, and Russia would set up foreign kings to control Greece on and off for generations. With Ottoman decline in the mid-1800s, the "Megali Idea (Great Idea)" of a new Greek Empire became popular for reclaiming former Byzantine Greek lands. Balkan Wars of 1912-1913 expanded Greece to include southern Macedonia, part of Thrace, more of Epiros, North-East Aegean Islands, and union with Crete. After siding with the Allies in World War I, Greece invaded Turkey as far as Ankara. But the young General Mustafa Kemal (later called Ataturk) drove the Greeks out of Anatolia. In a stressful exchange, 1.5 million Christians left Turkey and 400,000 Muslims left Greece. Greece suffered terribly under Nazi occupation in World War II due to starvation, and death camps for half the Jews. Greece's turbulent history culminated in a 1946-1949 Civil War between monarchists and democrats, where more Greeks were killed than in World War II. Despair motivated nearly a million Greeks to seek better life in Australia (Melbourne), Canada, USA (New York & Chicago), and elsewhere. After a coup by Colonels 1967-74 and later socialist rule, Greece shifted politically rightwards by 2001. Greek standard of living rose rapidly; low interest rates expanded car ownership. Greece proudly hosted the lightly attended 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, seen on worldwide TV by 3.9 billion viewers. In 2010-12, debt crisis made Greece agree to Eurozone & IMF loan rescue with harsh austerity measures.
    01GRE-18-02_Hania-Old-Harbor_Turkish...jpg
  • A rare native orchid wildflower blooms yellow on Mount Smolikas, in the north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in northwestern Greece containing 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-39-36_Native-orchid-wildflower...jpg
  • The purplish-red spathe (specialized leaf or bract) and foul-smelling stench of the dragon arum (Dracunculus vulgaris, also called dragonwort, dragon lily, or voodoo lily) attracts flies to the base of its erect, flower-bearing spadix in Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete, in Greece, Europe. The purple spadix can reach over a meter long. With an odor of dung or rotting meat, the Dragon Arum entices flies deep inside into the bulbous chamber of its spathe where the flowers are actually located. The insects can sometimes get trapped overnight but are later freed, covered in pollen to find other flowers for pollination.
    01GRE-20-22_Dragon-Lady-plant.jpg
  • A Minoan stone room and chair are restored in the Knossos palace, at Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete, Greece, Europe. Knossos is a Minoan archeological site associated with the Labyrinth and Minotaur of Greek mythology. The Bronze Age palace of Knossos was first built around 1900 BC, destroyed by a large earthquake or foreign invaders in 1700 BC, rebuilt more grandly, then damaged several more times by earthquakes, by invasions, and in 1450 BC by the colossal volcanic eruption of Thera (modern Thira or Santorini). Invading Mycenaeans used Knossos as their capital as they ruled the island of Crete until 1375 BC. Archaeologist Arthur Evans excavated the Palace at Knossos from 1900-1905 and named the Minoan civilization of Crete after king Minos from Greek mythology. Homer's epic poems of the Iliad and Odyssey are the first Greek literature to mention Minos as a king of Knossos, Crete. Minos was son of Zeus and Europa. Every nine years Minos made King Aegeus pick seven men and seven women to go to the Labyrinth to be eaten by the Minotaur, a creature half man and half bull. After his death, legendary Minos became a judge of the dead in Hades. The vast building complex at Knossos is popularly thought to be the site of the Labyrinth, which Greek mythology says was designed by architect Daedalus with such complexity that no one could ever find its exit.
    01GRE-16-35_Minoan-chair-Knossos.jpg
  • The weird rock spires of Meteora rise above the village of Kastraki, near Kalambaka, in central Greece, Europe. Meteora (which means "suspended in the air") is a complex of six Eastern Orthodox Christian monasteries built by medieval monks on natural rock pillars near Kalambaka, in central Greece, Europe. The sandstone and conglomerate of Meteora were formed in the cone of a river delta estuary emerging into a sea about 60 million years ago, then later uplifted and eroded into pinnacles. The isolated monasteries of Meteora helped keep alive Greek Orthodox religious traditions and Hellenic culture during the turbulent Middle Ages and Ottoman Turk occupation of Greece (1453-1829). UNESCO honored Meteora as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Visit early in the morning and in the off season to avoid crowds.
    01GRE-43-22_Kastraki-village-weird-r...jpg
  • Stepping stones lead to an old wood door with faded orange stain and blue green trim, in Kastraki, Meteora, Greece.
    01GRE-42-20_MDS-brown-door-turquoise...jpg
  • Old wood door with faded yellow paint, in Kastraki, Meteora, Greece.
    01GRE-42-04_mottled-door.jpg
  • A grape vine grows across doors and windows of an old cracking stucco house in Kastraki, Meteora, Greece, Europe.
    01GRE-41-36_Old_house-doors-windows-...jpg
  • Fantastic rock spires of Meteora rise above a blue house with red tile roof in Kastraki, near Kalambaka, in central Greece, Europe. Meteora (which means "suspended in the air") is a complex of six Eastern Orthodox Christian monasteries built by medieval monks on natural rock pillars near Kalambaka, in central Greece, Europe. The sandstone and conglomerate of Meteora were formed in the cone of a river delta estuary emerging into a sea about 60 million years ago, then later uplifted and eroded into pinnacles. The isolated monasteries of Meteora helped keep alive Greek Orthodox religious traditions and Hellenic culture during the turbulent Middle Ages and Ottoman Turk occupation of Greece (1453-1829). UNESCO honored Meteora as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Visit early in the morning and in the off season to avoid crowds. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    01GRE-41-35_Blue-house-Meteora-pinna...jpg
  • Fantastic rock spires of Meteora rise above a house in Kastraki, near Kalambaka, in central Greece, Europe. Meteora (which means "suspended in the air") is a complex of six Eastern Orthodox Christian monasteries built by medieval monks on natural rock pillars near Kalambaka, in central Greece, Europe. The sandstone and conglomerate of Meteora were formed in the cone of a river delta estuary emerging into a sea about 60 million years ago, then later uplifted and eroded into pinnacles. The isolated monasteries of Meteora helped keep alive Greek Orthodox religious traditions and Hellenic culture during the turbulent Middle Ages and Ottoman Turk occupation of Greece (1453-1829). UNESCO honored Meteora as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Visit early in the morning and in the off season to avoid crowds.
    01GRE-41-23_house_rock-towers-Meteor...jpg
  • Mount Olympus (2918 meters or 9568 feet elevation), highest peak in Greece, rises high above Litohoro village. The ancient Greeks considered awesome Mount Olympus to be the home of the god Zeus. Mount Olympus was declared the first national park of Greece in 1937. It is 100 kilometers southwest of Thessaloniki. Mount Olympus has eight peaks including the "Throne of Zeus" (2909 metres) and Mytikas (2919 metres, the highest summit). Mytikas, the highest of several summits on Mount Olympus, was never climbed until 1913 by a native of Litohoro and two Swiss climbers. Hiking season runs June through October. The hut will be most crowded in July and August, when advance reservations are most necessary. May through mid-June have the best climate, not overly hot. Visit the EOS (Greek Alpine Club) office in Litohoro for details of trails, mountain refuge reservations, and advice about weather conditions. In May 2001, Carol and I attempted to reach one of two summits (Mytikas, or the easier Skolio) with our excellent climbing guide Michalis (Mike) Vasileiou from Robinson Expeditions, but he wisely stopped our group due to slippery fresh snowfall and fog 300 feet short of the top.
    01GRE-45-27_Litohoro-Mt-Olympus.jpg
  • Grand Meteora Monastery (Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron) was built in the mid 1300s on a rock pinnacle in Greece, Europe. It was restored and embellished in 1483 and 1552, and is the largest monastery at Meteora. Meteora (which means "suspended in the air") is a complex of six Eastern Orthodox Christian monasteries built by medieval monks on natural rock pillars near Kalambaka, in central Greece, Europe. The sandstone and conglomerate of Meteora were formed in the cone of a river delta estuary emerging into a sea about 60 million years ago, then later uplifted and eroded into pinnacles. The isolated monasteries of Meteora helped keep alive Greek Orthodox religious traditions and Hellenic culture during the turbulent Middle Ages and Ottoman Turk occupation of Greece (1453-1829). UNESCO honored Meteora as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Visit early in the morning and in the off season to avoid crowds.
    01GRE-44-10_Grand-Meteora-Monastery.jpg
  • Saint Nicholas Anapafsa Monastery (Agio Nikolaou Anapafsa) was built in the 1500s on a rock pinnacle at Meteora, Greece, Europe. Meteora (which means "suspended in the air") is a complex of six Eastern Orthodox Christian monasteries built by medieval monks on natural rock pillars near Kalambaka, in central Greece, Europe. The sandstone and conglomerate of Meteora were formed in the cone of a river delta estuary emerging into a sea about 60 million years ago, then later uplifted and eroded into pinnacles. The isolated monasteries of Meteora helped keep alive Greek Orthodox religious traditions and Hellenic culture during the turbulent Middle Ages and Ottoman Turk occupation of Greece (1453-1829). UNESCO honored Meteora as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Visit early in the morning and in the off season to avoid crowds.
    01GRE-44-09_Anapafsa-Monastery.jpg
  • Varlaam Monastery was founded on a rock pinnacle in 1517 AD at Meteora, Greece, Europe. Meteora (which means "suspended in the air") is a complex of six Eastern Orthodox Christian monasteries built by medieval monks on natural rock pillars near Kalambaka, in central Greece, Europe. The sandstone and conglomerate of Meteora were formed in the cone of a river delta estuary emerging into a sea about 60 million years ago, then later uplifted and eroded into pinnacles. The isolated monasteries of Meteora helped keep alive Greek Orthodox religious traditions and Hellenic culture during the turbulent Middle Ages and Ottoman Turk occupation of Greece (1453-1829). UNESCO honored Meteora as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Visit early in the morning and in the off season to avoid crowds.
    01GRE-44-06_Varlaam-Monastery-_rock-...jpg
  • Varlaam Monastery was founded on a rock pinnacle in 1517 AD at Meteora, Greece, Europe. Meteora (which means "suspended in the air") a complex of six Eastern Orthodox Christian monasteries built by medieval monks on natural rock pillars near Kalambaka, in central Greece, Europe. The sandstone and conglomerate of Meteora were formed in the cone of a river delta estuary emerging into a sea about 60 million years ago, then later uplifted and eroded into pinnacles. The isolated monasteries of Meteora helped keep alive Greek Orthodox religious traditions and Hellenic culture during the turbulent Middle Ages and Ottoman Turk occupation of Greece (1453-1829). UNESCO honored Meteora as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Visit early in the morning and in the off season to avoid crowds.
    01GRE-43-36_Varlaam-Monastery-Meteor...jpg
  • Varlaam Monastery was founded on a rock pinnacle in 1517 AD at Meteora, Greece, Europe. Meteora (which means "suspended in the air") is a complex of six Eastern Orthodox Christian monasteries built by medieval monks on natural rock pillars near Kalambaka, in central Greece, Europe. The sandstone and conglomerate of Meteora were formed in the cone of a river delta estuary emerging into a sea about 60 million years ago, then later uplifted and eroded into pinnacles. The isolated monasteries of Meteora helped keep alive Greek Orthodox religious traditions and Hellenic culture during the turbulent Middle Ages and Ottoman Turk occupation of Greece (1453-1829). UNESCO honored Meteora as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Visit early in the morning and in the off season to avoid crowds.
    01GRE-43-27_Varlaam-Monastery.jpg
  • Stay in a pension under the impressive Tymfi Massif, in Vikos village, Zagoria, north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. The northeast wall of Vikos Gorge is Mount Tymfi (or Greek: , also transliterated Timfi, Tymphe, or Tymphi), near the 40 degree parallel. Tymfi forms a massif with its highest peak, Gamila, at 2497 meters (8192 feet), the sixth highest in Greece. Vikos Gorge in northern Greece is the world's deepest canyon in proportion to its width, and at one point measures 2950 feet (900 meters) deep and 3600 feet (1100 meters) wide from rim to rim. Its depth is an impressive 82% of its width at that cross-section (depth/width ratio=0.82). Gorges in many countries have higher depth/width ratio, but none are as deep. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-32-26_Vikos_Tymfi-Massif_Zagor...jpg
  • Trekkers ascend Vikos Gorge beneath Tymfi Massif in Vikos-Aoos National Park, north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Vikos Gorge in northern Greece is the world's deepest canyon in proportion to its width, and at one point measures 2950 feet (900 meters) deep and 3600 feet (1100 meters) wide from rim to rim. Its depth is an impressive 82% of its width at that cross-section (depth/width ratio=0.82). Gorges in many countries have higher depth/width ratio, but none are as deep. The northeast wall of Vikos Gorge is Mount Tymfi (or Greek: , also transliterated Timfi, Tymphe, or Tymphi), near the 40 degree parallel. Tymfi forms a massif with its highest peak, Gamila, at 2497 meters (8192 feet), the sixth highest in Greece. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Published in Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures 2005. Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-32-24_Vikos-Gorge_Tymfi-Massif.jpg
  • See Vikos Gorge from the slate Agias Paraskevis Monastery, in Zagoria, north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Vikos Gorge is the world's deepest canyon in proportion to its width, and at one point measures 2950 feet (900 meters) deep and 3600 feet (1100 meters) wide from rim to rim. Its depth is an impressive 82% of its width at that cross-section (depth/width ratio=0.82). Gorges in many countries have higher depth/width ratio, but none are as deep. The northeast wall of Vikos Gorge is Mount Tymfi (or Greek: , also transliterated Mt Timfi, Tymphe, or Tymphi), near the 40 degree parallel. Tymfi forms a massif with its highest peak, Gamila, at 2497 meters (8192 feet), the sixth highest in Greece. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-30-30_Vikos-Gorge_Agias-Parask...jpg
  • On the flanks of Mt. Smolikas (2637 meters / 8649 feet), the second highest mountain in Greece, see the north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos) to the southwest, including Tymfi Massif and Mt. Gamila, in Zagori, Epirus/Epiros Region. Although rarely seen, wild bears and wolves still roam Mount Smolikas, one of the wildest places left in Europe. Rental cars, public buses and tours can take you to this area of Zagoria from the local capital of Ioannina. People of every skill level can walk the wild trails, scramble or climb rocks in the rugged Northern Pindos Mountains. The non-technical ascent of Mt. Smolikas requires a full day round trip. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality containing 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Photographed May 23, 2001. Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-40-09_twisted-pine-tree_North-...jpg
  • On the flanks of Mt. Smolikas (2637 meters / 8649 feet), the second highest mountain in Greece, see the north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos) to the southwest, including Tymfi Massif and Mt. Gamila, in Zagori, Epiros/Epirus Region. Although rarely seen, wild bears and wolves still roam Mount Smolikas, one of the wildest places left in Europe. Rental cars, public buses and tours can take you to this area of Zagoria from the local capital of Ioannina. People of every skill level can walk the wild trails, scramble, or climb rocks here. The non-technical ascent of Mt. Smolikas requires a full day round trip. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality containing 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Photographed May 23, 2001. Published in National Geographic Traveler Guidebook for Greece 2007. Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-40-08_Tymfi-Massif_Zagoria.jpg
  • The Erechtheion (left) and Parthenon (right) sit prominently on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, Europe. The Parthenon was first built from 447-438 BC, using Pentelic marble plus a wooden roof. The Parthenon is the largest Doric-column temple ever completed in Greece. It was designed as a treasury for tribute money moved from Delos Island and was dedicated to the worship of Athena. A huge, 12-meter tall statue of Athena Polias was placed in 432 BC. The Erechtheion, built entirely of marble in 421-406 BC, is the most sacred sanctuary on the Acropolis. The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments were honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
    01GRE-30-06_Acropolis-Athens.jpg
  • A metallic green Cetonia aurata (rose chafer or goldsmith beetle) crawls on a magenta/pink thistle in Aoos River Valley, in Vikos-Aoos National Park, Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Green and magenta hues are "complements" of Color Theory. Zagori (Greek: ΖαγÏŒρι) is a region and a municipality in northwestern Greece containing 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    01GRE-39-30_Beetle-thistle_Aoos-Vall...jpg
  • Hikers ascend snowfields on Tsouka Rossa Pass on the Tymfi Massif, north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Mount Tymfi (or Greek: , also transliterated Timfi, Tymphe, or Tymphi) forms a massif with its highest peak, Gamila, at 2497 meters (8192 feet), the sixth highest in Greece. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in northwestern Greece containing 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-38-17_Tsouka-Rossa-Pass-Pindus.jpg
  • Tsepelovo is a traditional slate village on the Tymfi Massif, in the north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in northwestern Greece containing 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria).
    01GRE-38-05_Tsepelovo-slate-village.jpg
  • National Archaeological Museum, Athens, Greece: Roman head sculpture
    01GRE-29-18_Roman-head-sculpture.jpg
  • Three stories of highrise balconies have purple and green shuttered doors in Athens, Greece, Europe.
    01GRE-29-29_Athens-highrise-balconie...jpg
  • Visit Kalogeriko triple-arch stone bridge, 300 years old, near Kipi, in Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-37-30-Kalogeriko-triple-arch-b...jpg
  • An arched stone bridge, 300 years old, crosses a ravine near Kipi, Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria).
    01GRE-37-25_arched-stone-bridge-Zago...jpg
  • In the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece, see a sculpture of Antinoos (or Antinous), who lived about 110-130 AD and was Roman emperor Hadrian's lover and best friend. Hadrian lived 76-138 AD and become one of the few exemplary Roman sovereigns. Hadrian fell in love with the boy Antinous, who accompanied him on his extended trips through the Empire. At age 20, Antinous was drowned, or drowned himself, in the Nile. Cassius Dion recounts that Antinous had learned from an astrologer that he might in this way add his life-span to that of Hadrian's. The sovereign mourned for his friend for the rest of his life. He ordered the foundation of a city, Antinoopolis, at the place where Antinous had died. He surrounded himself with statues and busts of Antinous on his trips, and even more so at his old-age residence, the "Villa" in Tivoli. A star or constellation was named after Antinous.
    01GRE-29-17_Roman-bust.jpg
  • An arched stone bridge, 300 years old, crosses a ravine near Kipi, Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria).
    01GRE-37-19_arched-stone-bridge-Zago...jpg
  • National Archaeological Museum, Athens, Greece: a beautiful sculpture of Aphrodite, Eros, and Pan was found on Delos Island and dates from 100 BC. Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of  love, beauty, pleasure, sexuality, and procreation. She was born of Uranus, or else from parents Zeus and Dione. Her Roman equivalent was Venus. Aphrodite is also known as Cytherea (Lady of Cythera) and Cypris (Lady of Cyprus) after the two cult-sites which claimed her birth. Myrtles, doves, sparrows, horses, and swans are sacred to Aphrodite. Eros was the Greek god of love, whose Roman counterpart was Cupid ("desire"). Some myths make Eros a primordial god, while others say he is the son of Aphrodite. Pan, the companion of the nymphs, is the god of shepherds and flocks, nature, mountain wilds, hunting, rustic music, and theatrical criticism. Pan has the hindquarters, legs, and horns of a goat, like a faun or satyr. Pan's homeland of rustic Arcadia associates him with fields, groves, wooded glens, fertility, and the season of spring. In Roman religion and myth, Pan's counterpart was Faunus.
    01GRE-29-15_Aphrodite-Eros-Pan-sculp...jpg
  • In May, hike in fields of lavender colored crocus wildflowers on Tymfi Massif, in the north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-36-11_crocus-field.jpg
  • In the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, Greece, see a Roman model of the "Athena Polias" ("Athena of the city") sculpture which was placed in the Parthenon in 432 BC, originally 12 meters high. Athena (Athene or Athina) has Nike in her right hand, and sphinx and griffins in her headpiece. Greeks built the Parthenon atop the Acropolis in 447-438 BCE as a place to worship goddess Athena and also as a treasury to store tribute money moved from Delos Island. The Greek philosopher, Plato (429347 BC), identified Athena with the Libyan deity Neith who was the war goddess and huntress deity of the Egyptians since the ancient Pre-Dynastic period, and who was also identified with weaving. Athena is the virgin patron of her namesake city Athens, and is goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, just warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill. Minerva, Athena's Roman incarnation, embodies similar attributes.
    01GRE-29-13_Roman-model-of-Athina-Po...jpg
  • In the Roman Agora of Athens, Greece, the octagonal  Tower of the Winds was designed by Syrian astronomer Andronicus around 50 BC, with sundial, water clock, and compass. It was topped in antiquity by a weathervane-like Triton to show wind direction. This ancient horologion (timepiece) building is made of Pentelic Marble, with its frieze decorated with relief sculptures of the eight wind deities: Boreas (N), Kaikias (NE), Eurus (E), Apeliotes (SE), Notus (S), Livas (SW), Zephyrus (W), and Skiron (NW).
    01GRE-28-37_Roman-Tower-of-the-Winds.jpg
  • Alpine yellow composite wildflowers bloom in the north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. The aster, daisy, or sunflower family (Asteraceae or Compositae) is the largest family of vascular plants. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-35-30_yellow-composite-wildflo...jpg
  • Church of the Holy Apostles, built in the early 11th century, commemorates Saint Paul's teachings in the Ancient Agora in Athens, Greece, Europe.
    01GRE-28-29_Church-of-Holy-Apostles_...jpg
  • Purple crocus flowers emerge from snow in May in alpine areas of the Tymfi Massif, in the north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), around Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria).
    01GRE-35-20_Purple-crocus-wildflower...jpg
  • Athens, Greece: old shuttered window, yellow wall
    01GRE-28-30_shuttered-window-yellow-...jpg
  • Hike alpine meadows towards Mount Astraka (7990 feet), a peak of the Tymfi Massif, in the north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Mount Tymfi (or Greek: , also transliterated Timfi, Tymphe, or Tymphi) is near the 40 degree parallel. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria).
    01GRE-35-11_Mount-Astraka_Pindus.jpg
  • Dragon Lake, snow banks, Gamila Peak, Vikos-Aoos National Park, north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. The northeast wall of Vikos Gorge is Mount Tymfi (or Greek: , also transliterated Mt Timfi, Tymphe, or Tymphi), near the 40 degree parallel. Tymfi forms a massif with its highest peak, Gamila, at 2497 meters (8192 feet), the sixth highest in Greece. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-34-34_Dragon-Lake_Gamila_Tymfi.jpg
  • See Mount Astraka (7990 feet) and the Tymfi Massif through grape arbor, in Mikro Papingo village (or small Papigo, Greek: ), in the north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). The northeast wall of Vikos Gorge is Mount Tymfi (or Greek: , also transliterated Mt Timfi, Tymphe, or Tymphi), near the 40 degree parallel. Tymfi forms a massif with its highest peak, Gamila, at 2497 meters (8192 feet), the sixth highest in Greece.
    01GRE-34-22_Micro-Papingo-grape-arbo...jpg
  • Natural slate layers are exposed in a slot canyon wall, in the north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), near Mikro Papingo village (or small Papigo), Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria).
    01GRE-34-06_Slate-layer-geology-Zago...jpg
  • Caryatids support the southern portico of the Erechtheion, the most sacred sanctuary on the Acropolis, in Athens, Greece, Europe. The Erechtheion and the "Porch of the Maidens" was built entirely of marble between 421 and 406 BC. Between 1800 and 1803, one of the caryatids was removed by order of Lord Elgin to decorate his Scottish mansion, and was later sold to the British Museum in London (along with the pedimental and frieze sculpture taken from the Parthenon). Athenian legend had it that at night the remaining five Caryatids could be heard wailing for their lost sister. Elgin attempted to remove a second Caryatid; but when technical difficulties arose, he tried to have it sawn to pieces. The statue was smashed, and its fragments were left behind. It was later reconstructed haphazardly with cement and iron rods. In 1979, five original Caryatids (sculpted female figures serving as an architectural support) were moved to the Acropolis Museum in Athens and replaced in situ by exact replicas. The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments were honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
    01GRE-28-19_Caryatids_Erechtheion-sa...jpg
  • Caryatids support the southern portico of the Erechtheion, the most sacred sanctuary on the Acropolis, in Athens, Greece, Europe. The Erechtheion and the "Porch of the Maidens" was built entirely of marble between 421 and 406 BC. Between 1800 and 1803, one of the caryatids was removed by order of Lord Elgin to decorate his Scottish mansion, and was later sold to the British Museum in London (along with the pedimental and frieze sculpture taken from the Parthenon). Athenian legend had it that at night the remaining five Caryatids could be heard wailing for their lost sister. Elgin attempted to remove a second Caryatid; but when technical difficulties arose, he tried to have it sawn to pieces. The statue was smashed, and its fragments were left behind. It was later reconstructed haphazardly with cement and iron rods. In 1979, five original Caryatids (sculpted female figures serving as an architectural support) were moved to the Acropolis Museum in Athens and replaced in situ by exact replicas. The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments were honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
    01GRE-28-15_Caryatids_Erechtheion-sa...jpg
  • The Parthenon was first built from 447-438 BC, using Pentelic marble plus a wooden roof. Scaffolding and crane in 2001 support reconstruction for the 2004 Olympics, in Athens, Greece, Europe. The Parthenon is the largest Doric-column temple ever completed in Greece. It was designed as a treasury for tribute money moved from Delos Island and was dedicated to the worship of Athena. A huge, 12-meter tall statue of Athina Polias was placed in 432 BC. The treasury stored money from the Delian League, which later became the Athenian Empire. In the 400s AD, the Parthenon was converted into a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. After the Ottoman conquest, it was turned into a mosque with added minaret in the early 1460s. In 1687, an Ottoman ammunition dump inside the building was ignited by Venetian bombardment. The resulting explosion severely damaged the Parthenon and its sculptures. In 1806, Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin removed some of the surviving sculptures, with the Ottoman Turks' permission. These sculptures, now known as the Elgin Marbles or the Parthenon Marbles, were sold in 1816 to the British Museum in London, where they are now displayed. Greece wants them back. The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments were honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
    01GRE-27-35_Parthenon-rebuilding.jpg
  • A wild golden brown frog lives in a gorge near Mikro Papingo village (or small Papigo, Greek: ), Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-33-34_frog.jpg
  • A plane tree traditionally grows in the slate town squares of Zagoria, such as this one in Mikro Papingo village (or small Papigo, Greek: ), north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). The northeast wall of Vikos Gorge is Mount Tymfi (or Greek: , also transliterated Timfi, Tymphe, or Tymphi), near the 40 degree parallel. Tymfi forms a massif with its highest peak, Gamila, at 2497 meters (8192 feet), the sixth highest in Greece. Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-33-29_plane-tree_Papingo-squar...jpg
  • See tile  rooftops of Plaka, the old Turkish quarter of Athens, from atop the Acropolis ("high city"), in Greece, Europe.
    01GRE-27-32_tile-roof_Plaka-Athens-T...jpg
  • Hike Vikos Gorge in Vikos-Aoos National Park, north Pindus Mountains (Pindos or Pindhos), Zagoria, Epirus/Epiros, Greece, Europe. Vikos Gorge in northern Greece is the world's deepest canyon in proportion to its width, and at one point measures 2950 feet (900 meters) deep and 3600 feet (1100 meters) wide from rim to rim. Its depth is an impressive 82% of its width at that cross-section (depth/width ratio=0.82). Gorges in many countries have higher depth/width ratio, but none are as deep. Zagori (Greek: ) is a region and a municipality in the Pindus mountains in Epirus, in northwestern Greece. Zagori contains 45 villages collectively known as Zagoria (Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria). Published in "Pindos: The National Park" (2010) by Alexander G. Tziolas, preface by Tom Dempsey et al, ISBN 978-960-98795-3-8.
    01GRE-33-12_Vikos-Gorge-Zagoria.jpg
  • The Temple of Olympian Zeus was built in Athens, Greece, in the 500s BC to 131 AD, using 104 Corinthian columns, each 17 meters high. Of the 15 remaining columns, one fell in 1852. During Roman times it was renowned as the largest temple in Greece and housed one of the largest cult statues in the ancient world. In the upper left is the Olympic Stadium of modern Athens.
    01GRE-27-31_Athens-Olympic-Stadium_T...jpg
  • The Temple of Olympian Zeus was built in Athens, Greece, in the 500s BC to 131 AD, using 104 Corinthian columns, each 17 meters high. Of the 15 remaining columns, one fell in 1852. During Roman times it was renowned as the largest temple in Greece and housed one of the largest cult statues in the ancient world.
    01GRE-27-30_Temple-of-Olympian-Zeus_...jpg
  • A restored ionic column supports the Erechtheion temple in Athens, Greece, Europe. The Erechtheion, built entirely of marble between 421 and 406 BC, is the most sacred sanctuary on the Acropolis, or high city. The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments were honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
    01GRE-27-10_Ionic-column-Erechtheion.jpg
  • An olive tree, a legendary gift from goddess Athena, sprouts from the Erechtheion sanctuary, most sacred site on the Acropolis, in Athens, Greece, Europe. The Erechtheion, built entirely of marble between 421 and 406 BC, is the most sacred sanctuary on the Acropolis, or high city. The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments were honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
    01GRE-27-13_Sacred-Erechtheion-olive...jpg
  • The Erechtheion (left) and Parthenon (right) are lit at night atop the Acropolis, in Athens, Greece, Europe. The Parthenon was first built from 447-438 BC, using Pentelic marble plus a wooden roof. The Parthenon is the largest Doric-column temple ever completed in Greece. It was designed as a treasury for tribute money moved from Delos Island and was dedicated to the worship of Athena. A huge, 12-meter tall statue of Athina Polias was placed in 432 BC. The Erechtheion, built entirely of marble in 421-406 BC, is the most sacred sanctuary on the Acropolis. The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments were honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
    01GRE-26-25_Acropolis-night.jpg
  • A suited street vender sells bread from a rolling basket in Athens, Greece, Europe.
    01GRE-25-33_Rolling-street-vender-br...jpg
  • "A man with fishes" is copied small by modern artist Spanos from a Minoan era fresco (originally 53 inches high) dating from 1500 BC. Volcanic ash preserved ancient frescoes at Akrotiri on Santorini Island, Greece. Artists paint frescoes on wet plaster, which allows dyes to sink in for greater permanence, but requires the artist to paint much more quickly than on dry plaster. This affects the flow of line and style. Geologic and human history of Santorini: Humans first arrived around 3000 BC on this volcano known in ancient times as Thira (or Thera). The island was a volcanic cone with a circular shoreline until 1646 BC, when one of earths most violent explosions blasted ash all over the Mediterranean, sunk the center of the island, launched tidal waves, and may have ruined the Minoan civilization 70 miles away on Crete. Remarkably, volcanic ash dumped onto the volcanos flanks actually preserved the village of Akrotiri and its 3600-year-old frescoes from the Minoan era. These are some of the earliest known examples of world art history, which you can now view in museums. In 286 BC, the volcano split off Thirasia (Little Thira) Island (to the West). The volcano began rebuilding, and in 197 BC the small center islet of Palia Kameni appeared. In 1707 CE, lava started forming Nea Kameni, the larger center island which erupted as recently as 1956 and caused a huge earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) which destroyed most of the houses in the towns of Fira and Oia. Fira and Oia have since been rebuilt as multi-level mazes of fascinating whitewashed architecture, attracting tourists from around the world.
    01GRE-16-10_Akrotiri-man-fishes-fres...jpg
  • Bell towers and blue-domed Greek Orthodox Churches grace the village of Oia on Santorini Island, an ancient volcanic caldera rim in the Aegean Sea, in Greece, Europe. After major destruction in a 1956 earthquate, Oia town was rebuilt as a multi level maze of fascinating whitewashed architecture.
    01GRE-14-15_Oia-house-church-maze.jpg
  • Hora Sfakia, Crete, Greece: A hairy reddish-brown goat on the coastal hikers trail. Domesticated goats have the scientific name Capra aegagrus hircus and were bred from wild goats of southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. As members of the Bovidae family, goats are closely related to sheep, which are also in the goat-antelope subfamily, Caprinae.
    01GRE-24-21_Long-haired-goat_Crete-c...jpg
  • A Blue Star Ferry ship cruises below Oia, Santorini Island, Greece, Europe. Geologic and human history of Santorini: Humans first arrived around 3000 BC on this volcano known in ancient times as Thira (or Thera). The island was a volcanic cone with a circular shoreline until 1646 BC, when one of earths most violent explosions blasted ash all over the Mediterranean, sunk the center of the island, launched tidal waves, and may have ruined the Minoan civilization 70 miles away on Crete. Remarkably, volcanic ash dumped onto the volcanos flanks actually preserved the village of Akrotiri and its 3600-year-old frescoes from the Minoan era. These are some of the earliest known examples of world art history, which you can now view in museums. In 286 BC, the volcano split off Thirasia (Little Thira) Island (to the West). The volcano began rebuilding, and in 197 BC the small center islet of Palia Kameni appeared. In 1707 CE, lava started forming Nea Kameni, the larger center island which erupted as recently as 1956 and caused a huge earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) which destroyed most of the houses in the towns of Fira and Oia. Fira and Oia have since been rebuilt as multi-level mazes of fascinating whitewashed architecture, attracting tourists from around the world.
    01GRE-12-11_Blue-Star-Ferry-Santorin...jpg
  • Hora Sfakia, Crete, Greece: A hairy reddish-brown goat on the coastal hikers trail. Domesticated goats have the scientific name Capra aegagrus hircus and were bred from wild goats of southwest Asia and Eastern Europe. As members of the Bovidae family, goats are closely related to sheep, which are also in the goat-antelope subfamily, Caprinae.
    01GRE-24-18_Long-haired-goat_Crete-c...jpg
  • Thirasia Island (or Therasia), Santorini, Greece: arched cyan blue door with glass windows.
    01GRE-12-08_Arched-blue-doors-window...jpg
  • Loutro harbor, Crete, Greece: The only access to Loutro is by foot, ferry, or private boat on the Mediterranean Sea. Hikers exploring the rugged coast smell a rich fragrance of wild herbs.
    01GRE-24-10_hikers-harbor-ferry_Lout...jpg
  • A sailboat cruises into the harbor on Thirasia Island (or Therasia), Greece. Across the submerged caldera is Santorini Island. Geologic and human history of Santorini: Humans first arrived around 3000 BC on this volcano known in ancient times as Thira (or Thera). The island was a volcanic cone with a circular shoreline until 1646 BC, when one of earths most violent explosions blasted ash all over the Mediterranean, sunk the center of the island, launched tidal waves, and may have ruined the Minoan civilization 70 miles away on Crete. Remarkably, volcanic ash dumped onto the volcanos flanks actually preserved the village of Akrotiri and its 3600-year-old frescoes from the Minoan era. These are some of the earliest known examples of world art history, which you can now view in museums. In 286 BC, the volcano split off Thirasia (Little Thira) Island (to the West). The volcano began rebuilding, and in 197 BC the small center islet of Palia Kameni appeared. In 1707 CE, lava started forming Nea Kameni, the larger center island which erupted as recently as 1956 and caused a huge earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) which destroyed most of the houses in the towns of Fira and Oia. Fira and Oia have since been rebuilt as multi-level mazes of fascinating whitewashed architecture, attracting tourists from around the world.
    01GRE-11-28_Sailboat-cruising-Thiras...jpg
  • Three oar boats moor in emerald water at Thirasia Island (or Therasia), Greece.
    01GRE-11-02_Three-docked-oar-boats-T...jpg
  • See ruins of Roman and Byzantine buildings at Ancient Finikas (Phoenix), at Loutro, Crete, Greece, Europe.
    01GRE-23-27_Roman-Byzantine-ruins-An...jpg
  • A blue oar boat floats in the green Mediterranean Sea, at Loutro harbor, Crete, Greece, Europe. Published in "Light Travel: Photography on the Go" book by Tom Dempsey 2009, 2010.
    01GRE-23-20-boat-Loutro-Harbor-Crete.jpg
  • A sparkling green creek flows through Samaria Gorge in Samaria National Park, on the island of Crete, in Greece, Europe. The upper portions of the gorge are composed of Triassic limestone and dolomite, and the lower parts are of Jurassic limestone with layers of schist. Walk 16 km through the gorge starting at the plateau of Omalos (1227 meters elevation) down to Agia Roumeli village on the Mediterranean Sea, a beautiful coast accessible only by foot trail and ferry. Expect crowds of fellow hikers on this second most popular hike in Greece. The name Samaria is from its 14th-century church of Osia Maria (Holy Mary).
    01GRE-22-09_Samaria-Gorge-Crete.jpg
  • Tour boats moor in the harbor of active volcanic island Nea Kameni, in the southern Aegean Sea, Greece. The town of Fira perches on 700-foot-high volcanic cliffs on Santorini Island to escape summer heat and pirates of the past. Geologic and human history of Santorini: Humans first arrived around 3000 BC on this volcano known in ancient times as Thira (or Thera). The island was a volcanic cone with a circular shoreline until 1646 BC, when one of earths most violent explosions blasted ash all over the Mediterranean, sunk the center of the island, launched tidal waves, and may have ruined the Minoan civilization 70 miles away on Crete. Remarkably, volcanic ash dumped onto the volcanos flanks actually preserved the village of Akrotiri and its 3600-year-old frescoes from the Minoan era. These are some of the earliest known examples of world art history, which you can now view in museums. In 286 BC, the volcano split off Thirasia (Little Thira) Island (to the West). The volcano began rebuilding, and in 197 BC the small center islet of Palia Kameni appeared. In 1707 CE, lava started forming Nea Kameni, the larger center island which erupted as recently as 1956 and caused a huge earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) which destroyed most of the houses in the towns of Fira and Oia. Fira and Oia have since been rebuilt as multi-level mazes of fascinating whitewashed architecture, attracting tourists from around the world. Published in "Sparks", the newsletter for the Museum of Science, Boston February/March 2006.
    01GRE-10-32_boats-Santorini.jpg
  • Mt. Gingilos rises 6864 feet above the beach (the white mountain at far left) at Agia Roumeli village, at the mouth of the Samaria Gorge, on the island of Crete, in Greece, Europe. Here, our friends Jim and Sharon announced their engagement to be married. Walk 16 km through the gorge starting at the plateau of Omalos (1227 meters elevation) down to Agia Roumeli village on the Mediterranean Sea, a beautiful coast accessible only by foot trail and ferry. Expect crowds of fellow hikers on this second most popular hike in Greece.
    01GRE-22-37_Agia-Roumeli_Crete.jpg
  • Evening light on whitewashed houses in Fira, Santorini Island, GREECE. The town of Fira perches on 700-foot-high volcanic cliffs on Santorini Island to escape summer heat and pirates of the past. Geologic and human history of Santorini: Humans first arrived around 3000 BC on this volcano known in ancient times as Thira (or Thera). The island was a volcanic cone with a circular shoreline until 1646 BC, when one of earths most violent explosions blasted ash all over the Mediterranean, sunk the center of the island, launched tidal waves, and may have ruined the Minoan civilization 70 miles away on Crete. Remarkably, volcanic ash dumped onto the volcanos flanks actually preserved the village of Akrotiri and its 3600-year-old frescoes from the Minoan era. These are some of the earliest known examples of world art history, which you can now view in museums. In 286 BC, the volcano split off Thirasia (Little Thira) Island (to the West). The volcano began rebuilding, and in 197 BC the small center islet of Palia Kameni appeared. In 1707 CE, lava started forming Nea Kameni, the larger center island which erupted as recently as 1956 and caused a huge earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) which destroyed most of the houses in the towns of Fira and Oia. Fira and Oia have since been rebuilt as multi-level mazes of fascinating whitewashed architecture, attracting tourists from around the world. Published in September/October 2005 Sierra Magazine, Sierra Club Outings.
    01GRE-09-05_Fira-Santorini.jpg
  • Harsh climate gnarls alpine trees on Mount Gingilos, in the Lefka Ori (White Mountains) on the island of Crete, in Greece, Europe.
    01GRE-20-05_Mt-Gingilos-twisted-tree...jpg
  • The purplish-red spathe (specialized leaf or bract) and foul-smelling stench of the dragon arum (Dracunculus vulgaris, also called dragonwort, dragon lily, or voodoo lily) attracts flies to the base of its erect, flower-bearing spadix in Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete, in Greece, Europe. The purple spadix can reach over a meter long. With an odor of dung or rotting meat, the Dragon Arum entices flies deep inside into the bulbous chamber of its spathe where the flowers are actually located. The insects can sometimes get trapped overnight but are later freed, covered in pollen to find other flowers for pollination.
    01GRE-20-30_Dragon-Lady-plant-Crete.jpg
  • Ancient Akrotiri, Santorini Island, Greece: pithos (large storage jar) from 1500 BC. Geologic and human history of Santorini: Humans first arrived around 3000 BC on this volcano known in ancient times as Thira (or Thera). The island was a volcanic cone with a circular shoreline until 1646 BC, when one of earths most violent explosions blasted ash all over the Mediterranean, sunk the center of the island, launched tidal waves, and may have ruined the Minoan civilization 70 miles away on Crete. Remarkably, volcanic ash dumped onto the volcanos flanks actually preserved the village of Akrotiri and its 3600-year-old frescoes from the Minoan era. These are some of the earliest known examples of world art history, which you can now view in museums. In 286 BC, the volcano split off Thirasia (Little Thira) Island (to the West). The volcano began rebuilding, and in 197 BC the small center islet of Palia Kameni appeared. In 1707 CE, lava started forming Nea Kameni, the larger center island which erupted as recently as 1956 and caused a huge earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) which destroyed most of the houses in the towns of Fira and Oia. Fira and Oia have since been rebuilt as multi-level mazes of fascinating whitewashed architecture, attracting tourists from around the world.
    01GRE-08-14_Ancient-Akrotiri-pithos-...jpg
  • Sheep flock at Omalos, Crete, Greece.
    01GRE-18-17_Sheep-Crete.jpg
  • Byzantine era Christian Church, at Ancient Thira, Santorini Island, Greece.  Geologic and human history of Santorini: Humans first arrived around 3000 BC on this volcano known in ancient times as Thira (or Thera). The island was a volcanic cone with a circular shoreline until 1646 BC, when one of earths most violent explosions blasted ash all over the Mediterranean, sunk the center of the island, launched tidal waves, and may have ruined the Minoan civilization 70 miles away on Crete. Remarkably, volcanic ash dumped onto the volcanos flanks actually preserved the village of Akrotiri and its 3600-year-old frescoes from the Minoan era. These are some of the earliest known examples of world art history, which you can now view in museums. In 286 BC, the volcano split off Thirasia (Little Thira) Island (to the West). The volcano began rebuilding, and in 197 BC the small center islet of Palia Kameni appeared. In 1707 CE, lava started forming Nea Kameni, the larger center island which erupted as recently as 1956 and caused a huge earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) which destroyed most of the houses in the towns of Fira and Oia. Fira and Oia have since been rebuilt as multi-level mazes of fascinating whitewashed architecture, attracting tourists from around the world.
    01GRE-08-28_Ancient-Thira-Byzantine-...jpg
  • Whitewashed houses in Fira, Santorini Island, GREECE, Europe. The town of Fira perches on 700-foot-high volcanic cliffs on Santorini Island to escape summer heat and pirates of the past. Geologic and human history of Santorini: Humans first arrived around 3000 BC on this volcano known in ancient times as Thira (or Thera). The island was a volcanic cone with a circular shoreline until 1646 BC, when one of earths most violent explosions blasted ash all over the Mediterranean, sunk the center of the island, launched tidal waves, and may have ruined the Minoan civilization 70 miles away on Crete. Remarkably, volcanic ash dumped onto the volcanos flanks actually preserved the village of Akrotiri and its 3600-year-old frescoes from the Minoan era. These are some of the earliest known examples of world art history, which you can now view in museums. In 286 BC, the volcano split off Thirasia (Little Thira) Island (to the West). The volcano began rebuilding, and in 197 BC the small center islet of Palia Kameni appeared. In 1707 CE, lava started forming Nea Kameni, the larger center island which erupted as recently as 1956 and caused a huge earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) which destroyed most of the houses in the towns of Fira and Oia. Fira and Oia have since been rebuilt as multi-level mazes of fascinating whitewashed architecture, attracting tourists from around the world.
    01GRE-08-06_Fira-Santorini.jpg
  • Knossos palace is partially restored at Heraklion (Iraklion), on the island of Crete, in Greece, Europe. Knossos is a Minoan archeological site associated with the Labyrinth and Minotaur of Greek mythology. The Bronze Age palace of Knossos was first built around 1900 BC, destroyed by a large earthquake or foreign invaders in 1700 BC, rebuilt more grandly, then damaged several more times by earthquakes, by invasions, and in 1450 BC by the colossal volcanic eruption of Thera (modern Thira or Santorini). Invading Mycenaeans used Knossos as their capital as they ruled the island of Crete until 1375 BC. Archaeologist Arthur Evans excavated the Palace at Knossos from 1900-1905 and named the Minoan civilization of Crete after king Minos from Greek mythology. Homer's epic poems of the Iliad and Odyssey are the first Greek literature to mention Minos as a king of Knossos, Crete. Minos was son of Zeus and Europa. Every nine years Minos made King Aegeus pick seven men and seven women to go to the Labyrinth to be eaten by the Minotaur, a creature half man and half bull. After his death, legendary Minos became a judge of the dead in Hades. The vast building complex at Knossos is popularly thought to be the site of the Labyrinth, which Greek mythology says was designed by architect Daedalus with such complexity that no one could ever find its exit. Crete is the home of Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoan, which was contemporary with nearby advanced Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures. Water pipes running 18 kilometers from mountains to the Knossos supplied the world's first known flush toilets and sewers by around 1500 BC, when the Minoans reached their peak. Three-story townhomes and the first known paved roads in Europe also indicate a wealthy, organized society.
    01GRE-17-06_Minoan-Knossos-Labyrinth...jpg
  • Oia village perches on volcanic cliffs which rise steeply above Armeni Bay, on Santorini Island, Greece, Europe. Geologic and human history of Santorini: Humans first arrived around 3000 BC on this volcano known in ancient times as Thira (or Thera). The island was a volcanic cone with a circular shoreline until 1646 BC, when one of earths most violent explosions blasted ash all over the Mediterranean, sunk the center of the island, launched tidal waves, and may have ruined the Minoan civilization 70 miles away on Crete. Remarkably, volcanic ash dumped onto the volcanos flanks actually preserved the village of Akrotiri and its 3600-year-old frescoes from the Minoan era. These are some of the earliest known examples of world art history, which you can now view in museums. In 286 BC, the volcano split off Thirasia (Little Thira) Island (to the West). The volcano began rebuilding, and in 197 BC the small center islet of Palia Kameni appeared. In 1707 CE, lava started forming Nea Kameni, the larger center island which erupted as recently as 1956 and caused a huge earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) which destroyed most of the houses in the towns of Fira and Oia. Fira and Oia have since been rebuilt as multi-level mazes of fascinating whitewashed architecture, attracting tourists from around the world.
    01GRE-07-29_Armeni-Bay-cliffs-Oia.jpg
  • A modern copy of the ancient Minoan dolphin fresco is installed in place of the original dating from 1500 BC at Knossos palace, Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete, Greece, Europe. Knossos is a Minoan archeological site associated with the Labyrinth and Minotaur of Greek mythology. The Bronze Age palace of Knossos was first built around 1900 BC, destroyed by a large earthquake or foreign invaders in 1700 BC, rebuilt more grandly, then damaged several more times by earthquakes, by invasions, and in 1450 BC by the colossal volcanic eruption of Thera (modern Thira or Santorini). Invading Mycenaeans used Knossos as their capital as they ruled the island of Crete until 1375 BC. Archaeologist Arthur Evans excavated the Palace at Knossos from 1900-1905 and named the Minoan civilization of Crete after king Minos from Greek mythology. Homer's epic poems of the Iliad and Odyssey are the first Greek literature to mention Minos as a king of Knossos, Crete. Minos was son of Zeus and Europa. Every nine years Minos made King Aegeus pick seven men and seven women to go to the Labyrinth to be eaten by the Minotaur, a creature half man and half bull. After his death, legendary Minos became a judge of the dead in Hades. The vast building complex at Knossos is popularly thought to be the site of the Labyrinth, which Greek mythology says was designed by architect Daedalus with such complexity that no one could ever find its exit.
    01GRE-16-34_Minoan-Dolphin-Fresco-Kn...jpg
  • A Minoan stone room with pier and door partitioning and chair are restored in the Knossos palace, at Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete, Greece, Europe. Knossos is a Minoan archeological site associated with the Labyrinth and Minotaur of Greek mythology. The Bronze Age palace of Knossos was first built around 1900 BC, destroyed by a large earthquake or foreign invaders in 1700 BC, rebuilt more grandly, then damaged several more times by earthquakes, by invasions, and in 1450 BC by the colossal volcanic eruption of Thera (modern Thira or Santorini). Invading Mycenaeans used Knossos as their capital as they ruled the island of Crete until 1375 BC. Archaeologist Arthur Evans excavated the Palace at Knossos from 1900-1905 and named the Minoan civilization of Crete after king Minos from Greek mythology. Homer's epic poems of the Iliad and Odyssey are the first Greek literature to mention Minos as a king of Knossos, Crete. Minos was son of Zeus and Europa. Every nine years Minos made King Aegeus pick seven men and seven women to go to the Labyrinth to be eaten by the Minotaur, a creature half man and half bull. After his death, legendary Minos became a judge of the dead in Hades. The vast building complex at Knossos is popularly thought to be the site of the Labyrinth, which Greek mythology says was designed by architect Daedalus with such complexity that no one could ever find its exit. Published by Thames & Hudson Ltd in the book "Art and Archaeology of the Greek World" by Richard Neer 2012.
    01GRE-16-31mod_Minoan-Knossos-stone-...jpg
  • A cat basks in sunshine near woven rugs, one with an urn design, in the village of Oia on Santorini Island, Greece, Europe.
    01GRE-07-05_Woven-Greek-rugs-kitten.jpg
  • A modern copy of the ancient Minoan dolphin fresco is installed in place of the original dating from 1500 BC at Knossos palace, Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete, Greece, Europe. Knossos is a Minoan archeological site associated with the Labyrinth and Minotaur of Greek mythology. The Bronze Age palace of Knossos was first built around 1900 BC, destroyed by a large earthquake or foreign invaders in 1700 BC, rebuilt more grandly, then damaged several more times by earthquakes, by invasions, and in 1450 BC by the colossal volcanic eruption of Thera (modern Thira or Santorini). Invading Mycenaeans used Knossos as their capital as they ruled the island of Crete until 1375 BC. Archaeologist Arthur Evans excavated the Palace at Knossos from 1900-1905 and named the Minoan civilization of Crete after king Minos from Greek mythology. Homer's epic poems of the Iliad and Odyssey are the first Greek literature to mention Minos as a king of Knossos, Crete. Minos was son of Zeus and Europa. Every nine years Minos made King Aegeus pick seven men and seven women to go to the Labyrinth to be eaten by the Minotaur, a creature half man and half bull. After his death, legendary Minos became a judge of the dead in Hades. The vast building complex at Knossos is popularly thought to be the site of the Labyrinth, which Greek mythology says was designed by architect Daedalus with such complexity that no one could ever find its exit. Published by Thames & Hudson Ltd in the book "Art and Archaeology of the Greek World" by Richard Neer 2012.
    01GRE-16-33_Minoan-Dolphin-Fresco-Kn...jpg
  • A person jumps a bull in this small modern copy of a famous Minoan art work from 1500 BC found at Knossos, Crete, Greece. The original 32-inch high fresco is in the Iraklio (or Heraklion) Archaeology Museum. Artists paint frescoes on wet plaster, which allows dyes to sink in for greater permanence, but requires the artist to paint much more quickly than on dry plaster. This affects the flow of line and style. Knossos is a Minoan archeological site associated with the Labyrinth and Minotaur of Greek mythology. The Bronze Age palace of Knossos was first built around 1900 BC, destroyed by a large earthquake or foreign invaders in 1700 BC, rebuilt more grandly, then damaged several more times by earthquakes, by invasions, and in 1450 BC by the colossal volcanic eruption of Thera (modern Thira or Santorini). Invading Mycenaeans used Knossos as their capital as they ruled the island of Crete until 1375 BC. Archaeologist Arthur Evans excavated the Palace at Knossos from 1900-1905 and named the Minoan civilization of Crete after king Minos from Greek mythology. Homer's epic poems of the Iliad and Odyssey are the first Greek literature to mention Minos as a king of Knossos, Crete. Minos was son of Zeus and Europa. Every nine years Minos made King Aegeus pick seven men and seven women to go to the Labyrinth to be eaten by the Minotaur, a creature half man and half bull. After his death, legendary Minos became a judge of the dead in Hades. The vast building complex at Knossos is popularly thought to be the site of the Labyrinth, which Greek mythology says was designed by architect Daedalus with such complexity that no one could ever find its exit.
    01GRE-16-13_bull-jumping-Minoan-art-...jpg
  • Bell towers and blue-domed Greek Orthodox Churches grace the village of Oia on Santorini Island, an ancient volcanic caldera rim in the Aegean Sea, in Greece, Europe. A cat basks in sunshine near woven rugs, one with an urn design. After major destruction in a 1956 earthquate, Oia town was rebuilt as a multi level maze of fascinating whitewashed architecture.
    01GRE-07-04_Woven-rugs-cat-church.jpg
  • A red Minoan pillar is restored at Knossos palace, in Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete, Greece, Europe. Knossos is a Minoan archeological site associated with the Labyrinth and Minotaur of Greek mythology. The Bronze Age palace of Knossos was first built around 1900 BC, destroyed by a large earthquake or foreign invaders in 1700 BC, rebuilt more grandly, then damaged several more times by earthquakes, by invasions, and in 1450 BC by the colossal volcanic eruption of Thera (modern Thira or Santorini). Invading Mycenaeans used Knossos as their capital as they ruled the island of Crete until 1375 BC. Archaeologist Arthur Evans excavated the Palace at Knossos from 1900-1905 and named the Minoan civilization of Crete after king Minos from Greek mythology. Homer's epic poems of the Iliad and Odyssey are the first Greek literature to mention Minos as a king of Knossos, Crete. Minos was son of Zeus and Europa. Every nine years Minos made King Aegeus pick seven men and seven women to go to the Labyrinth to be eaten by the Minotaur, a creature half man and half bull. After his death, legendary Minos became a judge of the dead in Hades. The vast building complex at Knossos is popularly thought to be the site of the Labyrinth, which Greek mythology says was designed by architect Daedalus with such complexity that no one could ever find its exit.
    01GRE-16-22_Knossos-Minoan-pillar.jpg
  • Oia, Santorini Island, Greece: a blue house looks out to the Aegean Sea.
    01GRE-05-15_Blue-whitewashed-house.jpg
  • Oia, Santorini Island, Greece: blue gate, wired shut
    01GRE-05-12_blue-gate-wired-shut-A.jpg
  • Oia, Santorini Island, Greece: blue church domes and a maze of multilevel houses bask in evening light. Geologic and human history of Santorini: Humans first arrived around 3000 BC on this volcano known in ancient times as Thira (or Thera). The island was a volcanic cone with a circular shoreline until 1646 BC, when one of earths most violent explosions blasted ash all over the Mediterranean, sunk the center of the island, launched tidal waves, and may have ruined the Minoan civilization 70 miles away on Crete. Remarkably, volcanic ash dumped onto the volcanos flanks actually preserved the village of Akrotiri and its 3600-year-old frescoes from the Minoan era. These are some of the earliest known examples of world art history, which you can now view in museums. In 286 BC, the volcano split off Thirasia (Little Thira) Island (to the West). The volcano began rebuilding, and in 197 BC the small center islet of Palia Kameni appeared. In 1707 CE, lava started forming Nea Kameni, the larger center island which erupted as recently as 1956 and caused a huge earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) which destroyed most of the houses in the towns of Fira and Oia. Fira and Oia have since been rebuilt as multi-level mazes of fascinating whitewashed architecture, attracting tourists from around the world.
    01GRE-05-11_Evening_light_Oia.jpg
  • Blue-domed Greek Orthodox Church in Oia village, Santorini Island, Greece, Europe.
    01GRE-04-32_Greek-Church-belltower.jpg
  • Oia, Santorini Island, Greece: colorful red, yellow, and blue shop with porch.
    01GRE-03-35_Colorful-shop-porch-Oia-...jpg
  • Oia, Santorini Island, Greece: a pink gate is labeled with the capital greek letters gamma and sigma.
    01GRE-03-25_pink-gate.jpg
  • Oia, Santorini Island, Greece: rickety blue wood door, locked
    01GRE-02-29_half-blue-locked-door.jpg
  • Oia, Santorini Island, Greece: blue painted wood gate
    01GRE-02-27_blue-gate.jpg
  • Map of Santorini Island, Aegean Sea, Greece, Europe. Geologic and human history of Santorini: Humans first arrived around 3000 BC on this volcano known in ancient times as Thira (or Thera). The island was a volcanic cone with a circular shoreline until 1646 BC, when one of earths most violent explosions blasted ash all over the Mediterranean, sunk the center of the island, launched tidal waves, and may have ruined the Minoan civilization 70 miles away on Crete. Remarkably, volcanic ash dumped onto the volcanos flanks actually preserved the village of Akrotiri and its 3600-year-old frescoes from the Minoan era. These are some of the earliest known examples of world art history, which you can now view in museums. In 286 BC, the volcano split off Thirasia (Little Thira) Island (to the West). The volcano began rebuilding, and in 197 BC the small center islet of Palia Kameni appeared. In 1707 CE, lava started forming Nea Kameni, the larger center island which erupted as recently as 1956 and caused a huge earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) which destroyed most of the houses in the towns of Fira and Oia. Fira and Oia have since been rebuilt as multi-level mazes of fascinating whitewashed architecture, attracting tourists from around the world.
    01GRE-00-30_Santorini-map.jpg
  • Oia, Santorini Island, Greece, Europe: tourists explore narrow  paths. Geologic and human history of Santorini: Humans first arrived around 3000 BC on this volcano known in ancient times as Thira (or Thera). The island was a volcanic cone with a circular shoreline until 1646 BC, when one of earths most violent explosions blasted ash all over the Mediterranean, sunk the center of the island, launched tidal waves, and may have ruined the Minoan civilization 70 miles away on Crete. Remarkably, volcanic ash dumped onto the volcanos flanks actually preserved the village of Akrotiri and its 3600-year-old frescoes from the Minoan era. These are some of the earliest known examples of world art history, which you can now view in museums. In 286 BC, the volcano split off Thirasia (Little Thira) Island (to the West). The volcano began rebuilding, and in 197 BC the small center islet of Palia Kameni appeared. In 1707 CE, lava started forming Nea Kameni, the larger center island which erupted as recently as 1956 and caused a huge earthquake (7.8 on the Richter scale) which destroyed most of the houses in the towns of Fira and Oia. Fira and Oia have since been rebuilt as multi-level mazes of fascinating whitewashed architecture, attracting tourists from around the world. For licensing options, please inquire.
    01GRE-02-13_Tourists-Oia-alley.jpg
  • Greek Orthodox Church in Oia village, Santorini Island, Greece, Europe.
    01GRE-02-12_Greek-Church.jpg
  • Fantastic rock spires of Meteora rise above Kastraki, near Kalambaka, in central Greece, Europe. Meteora (which means "suspended in the air") is a complex of six Eastern Orthodox Christian monasteries built by medieval monks on natural rock pillars. The sandstone and conglomerate of Meteora were formed in the cone of a river delta estuary emerging into a sea about 60 million years ago, then later uplifted and eroded into pinnacles. The isolated monasteries of Meteora helped keep alive Greek Orthodox religious traditions and Hellenic culture during the turbulent Middle Ages and Ottoman Turk occupation of Greece (1453-1829). UNESCO honored Meteora as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Visit early in the morning and in the off season to avoid crowds.
    01GRE-41-16_rock-formations-Meteora.jpg
  • At Litohoro, Greece, see a circular mosaic with triangular patterns dating from 200 AD at the Roman Baths at Ancient Dion which, at the foot of Mount Olympus, was the sacred city of the Macedonians, who worshipped Olympian gods.
    01GRE-45-17_mosaic-Roman-Bath-Ancien...jpg
  • Roussanou Monastery (Holy Monastery of St. Barbara) was founded in 1545 AD and now hosts a Greek Orthodox Convent at Meteora, Greece, Europe. Meteora (which means "suspended in the air") is a complex of six Eastern Orthodox Christian monasteries built by medieval monks on natural rock pillars near Kalambaka, in central Greece, Europe. The sandstone and conglomerate of Meteora were formed in the cone of a river delta estuary emerging into a sea about 60 million years ago, then later uplifted and eroded into pinnacles. The isolated monasteries of Meteora helped keep alive Greek Orthodox religious traditions and Hellenic culture during the turbulent Middle Ages and Ottoman Turk occupation of Greece (1453-1829). UNESCO honored Meteora as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Visit early in the morning and in the off season to avoid crowds.
    01GRE-44-19_Roussanou-Monastery-rock...jpg
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