Cruising the Mediterranean: Experiencing Its Rich History and Culture

The Mediterranean region is rich with culture and history. Much of western artistic and literary tradition can be traced to the Mediterranean region where ancient Greek and Roman civilizations set the standard for philosophy. Further into the west, Hebrew and Arab cultures have also influenced nations along the Mediterranean Sea. The region is vibrant and colorful, and going on a Mediterranean cruise can allow people see it all in one go.

The journey begins in the Iberian Peninsula, which cradles Portugal and Spain. The Peninsula was called Iberia by the Ancient Greeks, describing the entirety of the peninsula, setting the Pyrenees as the border. The term Hispania, however, was given by the Romans who have largely influenced the culture and the language. The “Romantic” Spanish language was borne from the Latin influence; this is also why Hispanic America is also called “Latin” America.

The expansion of the Roman Empire in ancient times was what influenced A Lot of the Mediterranean in the first place. Evidence of this can be seen when cruise passengers visit Rome and Naples in Italy. This is where history’s greatest philosophers and poets came from. One may be reminded though that the culture of Rome is in turn, largely influenced by Greece.

Both the Greeks and the Romans have influenced France formerly known as Gaul, which was famously conquered by the Romans until it came under the Franks, ultimately giving the country its modern name. Provence, in particular, was visited by the Greeks. Greek pottery was found in near Toulon. The region is an important trading port for Greek and Roman peoples, as cruiser passengers gain knowledge from tours with all inclusive cruise packages.

The next stop in the best cruise deals is Greece, which is located in the Balkan Peninsula with an archipelago making up the country’s important cities, including those recorded in antiquity. The island of Mykonos, for example, is part of mythology as the battlefield in a war between the Olympian gods and the Titans. It also has nearly proximity to Delos, formerly known as Delphos, the sacred island of the legendary Oracle of Delphi.

Turkey also shares its history with Greece as travelers would gain knowledge in all inclusive cruise deals. Turkey, known to Ancient Greeks as Asia Minor, hugs the Black, Mediterranean, and Aegean Seas. It is practically the gateway between east and west. Modern Turkey bears heavy influence from Greek and Arabic cultures.

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