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The Classical movement saw lifelike, naturalistic sculptures, balancing vibrancy and idealism. Temples built according to brilliant mathematical proportions rose, adorned with tradition-shattering sculptural reliefs that seemed to break out from the marble, many created by the sculptor Pheidias, a central figure of Athens’ Golden Age.

Statesman of around 570– 507 BC, who abolished the rule of the aristocracy, replacing it with a democratic Assembly.

A work that marries the democratic political structure of Athens with the architectural structure of the Agora.

The isthmus connecting mainland Greece to the Peloponnese frustrated sailors for thousands of years, forcing them to make long, dangerous journeys around the peninsula. Everyone from Alexander the Great to Roman emperors Nero and Caligula tried digging a canal, but success came only in 1893, when French engineers dynamited their way through the rock. Boats take about an hour to make the 6-km (4-mile) journey.

The prehistoric Cycladic civilization flourished on the islands of Naxos, Paros, Amorgos, Santorini and Keros (which form a rough circle in the Aegean, hence the name) for 1,000 years before mysteriously disappearing. It left behind hundreds of marble figures: most are elegant, angular, minimalist female figures, probably used in a goddess or fertility cult.

Built in the 6th century, this beautiful monastery church has been used in the course of its life as a prison, insane asylum and army barracks, as well as a revered place of worship. And, like so many churches in and around Athens, its foundations rest upon an ancient temple, this one to Apollo. The magnificent mosaics and awesome vaulted dome are being restored, and the church is hoping to reopen in 2006. (see Dafni)

Demokratia (“power to the people”) as a form of government was first introduced in Athens under Cleisthenes (570–507 BC). All free, male, adult citizens of Athenian birth were entitled to attend the Assembly – which met on the Pnyx Hill – and thus participate in political decision-making. The Assembly gathered about 40 times a year, and 6,000 citizens needed to be present to make a vote valid.

The greatest Greek orator (384–322 BC) overcame a speech impediment by talking with pebbles in his mouth.

In the 7th century BC, Draco instituted the first Code of Law: even trivial crimes incurred the death penalty, hence the term draconian.

The 4th-century BC Theatre of Epidauros is one of the best sites in Greece, marvellously preserved and with astounding acoustics (see Hellenic Festival (Jun–Sep)). Outside the theatre is the sprawling Asklepion, an ancient spa and resort devoted to Asklepios, the god of health.