Greek mountain villages: places of refuge in an uncertain world

Since World War 2 in Europe, village populations have generally declined. In Greece, ancient towns and villages built as refuges in turbulent times have lost population. The high-altitude mountain villages in Greek Macedonia, originally built to escape invaders, also became refuges in World War 2. Presently, any current-day tourist visiting the area would wonder about the decline of these picturesque villages, unaware of their brutal past. In the Peloponnese, Monemvasia, once a thriving wine-exporting city of 40,000 people fell into ruins after wine production was suppressed under Islamic rule. Barely visible terraces, over-grazed by goats, are now barren. The country bears environmental scars of centuries of hardship. Since the global Financial Crisis, Greek welfare payments have been slashed, while in 2013 60% of workers under 24 were unemployed. However, loyalty to the villages continues. Every winter Greeks descend on the villages to take part in traditional activities coming back to Greece from places as far away as Australia, to harvest olives and renew family ties. Greeks are renewing their subsistence agriculture. Despite current hardships, a village resurgence may result.