Athens is a city that will leave an indelible mark upon you: its roots can be traced back to Western civilisation, its foundation laid in classical philosophy, and the birthplace of democracy – so no wonder you’ll fall under its spell!
Pottery finds suggest that it was first settled during the Neolithic period (4000 BCE). At around 630 BC, Draco (or Drakon) wrote down a set of laws which established its governance.
The Acropolis
Athens’ cityscape is epitomized by the Acropolis hill, home to its most iconic monuments. Dedicating itself to Athena, this complex represents the embodiment of Greek art and culture with monuments dedicated to god Athena at its core, embodying Greek art through sculptures dedicated to her goddess form and celebrating religious festivals, early cults and significant moments from Athens’ history – as well as being an unparalleled example of blending different architectural orders and styles together in a remarkable fashion.
Mycenae, dating back to 1600 B.C, occupied this site before it became home to Athens in 477 B.C. Little is known of Mycenae’s original palace; what stands today are only its signature structures: Erechtheion and Caryatids, six female figures that support its central column with grace and elegance, becoming symbols of Athens artistry while fulfilling their original role.
Following Athens’s triumph over the Persians, Athens underwent a profound transition. It underwent increasing democratic development and developed into a multi-ethnic democracy; its Acropolis gradually transitioned from being used for royal residence into becoming a shrine dedicated to Athena – reaching its zenith during Archaic periods (6th to 5th centuries BCE).
After Acropolis became a sacred precinct, it became the site of athletic games, music competitions and animal sacrifices. Cults to Athena may have been most prominent at that time; one notable event on Acropolis at that time was Greater Panathenaea festival held annually to honor her goddess status.
The Acropolis monuments have endured for millennia despite war, bombing, explosion and fire damage, thanks to ancient building techniques that ensure their structural integrity and their association with democracy, philosophy and memory of its most celebrated events and legends. Their longevity attests to the exceptional universal value that this historic landmark represents.
The Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora served as the heart of politics, commerce, philosophy and religion in Ancient Athens. It also served as the site for public events where citizens would meet to discuss civic announcements or muster for military campaigns or discuss politics. Furthermore, this public gathering place featured numerous temples and “stoas”, providing gathering places.
In the 6th century BCE, renovation and expansion work was undertaken in the Agora buildings. Renowned architect Phidias created two stunning statues to grace its center while Bouleuterion became the official seat of city council meetings. Additionally, distance measurement on Athens’ Altar of Twelve Gods was rebuilt as well as law courts, city mint, shrines and shrines restored; citizens would gather here at least four times every month to enact laws, hear embassies or plan the defense of Athens.
At this time, Socrates was brought before an Agora court for impiety and sentenced to death by the Greek state. Here is where Aristocles first witnessed plays being performed while watching philosophers and performers; later becoming one of ancient Greece’s greatest playwrights.
Vision of an Agora as a Hub of Human Activity did not last forever. After being severely damaged by Persian invasion in 480 BCE, Herulians in 89 BCE, and Slavic invasion in 580 CE; eventually this area served as residential quarter until 1834 when Athens once more became capital of a newly independent Greek State.
Today the Ancient Agora stands as an archaeological site with several beautiful buildings and relics, most notable of which is Temple of Hephaestus – considered one of the best preserved Doric temples in Greece – originally dedicated to theseus as mythical founder of Athens but later dedicated to Hephaestus as God of Blacksmiths.
The Agora’s ruins are extremely well preserved, providing visitors with an excellent way to learn about Athens’ rich history. Every summer, more than 60 students from American colleges and universities participate in summer training in modern archaeological excavation techniques at this site – leading them to significant finds that have increased our understanding of ancient Greek culture, society, including democracy’s origins.
The Areios Pagos
The Areopagus or “Hill of Ares,” was an outcropping to the northwest of Athens’ Acropolis that served as the city’s highest law court during classical times. Members, known as Areopagites, were selected from magistrates or archons of Athens who voted them into office for life as Areopagites; it presided over murder cases and other serious offenses committed against Athenians; its name commemorated Ares (god of war), whom mythology held against him after trial by his fellow gods for killing Halirrhothius son of Poseidon on this particular spot in ancient Athens.
Areios Pagos was also a place of worship dedicated to war and death. From the IV-VI centuries AD onward, it served as an educational and philosophical center. Later it would become the city cemetery.
Areios Pagos is an iconic tourist attraction in Athens that provides visitors with stunning views of both Acropolis and Ancient Agora. It is an ideal location for photos or simply reflecting upon Athens’ rich history and mythology.
Samartzis and Vadivoulis note that Areios Pagos was forced to depart from an established interpretation of Article 29(1) in order to pass his legislative ban against Hellenes National Party, according to Samartzis and Vadivoulis. According to them, this provision excludes legislative bans on political parties from judicial review of any bill passed into law.
Further, they argue that accepting such bans would constitute authorising militant democracy by way of judicial enforcement, thus undermining constitutional separation of powers and deviating from the principle of legal certainty. This position marks a significant change from Greece’s highest judicial authority’s longstanding position that legislators do not possess an “inherent power” to restrict rights or impose their ideologies upon citizens.
The Areopagus stands as a reminder of Athens’ contribution to modern societies through law and society relationships, making this monument an indispensable landmark of ancient Athens. Acropolis Vision offers the perfect base for discovering more about this complex relationship as many top museums of Athens can be found close by our apartment hotel!
The Philopappou Hill
Athens is an ancient marvel and modern wonder rolled into one. There is no shortage of breathtaking places from which to observe this timeless city; for an especially stunning experience visit Philopappou Hill opposite Acropolis; its pine-shaded setting provides breathtaking scenic vistas that include Pnyx and Hill of Nymphs.
Monument of Filopappos that stands atop this hill is its most striking feature; constructed between AD 114 and 116 in honor of Roman consul Gaius Julius Antiochus Philopappos, who was considered a major benefactor to Athens. A marble-paved path encircles this monument from Dionysiou Areopagitou to Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris Church before leading through Cave of Socrates; believed by some to have been where Socrates spent his final days before his final death by poisoning.
On top of the hill is another two-story structure believed to be an ancient temple dedicated to Muses; although little evidence supports this claim. Additionally, this spot holds remnants of a 4th-century BC defensive fortification on its site.
During the Middle Ages, this hill was known as Seggio Hill (Signore Hill), likely as an allusion to its former name: Signore Monument. As a military position it became famous when Italian General Francesco Morosini fired cannons that almost brought down Parthenon in 1687 (although his plan failed due to improper technique causing decorative pieces from it to strike rocks and shatter).
Today, the hill has become a favorite destination of Athenians who come here for walks through its tranquil environs or visits to its numerous historical monuments. Children often come here on Clean Monday with their parents to fly kites or have picnics on its grassy slopes. Though an initiative proposed fencing the park in was proposed initially, an active movement against this decision led to its being scrapped altogether and now everyone can access its open spaces freely.