GREECE ~ Socrates Quote ~

... "One thing that I know very well is that I know nothing"... an interesting and powerful quote by Socrates... there is no significant explanation from Socrates regarding to the quote... it is an opened door to think and analyze... there are so many interpretations and discussions... he was by far one of the most important philosophers... famous for questioning everything in life and the world... however, he wrote no works of his own... therefore we come to know about Socrates’ life and teachings through his student and friend Plato... all this *philosophical thinking* is a bit to complicated for me🤔😓... Thanks a lot Gian Luca and Raffaella! (✿ ♥‿♥)

Socrates was born circa 470 BC in Athens. He was a classical Greek (Athenian) philosopher credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, and as being the first moral philosopher of the Western ethical tradition of thought.

Socrates was 70 years old when his trial and execution took place. This was in 399 BC. The trial happened because according to his accusers, Socrates was “refusing to recognize the gods recognized by the state”, and “corrupting the youth”. Because he had an anti-democratic point of view.

He had three hours to present his case and to defend himself, instead, he presented philosophical ideas which the 500 members of the jury refused to understand. He was also given the option to get exiled from Athens. But he declined the offer. Thus, Socrates was given a cup of poison hemlock to drink. And that made him his own executor.

Stamp:

Tourism
(Issued 08-08-2014)

GREECE ~ Lion Gate - Mykines - UNESCO ~

... Impressive view of the historical entrance to Mykines... one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece... they form parts of its fortified walls which once stood 18m high and 6 to 8m thick...  today Mykines contains several well-preserved sites... the ruins are a mix of history and myth... this great Ancient Greek city is linked to several works of cultural significance, including the Odyssey and the Iliadin... it was also the Kingdom of the King Agamemnon who was the leader of Greece in the Trojan War... Thanks a lot Athina! ❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

Mycenae is an archaeological site near Mykines located in Argolis, north-eastern Peloponnese. It was once the city at the centre of the Mycenaean civilization between 1600BC and 1100BC and this ancient citadel site sit on top of a rocky 278m hill. The citadel is half-hidden in a mountain recess between two triangular peaks: Profitis Ilias (750m) and Mount Zara (600m).

The Lion Gate guards and provides the main access to the citadel. The two lions arranged symmetrically around a column is the first example of representational monumental sculpture in the European continent. The relief sculpture is carved of gray limestone, but the heads of the lions were added on (probably made of steatite or metal) and have been lost since antiquity.

The gate was closed by a double, heavy wooden door which were secured by a sliding bar. It is dated to about 1249 BCE, and it was added during the second building phase of the citadel.

The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are on the UNESCO WHS list since 1999.

Stamp:

The 190th Anniversary of the Hellenic Army Academy
(Issued 15-06-2018)

GREECE ~ Esfigmenou monastery - Mount Athos - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of one of the many monasteries on Mount Athos... they have some of the world's most significant examples of Byzantine art, Orthodox icons, and both religious and literary treasures.. only males are allowed visiting Mount Athos... the number is limited to only ten permits a day for non-orthodox visitors (foreigners) and 100 for Greeks and Orthodox visitors... women can admire the magnificent monasteries by cruising along the west coast... although isolated from the outside world, Athos has been the home of many influential monks and has had a significant impact on the development of the Orthodox tradition... Thanks Sylvie!!❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

Mount Athos -commonly known as the Holy Mountain- is the spiritual capital of the Orthodox Christian world since 1054, consisting of 20 monasteries, 12 skites, and about 700 houses, cells or hermitages. It lies on a peninsula in the Aegean Sea dominated by the majestic 2,000m conical peak of Mount Athos.

Mount Athos forms a self-governed monastic state within the sovereignty of Greece. Spiritually, it comes under the direct jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou was founded around the 10th or 11thC and rest on the northwestern coast of the peninsula of the Holy Mountain. The Monastery 's main church is dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord having eight chapels and seven exterior ones. Esphigmenou ‘s Monastery has suffered various times of pirate’s raids and destructive fires.

Mount Athos has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Stamp:

World Bee Day
(Issued 20-05-2018)

GREECE ~ Oia - Santorini ~

... And the surprises keep coming with postcards of the most breathtakingly beautiful Greece islands💙...  Santorini is a well-known island of the Cyclades with iconic cliffside setting ... picturesque Oia is famous for its magical sunsets... with its windmill, narrow streets, blue domes and typical "cave houses"... to this day laws protect the natural and architectural beauty of the town from modern manifestations, such as public electrical wires... Big Thanks dear Glenn for taking me with you on your cruise holiday!! (>‿♥)

Santorini (known locally as Thira) is the remnant of a volcano in the middle of the sea, which in the last 2 million years has erupted at least 12 times.  As a result of devastating eruptions that this island gets its unique shape like a crescent moon.

According to legend, the island is formed from a strip of land that was thrown into the ocean from the Argo, the ship of Greek mythology.

Oia is a small community on the island. Along the cliff of Oia, houses have been delved into the porous volcanic rock (left over from a large volcanic explosion many years ago that sunk the center of the island).

Parts of these houses are visible and the scenery that results from it is generally perceived as being typically Greek.

Stamp:

Greek Personalities Living Abroad
(Issued 01-09-2016)

GREECE ~ Mykonos ~

... Another famous Greek islands and popular holiday resort... the white pearl of the Cyclades Islands... crystal clear sea... white houses with their balconies directly overlooking the Mediterranean... a fleet of small fishing boats casting colourful reflections in the azure waters... view of the windmills standing imposingly on the hillside above, set against a luminous blue sky... this “Island of the Winds” is a paradise for water sport enthusiasts...300 days of ☀️sunshine☀️... Need I say more? Thanks so much Glenn!ツ

Mykonos is part of the Cyclades almost in the centre of the Aegean Sea.

In Greek mythology, Mykonos was named after its first ruler, Mykonos, the son or grandson of the god Apollo and a local hero.

Also according to mythology, the island was the place where Heracles killed the giants. The rocks around the island are supposedly their corpses!!!

Stamp:

Greek Personalities Living Abroad
(Issued 01-09-2016)

GREECE ~ Corfu ~

... A pile of postcards and a laptop that doesn't start up ... frustrating😒... fingers crossed🤞 everything is back to normal... so here is *finally* the beautiful aerial view of the Old Town of Corfu, fortress and nearby marinas...  a picturesque Greek paradise... it attracts more than one million tourists per year and has become a favorite destination for summer holidays (also for a lot of Belgian people) ... with many historical and religious monuments, lush greenery, olive trees and splashed by turquoise waters... Big Thanks dear Andrene!! \_(♥‿♥)_/



Corfu (Kérkyra) Island is the second largest of the Ionian island group, the major town is Corfu. The island is located in the northern Ionian Sea, opposite the coast of the Greek mainland and is the westernmost part of Greece.

It is an island with a long history, and has been notable in Greek culture and tradition for over 3000 year.

Historically Corfu has been controlled by many foreign powers, notably the Venetians, French, and British.






Photo by Stavros & Kostas Marmatakis






Stamp:

The Seven Wise Men of Antiquity
(Issued 27-07-2017)

GREECE ~ Acropolis of Lindos - Rhodes - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of the most important tourist attractions on the island of Rhodes, the ancient city of Lindos.... above the modern town rises the acropolis of Lindos... a steep footpath climbs the 116m high rock to reach the beautifully preserved Acropolis... from the acropolis you have on one side the magical views of the surrounding harbours and coastline...on the other side is the bay of St. Paul, where according to tradition, the Apostle Paul came ashore in the year 57 AC... Thanks so much Andrene!! (✿ ♥‿♥)

The Acropolis of Lindos is a citadel or fortress that according to history was designed to defend and protect a place against external attacks. These citadels are constructed on hills since the view is better and easier to see if someone or a group is fast approaching. The ancient citadel, was exploited not only by the ancient Greeks but also by the Romans, the Byzantines, St. John’s Knights and finally by the Turks.

The walls surrounding the Acropolis are the remnants of the Knights Headquarters built here in the 14thC. Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences can be observed in the various structures that survive, but the most notable ones are the Hellenistic Stoa (200 BC) and the Doric-style Temple of Athena of Lindos (around 300 BC).

Stamp

Tourism
(Issued 08-08-2014)

GREECE ~ Temple of Poseidon - Sounion - UNESCO (tentative) ~

... Amazing sunset view of one of Greece’s most impressive archaeological sites and most photographed monuments....  the temple of Poseidon, the God of the Seas in Greek Mythology... perched high on the sea cliffs with magnificent panoramic view of the Aegean Sea.... it was a place where mariners, cities and states were making sacrifices to Poseidon.... the site was chosen for its direct relationship with the sea, since this was the last piece of land seen by ships departing from Athens and the first on returning from their voyage... it is a popular day-excursion for tourists from Athens, as they can watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea from the ruins, a magical moment... Thanks a lot Rafael!! ❁◕ ‿ ◕❁

Cape Sounion (Cape of Columns") is situated at the southernmost tip of the Attic peninsula.

The temple was constructed  between 444 and 440 BC, this was during the ascendancy of Athenian statesman Pericles, who also rebuilt the Parthenon in Athens, and it is perched above the sea at a height of 60m. It is made of locally quarried white marble. The architect is thought to be Ictinus (or Iktinos), who built the Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient agora in Athens.

The remnants of the temple’s marble sculptures are now displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and the Mineralogical Museum of Lavrio, with one column on display at the British Museum in England.

Stamp:

The Seven Wise Men of Antiquity
(Issued 27-07-2017)

GREECE ~ The Medieval City of Rhodes - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful nightview of one of the oldest inhabited medieval towns in Europe... with its famous archaeological ruins and pretty beaches a major tourist attraction... a place with many ancient wonders... this castle is one of the few examples of Gothic architecture in Greece... Thanks a lot Simone!!【ツ】

Rhodes is a Greek island situated in the south-eastern Aegean Sea, on the borders between two worlds, east and west. Rhodes Town, founded in 408 BC, lies on the northern tip of the island of Rhodes in the Dodecanese.

The castle was built within the Old Town walls at the beginning of the 13th century AD by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, it consists of over 150 rooms (only a few are open to the public) and a conference room that often hosted summits for the European and world leaders. Today it attracts visitors from around the world as it houses the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes.

Stamp:

Greek Personalities Living Abroad
(Issued 01-09-2016)

GREECE ~ Westside of the Parthenon - UNESCO ~

...Beautiful view of the most famous surviving building of Ancient Greece and one of the most famous buildings in the world....Thanks a lot Rod!!

The Parthenon is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron. Construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at the height of its power. It was completed in 438 BC although decoration of the building continued until 432 BC.

It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece, generally considered the highlight of the Doric order. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of Greek art.

The Parthenon is regarded as an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece, Athenian democracy and western civilization.


Stamp:
 Railways of Greece - Trains
(Issued30-03-2015)

GREECE ~Lefkada Lighthouse~

...Wonderful lighthouse view standing on the edge of a high cliff above the clear Mediterranean blue sea...Thanks a lot Violetta!!


With nice stamp:
Geography and Meteorology Sport (Outdoor activities)
Issued 25-06-2012

Lighthouse and cliffs on Cape Lefkadas, the most Southern point of the Island.

This lighthouse was manufactured in 1861. The lighthouse is built on one corner of the 14th century Byzantine fortress of Santa Maura, which is otherwise in ruins.

Lefkada is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea on the west coast of Greece, connected to the mainland by a long causeway and floating bridge.

GREECE ~Mt Pelion - Makrinitsa~

...Pittoresque view of a beautiful village...It's been almost a year ago since my last received postcard from Greece...It seems to become a "Hard-to-Get country"... eventhough Greece a favourite  holiday destination is for many Belgian people!!^__^ Thanks a lot Ulrike!!

With nice stamp:Geography and Meteorology
Sport (Outdoor activities) Issued 25-06-2012

...

 Makrinitsa also called "the balcony of Pelion" is one of the most beautiful and famous villages because of its amazing view due to it location. (630m above sealevel, looking over Volos and the Pagasetic Gulf).
All the climbing streets are stone paved.

GREECE ~Santorini~

My first official postcard from Greece (GR-24620)... A wonderful mapcard... Greece is amongst the most popular holiday destinations for Belgian people... Thanks a lot Debra!!

Love the stamps too!!

The island of Santorini or Thira is located in the Cyclades islands, in the middle of the Greek Islands of the Aegean Sea. Santorini is, along with Mykonos and Crete, the most famous holiday destinations in Greece. It is a small group of volcanic islands and its name refers to to Saint Irene. Called also Strongili and Kalisti, the island was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the world and what remains today is a submerged volcano and a caldera. The island of Santorini is related to the myth of Atlantis, the amazing views from the villages of Fira, Oia perched on cliffs, santorinian sunset, the black and red beaches, the wine...

GREECE ~Crete~

The old Venetian harbour and the lighthouse of the 16C in Rethymno, Crete. It is the only lighthouse in Greece that has got Turkish/Othomans' appearance and is really unique.

GREECE ~Kos~

GREECE ~Kos~
Originally uploaded by gerda_dager

Sent by Sabrina. Kos is an island in the Aegean sea and even closer to Turkey than Greece. Known as "The Garden of the Aegean sea" the island of Kos is renowned for its natural beauty.

GREECE ~Kos~

GREECE ~Kos~
Originally uploaded by gerda_dager

Kos is an island in the Aegean sea with beautiful beaches and ruins that dates back for thousands of years. Hippocrates wxas born here 450 BC, he became known as founder of medicine.

GREECE ~Kos~

GREECE ~Kos~
Originally uploaded by gerda_dager

From Sabrina. Kos is an island in the Aegean sea, an arm of the Mediterranean sea between Greece and Turkey.

GREECE ~Kos~

GREECE ~Kos~
Originally uploaded by gerda_dager

From Sabrina. The size of the island Kos is 295 square km. and a population of about 22.000 people.

GREECE ~Kos~

GREECE ~Kos~
Originally uploaded by gerda_dager

From Sabrina. View of the Kipriotis Panorama hotel located in Psalidi 3 km from Kos town.

GREECE ~Kos~

GREECE ~Kos~
Originally uploaded by gerda_dager

From Sabrina. Kos has beautiful beaches and ruins that date back from thousands of years.