Getting Ready

Greece's documented history dates back to the earliest evidence of human habitation, during the Paleolithic period (120,000 - 10,000 BC.).  Ancient Greece impacted the world, as the birthplace of many aspects of Western civilization, including in drama, art, philosophy and science.  Among other things, Greek thinkers invented the concept of democracy and the scientific method, leading to today's modern marvels.

The Greek renaissance began in the 9th and 8th centuries BC, when Greek city-states and the Greek literary tradition of Homeric epics flourished.  During the 5th and 4th centuries BC, Athens emerged as the leading cultural and political city. Once a fortified village entirely contained atop the Acropolis, Athens grew into one of the most powerful city-states of the ancient world.  As a successful trading city, Athens became Greece's leading metropolis, in turn ushering in Athens' Golden Age, the classical period that has had such a profound effect on the development of Western thought. The city's government evolved into the world's first democracy; its leaders rebuilt the city's monuments in marble, and her philosophers and literary figures prefaced the Renaissance and modern thought. Athens' Golden Age was influential but short-lived. The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) against rival Sparta caused the powerful Greek city-states to disintegrate and fall into the hands of Philip of Macedon, then to his son Alexander the Great. The three centuries following Alexander the Great's death are known as the Hellenistic period, when the Hellenist culture flourished throughout the region.

The Roman Empire dominated the region after 146 BC, but Athens was highly respected and was treated well. The Byzantine Empire then controlled the area, followed by Venetian rule in the 13th century, and then the Turks took control in 1453, holding power in Greece until the 19th century.

Greece became an independent country in 1829, naming Athens its capital in 1833. Modern day Greece returned to its democratic roots in 1974, following a military junta in 1967.  Greece joined the European Union in 1981 and hosted a widely praised Olympic Summer Games in 2004.

Helen of Troy

An engrossing, superbly researched historical novel about the mythological Helen, who left her family for true love, and whose legendary beauty had tragic consequences. Buy now

The Colossus of Maroussi

The essence of Greece circa 1939. Miller captures the spirit and warmth of the Greek people and landscape in this tale of a wartime journey to Athens, the Peloponnese, and Corfu with his friend Lawrence Durrell. The larger-than-life characters he encounters seem to drive Miller’s writing to new heights. Buy now

Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea, Why the Greeks Matter

Cahill seeks to makes the ancient Greeks accessible to a modern audience – and succeeds admirably. The author sketches the ancient civilization through the lives and words of a politician, playwright, poet, philosopher and artist in this eloquent, absorbing tribute. Buy now

Songs on Bronze, The Greek Myths Made Real

A lively and artful retelling of the myths of Ancient Greece by Cambridge classicist Nigel Spivey. Compressing the ancient stories into a contemporary language and style, he makes them both dramatic and relevant. Buy now

The Groovy Greeks

These books make history entertaining and memorable for kids by leaving in the nasty parts. This volume discusses the grosser details of Greek medicine, and the gruesome habits of the gods.
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The Lightning Thief, Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 1

The first book in this modern adventure series introduces Percy Jackson, son of a Greek god and a mortal woman, as he discovers he is not only a half-blood, but a pawn in a war between the gods. On his quest to prevent World War III, he and his friends encounter characters from mythology, still alive in the modern day. Fast-paced and playfully written, the story remains faithful to the original myths. Buy now

The Sea of Monsters, Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 2

A magical tree that protects Camp Half-Blood is poisoned, leaving the camp days away from of being overrun by monsters. The only item that can save the tree is the Golden Fleece – but Percy and his friends must sail into the Sea of Monsters to find it. Buy now

The Titan's Curse, Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 3

A magical tree that protects Camp Half-Blood is poisoned, leaving the camp days away from of being overrun by monsters. The only item that can save the tree is the Golden Fleece – but Percy and his friends must sail into the Sea of Monsters to find it. Buy now

The Battle of the Labyrinth, Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book 4

War between the gods and Titans is drawing ever nearer, and Kronons is preparing to invade the Half-Blood Camp. To stop him, Percy and his friends must set out on a perilous quest through the Labyrinth. Powerful enemies and terrible secrets mount as the final war begins. Buy now

The Children's Homer, The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy

Three-time Newbery Award-winning author Colum retells the great adventure stories for young readers. Featuring Helen of Troy, the Cyclops, and other legendary characters, it’s a great introduction to the world of Homer. Buy now

The Iliad

In this brilliant retelling of the classic, popular children's author McCarty recounts in vivid detail the triumphs and defeats of Achilles, Odysseus, and Hector. Buy now

Troy

Told from the point of view of four Trojan teenagers, this highly acclaimed young adult novel puts a spin on the classic “Iliad” by giving it a young and feminist perspective. Buy now

Corydon & the Island of Monsters

A delightful look at Greek mythology through the eyes of the monsters. Buy now

Ancient Greece Workbook

Featuring fun activities like stickers and quizzes, this workbook introduces young readers to the history and culture of Ancient Greece, from the gods of Olympus to the government of Athens.
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Classic Myths to Read Aloud

Short, suspenseful and recast in vivid, crystal-clear language for kids, these essential Greek and Roman myths can be read in a few minutes each. Buy now

The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus

Illustrated tales of the gods for younger readers by the popular artist and children's book author.
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Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)

Percy Jackson is no ordinary teenager...he’s just learned he’s the son of Poseidon and is accused of stealing Zeus’ ­lightning bolt – the most powerful weapon ever created! With storm clouds brewing, Percy embarks on an incredible cross-country journey to prove his innocence, recover the bolt and prevent a war amongst the gods that could destroy our world! Buy now

A Touch of Spice (2010)

In Greek with English subtitles. A story about a young Greek boy growing up in Istanbul, whose grandfather, a culinary philosopher and mentor, teaches him that both food and life require a little salt to give them flavor. One of the highest grossing Greek films of all time, about food and passion. Buy now

My Life in Ruins (2009)

Georgia is a recently laid-off history professor-turned-travel guide to a motley crew of hilariously crass tourists. She is fed up and ready to give up — until her new confidant Irv opens her eyes and heart to a simple fact: There’s no finer way for a woman to find her kefi (a.k.a. mojo) than to lose herself in the arms of the “Greek god” who’s been hiding right under her nose! Buy now

Troy (2007)

When Paris, the Trojan prince, convinces Helen, Queen of Sparta, to leave her husband and sail away with him, an epic war results between Troy and Greece. This film, a retelling of the classic Iliad, follows the fates of the men involved. Not recommended for the kids.

300 (2007)

Leonidas, the Grecian king who leads 300 of his fellow Spartans into a battle against the overwhelming force of Persian invaders. Their only hope is to neutralize the numerical advantage by confronting the Persians, led by King Xerxes, at the narrow strait of Thermopylae. Buy now

Helen of Troy (2003)

This 4-hour TV miniseries is a powerful retelling of the epic adventure story about a famed beauty and a legendary war.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

Toula is 30. And unmarried. Which means as a nice Greek girl, she's a failure. All her cousins did the right thing – married Greek boys and made Greek babies. So everyone worries: what will become of Toula? Then one day she sees the ultimate unattainable guy and realizes the only way her life will get better is if he gets away from her big, fat Greek family. Buy now

Age of Mythology

This award-winning game transports players to a time when heroes battled monsters and gods dabbled in the affairs of men. Players are cast as one of nine ancient Greek, Egyptian or Norse civilizations, commanding all aspects of their empire from wars to trade routes. Buy now

Percy Jackson - The Lightning Thief

Mythological battles: Pit your team against the outlandish foes and bestiary of the Percy Jackson universe. Buy now

This is primarily a boat trip. You will not need much, and better yet, you get to unpack only once! Dress in summer is casual. Cottons and other natural fibers will be the most comfortable. Bring a light jacket or sweater for evenings. Bring suitable clothing for churches or high end restaurants should you choose to visit any.

Since the kids will be in and out of water, a change of swimsuits and/or a cover up is often handy. You should also bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and flip flops.

We pack board games, cards, art supplies, paperback books and journals.

I bring a 35 mm digital camera with several lenses, and pack inexpensive digital cameras for each child. I also have a daypack for each child for our land excursions.