They were the pioneers of democracy, philosophy, and drama. But the ancient Greeks also had a knack for inventing things that we take for granted today.
From alarm clocks to umbrellas to handshakes, these clever creations have stood the test of time and are still used by millions of people around the world.
But how did they come up with these brilliant ideas? And what secrets do they hide behind their simple appearance?
Here we reveal some of the curious facts about ancient Greece that will astonish you.
Alarm clock
Do you struggle to get up in the morning? Do you rely on your smartphone or your alarm clock to wake you up?
Well, you have the ancient Greeks to thank for that. They were the first to invent a device that could make a sound at a set time.
But their alarm clock was not like ours. It was a water clock, a device that measured time by the flow of water from one container to another.
The ancient Greeks added a mechanism that made a sound when the water reached a certain level. This sound could be anything from a bell to a whistle to a bird call.
The inventor of this ingenious device was none other than Plato, the famous philosopher. He used it to wake up his students for his early morning lectures.
But not everyone was happy with his invention. Some of his students complained that it was too loud and annoying.
Umbrella
The ancient Greeks loved sunny weather. But sometimes they needed some shade from the scorching sun. That’s why they invented umbrellas.
But their umbrellas were not like ours. They were made of bones and animal skins. They were also very heavy and bulky. Only rich people could afford them.
The ancient Greeks used umbrellas for both protection and fashion. They decorated them with jewels and feathers. They also used them as symbols of power and status.
But umbrellas were not only for sunny days. The ancient Greeks also used them for rainy days. They coated them with wax or oil to make them waterproof.
Handshake
The handshake is one of the most common gestures in the world. But where did it come from?
The origin of the handshake can be traced back to ancient Greece. The ancient Greeks used it as a sign of friendship and trust. They believed that by shaking hands, they could show that they had no weapons and meant no harm.
The handshake was also a way of sealing a deal or an agreement. The ancient Greeks had a god of contracts and oaths, named Hermes. He was often depicted holding a caduceus, a staff with two snakes wrapped around it. The caduceus was a symbol of peace and harmony.
The handshake is still used today for greeting, congratulating, or expressing gratitude. It is also a gesture of respect and goodwill.
But be careful how you shake hands. The ancient Greeks had strict rules about handshaking etiquette. They believed that shaking hands with the left hand was unlucky and rude.
These are just some of the curious facts about ancient Greece that show how this civilization shaped our world. The ancient Greeks were not only great thinkers, but also great inventors. They left us a legacy of knowledge and innovation that we can still admire and learn from.
And who knows? Maybe they have more secrets waiting to be discovered…