Europe as it was?

Is this something what old Greece might have looked like? Reportedly, the countryside was thickly timbered before population increases led to deforestation. Cedars and pines crawled down to the water's edge, where you could see wild beasts (lions, bears, wolves) cool themselves by the water. Eagles perched on the tops of the tallest trees and gulls and cormorants foraged for fish and scraps. Dolphins and porpoises played in a trireme's wake, and dogs on board the ship barked at other dogs on shore.

If old novels are to be believed, forests like these hid ruthless bandits carrying heavy iron weapons. The secluded cove around the corner might have harboured pirate ships lying in wait for merchants or easy victims.