Ages 9 to 14 years. This book introduces young readers to this ancient land of rugged mountains and sunny islands surrounded by the sea. The country's fascinating history is described in exciting detail including the rise of the Greek city-states, the Golden Age of Athens, and Sparta, the warrior state. Topics include: the origin of democracy in Athens; the exploits of Alexander the Great; Greece's exciting cities; tourism, fishing, shipbuilding, and olive farming; endangered wildlife; how acid rain is slowly destroying many of Greece's ancient marble monuments.