The Columns of Olympian Zeus, Olympieion
Visible to the southwest of the Acropolis, is the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Construction began in the 6th century B.C., during the rule of the tyrant of Athens, Peisistratus. But construction was halted throughout the era of the Athenian Democracy, as the temple was deemed a symbol of tyranny. Later, during the Hellenistic period, there was an attempt to resume construction, by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, King of Syria, but work was once again terminated when he died. Still only half-finished, serious... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Stoa of Attalos
The impressive Stoa of Attalos, is the restored building located on the eastern side of the Ancient Agora. Now protected as part of the archaeological site, the stoa was named after King Attalus II of Pergamon, who gave it to the city as a gift. Erected over a span of twenty-one years, between 159 and 138 B.C., the stoa was, at the time, the longest free-standing, roofed building in the city. Built to house the city’s commercial activities, the two-story structure was 120 meters long, with 21 stores... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Roman Forum
Situated in the historic Athenian neighbourhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki, the Roman Forum was built during the rule of the Roman Emperor Augustus, between 19 and 11 B.C. to house the city's trade center. Later, under the rule of Emperor Hadrian, the Forum was restructured and expanded, with its main yard being paved. Major landmarks in the area include the Horologion, built by Andronicus of Cyrrhus (also known as “Tower of the Winds”), and the Forum's western gate, which has been well preserved. The... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Hill and the Monument of Philopappos
Philopappos Hill, or "Mousseion Hill" as it was known in antiquity, is situated northwest of the Acropolis rock. Named after Philopappos, grandson of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, King of Syria, the hill was honored with the title of this Roman consul, who was a great lover of the city. Declared an Athenian citizen in the late 1st Century, Philopappos was bestowed with various offices. During excavations by archaeologist Konstantinos Travlos, he uncovered an ancient monument that turned out to be the actual... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Theseum, Temple of Hephaestus
The Temple of Hephaestus at the Ancient Agora is the best preserved and restored ancient temple in Athens. Built during the Golden Age of Athens in 450 B.C., it is believed to have been constructed, either by Iktinos or, possibly by someone else, whose name was lost to antiquity. But based on similarities in design, it has been surmised that the architect who built the Temple of Hephaestus, more than likely designed the identical temples of Poseidon in Sounion, Nemessis in Ramnous, and Ares in Menidi.... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Monument of Lysicrates
Located near the Acropolis on Tripodon Street, the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates was erected by the choregos Lysicrates, a wealthy patron of musical performances at the Theater of Dionysus. According to the inscription carved on the monument’s epistylion, Lysicrates built the monument to commemorate the award of first prize in 335/334 B.C. Circular in design, and anchored on a square podium of limestone, the centerpiece is surrounded by six elaborate, Corinthian-style columns made of white Pentelic... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Acropolis
The world-famous Acropolis, the "sacred rock," is a fortified hill towering 156 meters high in the heart of Athens, its summit home to one of the most important historical building complexes ever constructed by man, awe-inspiring symbols of humankind’s quest for balance, reason, justice and democracy, ageless reminders that this is the birthplace of western civilization. It also reminds us that the Greek civilization has thrived here since the prehistoric era. Used regularly by the ancient Athenians... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Theatre of Dionysus
In the Classical era, the Theatre of Dionysus was where Attican drama was taught during the celebration of the Great Dionyssia, one of the major religious festivals of the city. The theatre formed a substantial part of the temple of Dionysus Elephtherios, located below the rock of the Acropolis. Believed to have been built during the rule of the descendants of the tyrant Peisistratus, it underwent so many subsequent alterations and expansions, it became impossible to follow its precise architectural... διαβάστε περισσότερα