Beyond the Acropolis [antikvár]

Preface In the history of Western civilization Greece has played a role gready out of proportion to its size and power. Its inhabitants have never been numerous, nor noted for the ability to impose their will for long beyond the boundaries of their homeland, as the Persians and Romans did so well. Yet in antiquity, Greek thought, art, skills, and goods were valued from Spain to India and from central Europe to Egypt, and their cultural influence remained long after greater military and administrative powers had come and gone again. Greek architectural styles are reflected in innumerable courthouses, banks, and monuments across the Western world. Greek theater eflbrdessly transcends 2,500 years, as anyone who has sat through a play by Sophocles can testify. Greek philosophy, especially in its rational approach to nature, continues to inform Western science and the humanities. Finally, although democracy today is very different from that of Athens in the fifth century B.C., its ancient roots are always recognized, and any occasional misgivings we might have about it were anticipated by Plato, who felt that "democracy gives equality to the equal and unequal alike." Today's Greece offers the thoughtfiil traveler more than its translucent scenery, ancient ruins, and lively tavernas. A few summers ago, out in the hot countryside, we were invited in for water, fruit, and a little talk by an elderly farm couple, as so often happens in this generous and conversation-loving country. Discovering that they had recendy visited a married daugh-