Traditional Tales

By: Amelia M. Mills

Among the many things Greece is known for is its ruins, legends and history.

Ancient Greece was a modern-day marvel that fundamentally changed the very way governments work, how religion is perceived, and how society as a whole operates. On my trip there, these were some of the many things that I focused on. It was absolutely stunning to say the least. Buildings such as the Temple of Zeus, the Parthenon and all of Delphi led me to imagine the scope, power and all mighty influence that this land holds over the rest of the world.

I was lucky enough to be able to stay in an Air BnB that was exceptionally close to the majority of ruins, the closest one being the Temple of Zeus. While this is technically not an ancient Greek temple, it is still ancient, just Roman. Most Greek ruins were not destroyed due to natural erosion; for instance, the Parthenon was destroyed by the Ottoman Empire with bombs after World War 1, and the Temple of Zeus collapsed because of earthquakes. The pillars that still stand and the ones they’re rebuilding are not as magical or as monotonous as some of the older structures in town.

The Parthenon is the building Greece is known for. Being able to see this monster of an architectural feat from my window every morning was breathtaking. The Parthenon of Athens, mainly known as the new temple of Athena (the deity Athens is named after), was outstanding. Built into the mountainous rock of the steepest area of the city, made from carried stones and hand-carved marble, the Parthenon is a must see.

Lastly, Delphi was magical. Every square inch of this place was filled with history, stories of the oracle, Sybil’s rock (home of the first witch), the Hellenic games, temples structured for each deity, and of course, a village that lived here. Just breathing in this setting, like the rest of the ruins, felt like I was living in another world, almost as if I was watching myself live in this moment. To be in awe for that long, is an indescribable experience.