Greek culture has had a profound impact on Western civilization, especially through its contributions to philosophy, art, politics, and literature. Ancient Greece is renowned for its city-states like Athens and Sparta, where democracy, military prowess, and unique social structures took shape. Greek mythology, filled with gods, goddesses, and epic heroes, continues to influence modern storytelling and art. The language itself, Greek, is one of the oldest recorded Indo-European languages, still spoken today in Greece and Cyprus. Greek cuisine, featuring dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava, highlights a Mediterranean diet full of fresh vegetables, olive oil, and seafood. The country's rich history, from the classical period through the Byzantine Empire and beyond, makes Greece a key source of cultural and historical study.