Greece is kissed by gentle winds of the Mediterranean Sea and has the warm, balmy climate that all the shores of this inland ocean have. [Sidenote: =Greek colonies=] =261. The Greeks of the Olden Times.= The Greeks were bold people and many of them went on long voyages in their small vessels. These voyages were not for plunder, but for trade and for planting colonies. Under the lead of some brave Greek they made their way to France, to Italy, to Africa, to Asia Minor, and to the shores of the Black Sea. Some of these colonies became rich and prospered greatly. There were so many Greeks living in southern Italy that it was called "Greater Greece." In the island of Sicily stood the largest and most splendidly built city in Greater Greece, called Syracuse. [Illustration: PART OF THE FRIEZE OF THE PARTHENON, THE GREAT ATHENIAN TEMPLE] [Sidenote: =An old Greek myth=] =262. The Brave Deeds of Ancient Greek Heroes.= The story of the Greek heroes was the invention of her early poets. The most famous of these heroes was Hercules, the most powerful man that ever lived, according to story. He performed twelve mighty labors, among them killing with his hands a big lion, and a terrible water serpent or snake which bore many heads. [Sidenote: =The blind singer of Greece=] =263. The Favorite Story of the Greeks.= The favorite tale of the old Greeks was the story of the capture of Troy. It was written by one of their poets, the blind Homer. He told how Paris, son of the king of Troy, stole Helen, the wife of the king of a Greek city called Sparta. Helen was said to be the most beautiful woman in the ancient world. The king of Sparta called upon all Greeks for help. From every city of Greece came bold warriors. The Trojans were great fighters, too. For nine years war was waged under the walls of Troy. The Greek leaders quarreled among themselves and the Trojans drove them to their ships. This united the Greeks, and their great leader Achilles, clad in new armor made for him by the god Vulcan, rushed forth and slew Hector, leader of the Trojans. There was great sorrow among the people of Troy, but they fought on. [Sidenote: =The fall of Troy=] Now Ulysses, another Greek of great fame, had built a huge wooden horse. The Greeks left the horse standing near the walls of Troy. Then they pretended to sail home. The Trojans drew the great wooden beast within the walls of the city. It was full of Greek warriors. They climbed out at dead of night and opened the gates. The Greeks rushed in, slew the Trojans, burned their city, and carried home the beautiful Helen to be queen of Sparta again. The ancient Greeks never tired of telling their children the wonderful story of these brave deeds. =264. Socrates, the Philosopher.= After ages had gone by the Greek nation still flourished, having improved in many ways, especially in art and in education. [Sidenote: =One of the world's greatest men=]