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
Areopagus
The ancient Athenian Supreme Court once occupied this rocky hill just northwest of the Acropolis. Judging cases from murder and arson to sacrilege, the court even made decisions on new religious ideas. It is believed that this location got its name from one of two sources, the first being the murder trial of the god, Ares who, according to mythology, was tried on this very spot by Kekrops, King of Athens, for the murder of Allerothios, son of Poseidon. The second theory is that it came from the temple... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Pnyx
At the western side of the Acropolis, located between "Mousseion (Philopappos) Hill", and the observatory, Hill of the Nymphs, lies the rock of the Pnyx. Due to its unique morphology and size, it was selected as the "seat" of the Ecclesia, and the area of assembly for Athenian citizens. It is believed that official functions at the Pnyx began sometime in the 6th Century, during the age of the Reforms of Cleisthenes (508 B.C.). The first archaeological findings here date from the 5th century B.C.... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Ancient Agora
Situated to the north-west of the Acropolis, the ancient Agora of Athens was originally established as the administrative and trade center of the city, thus its name, the Agora, the "trade marketplace." Deep in antiquity, the agora witnessed the procession of Panathinaia, the greatest celebration in the ancient city of Athens, one memorializing the unification of all of Attica under King Theseus. Video by fabdrone Inhabited since the pre-historic era, the Agora had become the city center... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Academia Platonos
Academia Platonos, is an Athenian neighbourhood that has experienced intense industrial and residential development. Its name derives from two sources, the most recognizable being the famous Athenian philosopher, Plato, the second being a local Greek hero by the name of Akademos. Founded by Plato in 387 B.C., the Academy thrived during the years of the Neo-Platonic philosophers, until being permanently closed in 529 B.C., by Emperor Justinian, who shut down all other Athenian schools as well. Inhabited... διαβάστε περισσότερα
The Archaeological Site of the Temple of Athena Afaia, Aegina
From its perch atop a pine-covered hill on the island of Aegina, the imposing temple of the Afaia watches over the sea. Built in the early 6th Century to replace an earlier Doric temple, this well preserved structure, located on the northeast side of the island, is dedicated to Afaia, a deity related to the Cretin goddess, Britomartis-Diktynna. The original, Doric-style structure was built from local limestone, with a double internal colonnade and a pitched roof with tiles made of Parian marble. Its... διαβάστε περισσότερα
Sounion, the Temples of Poseidon and Athena
The majestic Temples of Poseidon and Athena stand on the rock of Cape Sounion, at the southern tip of the Attica peninsula, their sheer size and beauty causes admiration, whether viewed by sea or land. Used by the Athenians as a place of worship, as well as a fortress guarding the commercial seaways of the Aegean Sea, the Temple of Poseidon could be seen from afar by ships approaching the cape. According to the ancient Greek mythology, King Egeas committed suicide here, leaping to his death after... διαβάστε περισσότερα