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The beginning of monumental Greek art, with the first marble temples and sculptures. These earliest sculptures of young men and women, called koroi , and made for religious purposes, were heavily influenced by Egyptian art: stiff and still, with muscles and facial features carved mostly as decorations to the form.

Ancient Epicurean classics, such as suckling pig stuffed with liver, apple, chestnuts and raisins, are served here, much as they would have been back in the 3rd century BC.

The Syracusan-born Greek mathematician Archimedes (287–212 BC) invented an ingenious water pump, which became known as Archimedes’ screw. It consisted of a tube coiled around a rod, which is set at an angle, with the bottom end in water and a handle at the top. When the handle is rotated, the entire device turns and the tube collects water which is thus transported upwards.

The themed rooms sound kitschy, but most manage to work. The “Bridal” has a huge canopy bed draped with sheer white linen; the “At Sea” is decorated like a boat; while adventurous couples go for the “Conception”, with a round bed and mirrored ceiling. When not enjoying their rooms, guests can stroll in the pleasant garden.

This high, slippery rock jutting over the Agora is where, for centuries, Athens’ ruling council met.

Believed to be the longest continually inhabited town in Greece, the modern town sits right on top of the ancient one, leaving much to wonder about but little to see. Fortunately, the4th-century theatre and excellent museum are well worth visiting, and, if you have a car, drive to the medieval castles of Larissa and Aspis overlooking the plain immortalized by Homer.

Old factory turned sleek showcase for innovative food. Greek ingredients are twisted with international techniques in dishes like sardine tempura with fig vinaigrette and preserved lemons.

From the gimmicky entrance (playing on the name, “left-right”) to the cheeky toilets, you’re in for a good time. But the real draw is the food. (see Aristera-Dexia)

Using only the finest Greek ingredients, freshly handmade every day, these chocolates are strictly for connoisseurs.

The greatest comic playwright of Greece was a welcome breath of fresh air after the age of the great tragedians. Aristophanes’ raunchy, hilarious Lysistrata , in which the women of warring Sparta and Athens refuse to sleep with their husbands until they stop fighting, is one of the greatest anti-war messages of all time.