Welcome to Greece!

Welcome to Greece! Where ∑, π, and ∆ are not just crazy math symbols, but letters in the alphabet. Maybe that’s what Justin needs to do next year; teach Greek for the first month of school. Then when students complained, “It’s Greek to me.” He could say, “Yes, and it’s Greek to the Greeks as well.”

Before you go cursing the Greeks for all those Cs you got in grade school, Greece is also known as the birthplace of modern theater. The Theater of Dionysos was built around 340-330 B.C., and held as many as 17,000 people. The Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, holds somewhere between 12,000 and 15,000 if I’m not mistaken, so yeah, big.

The Theater of Herodes Atticus was built during Roman times. Notice the men working on the seating area. This theater is still functional. That’s what we call lasting power.

It is springtime in Greece, and the wildflowers are in full bloom. They will often cover a hillside in color and will be featured again in future posts.

Considered by some to be the most important building of ancient Europe, the Parthenon, a part of the Acropolis, is known for its beauty and grace. We didn’t know about its love affair with scaffolding… and cranes.

Part of the appeal of the Parthenon is related to its shape. The front has the proportions of the Golden Rectangle. Also, the pillars are built to account for the optical illusion that makes them look out of line. Meaning the pillars are actually not in a straight line, but to the eye they appear to be.

The weight of this structure, known as the Erechtheion, is supported by a group of maidens known as Caryatids.

Reconstructed by a Ph.D. archaeologist, or a grown up with some unresolved Lincoln Log issues -- you be the judge.



This structure was part of the Roman Agora, the ancient marketplace used when the Romans were running things. Goodnight moon!

What!?! The Parthenon without scaffolding? No, this is the Temple of Hephaestus. It is located in an area called the Ancient Agora, which was the center of commerce and social life in ancient Athens, used before the Roman Agora was built.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is Greece’s largest temple, although only a few of its original 104 columns are still standing. It took over 700 years to build.