Greece and the Greek Islands

Greece is a country whose heritage spans the world. Its thinkers, architects, politicians, athletes, writers and artists all played their part in creating the world we know today. Lying in a key strategic position between Europe, Asia and Africa, Greece is commonly regarded as the cradle of western civilization and its cultural heritage was also of considerable influence in the history of North Africa and the Middle East. Greece's venerable history extends from the Mycenean civilization of the second millennium BC, through the Hellenistic period, the rule of Rome, Byzantium, and the Turks, to liberation and the establishment of the Greek republic in the 1820s. Its legacy is a fantastic mixture of architectural styles and historic locations making Greece a major tourist destination - helped by the warmth of the climate and its population, and its myriad, picturesque islands, whose whitewashed buildings tumble down hillsides to an azure sea. This book covers the mainland and the islands, the historic sites and the areas of natural beauty with stunning photographs and informative text and captions...