Though elevated as the birthplace of Western political and philosophical ideals, Greece is a nation struggling to reclaim a relevance even remotely parallel to its past. The great poets, philosophers, and political leaders of once upon a time are now long gone, and Greece has been overshadowed by its own myth. People of the Far West will often find Greece rather exotic - any familiarity residing for the most part in the Greek modern mode of dress and in the crumbling architectural remains of what is considered “classical” by Western standards.

The subtleties of Greek culture all have explanations in Greek history. As for so many other societies, the human quest for power has placed the Greeks, at various periods of history, alternately in both a position to influence and to be influenced. At one time a great conquering empire, at the next a conquered one. Commerce and mutual trade have also made their mark. Greek culture has been strongly influenced through contact with Turkish, Egyptian, Persian, and Phoenician societies, in addition to having influenced these societies. Outside influences manifest themselves in Greek cooking, as well as in Greek music, dance, and decorative arts. Even still, the particular form a cultural element has taken once introduced into the culture is what makes it uniquely and wonderfully Greek.