Ancient Athens message. ancient city of athens

24.09.2019

Archaeological study of Athens began in the 30s of the 19th century, however, excavations acquired a systematic character only with the formation in Athens in the 70s-80s of the French, German and English archaeological schools. Literary sources and archaeological material that have survived to this day help to recreate the history of the Athenian policy. The main literary source on the history of Athens during the formation of the state is Aristotle's "Athenian polity" (4th century BC).

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The formation of the Athenian state

Hellenistic era

During the Hellenistic period, when Greece became the arena of struggle between the major Hellenistic states, the position of Athens repeatedly changed. There were brief periods when they managed to achieve relative independence, in other cases Macedonian garrisons were introduced into Athens. In 146 BC. e. , having shared the fate of all Greece, Athens fell under the rule of Rome; being in the position of an ally city (lat. civitas foederata), they enjoyed only fictitious freedom. In 88 BC. e. Athens joined the anti-Roman movement, raised by the Pontic king Mithridates VI Eupator. In 86 BC. e. The army of Lucius Cornelius Sulla took the city by storm and sacked it. Out of respect for the mighty past of Athens, Sulla kept them a fictitious freedom. In 27 BC. e. after the formation of the Roman province of Achaia, Athens became part of it. In the 3rd century A.D. e, when the Balkan Greece began to be subjected to barbarian invasions, Athens fell into complete decline.

Planning and architecture

hills

Hill Acropolis.
Areopagus, that is, the hill of Ares - west of the Acropolis, gave its name to the highest judicial and government council of Ancient Athens, which held its meetings on the hillside.
Nympheion, that is, the hill of nymphs, is southwest of the Areopagus.
Pnyx - a semicircular hill southwest of the Areopagus; it originally hosted ecclesia meetings, which were later moved to the theater of Dionysus.
Museion, that is, the Hill of Musaeus or Muses, now known as the Hill of Philopappou - south of Pnyx and the Areopagus.

Acropolis

Initially, the city occupied only the upper area of the steep hill of the Acropolis, accessible only from the west, which served simultaneously as a fortress, political and religious center, the core of the whole city. According to legend, the Pelasgians leveled the top of the hill, surrounded it with walls and built an outer fortification on the western side with 9 gates located one after another. Inside the castle lived the ancient kings of Attica with their wives. Here towered ancient temple, dedicated to Pallas Athena, along with which Poseidon and Erechtheus were also revered (hence the temple dedicated to him was called the Erechtheion).

The golden age of Pericles was also a golden age for the Acropolis of Athens. First of all, Pericles instructed the architect Iktin on the site of the old Hekatompedon (Temple of the Chaste Athena) destroyed by the Persians to build a new, more magnificent Temple of Athena the Virgin - Parthenon. Its magnificence was enhanced by the numerous statues with which, under the direction of Phidias, the temple was decorated, both outside and inside. Immediately after the completion of the construction of the Parthenon, which served as the treasury of the gods and for the celebration of the Panathenaic, in 438 BC. e. Pericles commissioned the architect Mnesicles to build a magnificent new gate at the entrance to the acropolis - the Propylaea (437-432 BC). A staircase made of marble slabs, meandering, led along the western slope of the hill to the portico, which consisted of 6 Doric columns, the gaps between which decreased symmetrically on both sides.

Agora

Part of the population, subject to the owners of the fortress (acropolis), eventually settled at the foot of the hill, mainly on its southern and southeastern side. This is where they were ancient sanctuaries cities, in particular dedicated to Olympian Zeus, Apollo, Dionysus. Then there were settlements on the slopes that stretch west of the Acropolis. The lower city expanded even more when, as a result of the unification of various parts, into which ancient times Attica was divided into one political entity (tradition attributes this to Theseus), Athens became the capital of the united state. Gradually, over the following centuries, the city was also populated from the north side of the Acropolis. Craftsmen mainly settled here, namely members of the respected and numerous class of potters in Athens, therefore, a significant quarter of the city to the east of the Acropolis was called Keramik (that is, the quarter of potters).

Finally, in the era of Peisistratus and his sons, an altar to 12 gods was built in the southern part of the new Agora (market), which was located at the northwestern foot of the Acropolis. Moreover, from the Agora, the distances of all areas connected by roads with the city were measured. Peisistratus also began construction in the lower city of the colossal Temple of Olympian Zeus to the east of the Acropolis, and on the high point hill Acropolis - Temple of Athena the chaste (Hekatompedon).

Gates

Among the main entrance gates of Athens were:

in the west: Dipylon gate leading from the center of the Keramik district to the Academy. The gates were considered sacred, since the sacred Elefsinsky Way began from them. Knight's Gate were located between the Hill of the Nymphs and the Pnyx. Piraeus gate- between Pnyx and Mouseion, led to a road between long walls, which in turn led to Piraeus. The Miletus gates are so named because they led to the Deme Miletus within Athens (not to be confused with the policy of Miletus).
in the south: the gates of the dead were near the hill Museion. The road to Faliron began from the Itonia Gate on the banks of the Ilissos River.
in the east: the gate of Diohara led to the Lyceum. The Diomean Gate got its name because it led to the deme Diomei, as well as the hill of Kinosargu.
in the north: the Acarni gate led to the Deme Akarney.

Ancient city on the site of modern Athens arose in the 15th century BC. It appeared as a result of the unification of several communities that lived in Attica. This region connects the Balkan Peninsula with the Peloponnese Peninsula. It was the center of Greece.

Ancient Athens

The semi-legendary king Theseus, who lived around the 13th century, reformed the Athenian community. From that moment on, it was divided into several classes, including demiurges, geomors and eupatrides. The last of them were aristocrats with large plots of land. Because of this, over time, most of the free population of the city became dependent on these landowners. This is how slavery came to Athens.

In the city, in addition to free and slaves, there was an estate of meteks. They were not slaves, but at the same time they did not have the rights that the aristocracy had. Athens was governed by a council of nine archons, who were chosen from the ranks of the richest and most influential citizens.

Solon's reforms

Ancient Athens, whose geographical position was extremely advantageous, quickly grew rich compared to its neighbors. This has widened the gap between the rich and the poor. The situation called for reforms. Their initiator at the beginning of the VI century BC was the archon Solon.

He belonged to an influential family. Nevertheless, he managed to advance at the expense of his own talents. At first he was known as a poet. At maturity, he became a military leader and led several successful warriors against his neighbors, including Megara.

In 594 BC. e. he became archon. Because of Solon, the broadest powers were given. As a result, he introduced a number of reforms. The sale and purchase of people into slavery for their financial debts to borrowers was prohibited. Thanks to the resolution of wills, the sprouts of private property and a new middle free class appeared. In order for every citizen to pay a reasonable amount of taxes, the entire population of Athens was divided into four categories, depending on the level of income. All these changes served as the foundation for the city to soon become the main political center of all ancient Greece.

Golden Age of Pericles

Another person who did much for the greatness of Athens was Pericles. He began to rule in 461 BC. e. Under him, a system of democracy was established. The state of Athens was the first in the world to adopt this form of government. Since then, all free residents have received the right to participate in politics and vote for those leaders who were more to their liking.

Under Pericles, the development of Athens reached its maximum. The city was the center of ancient culture. Here lived the historian Herodotus, philosophers, sculptors and poets. The city has undergone a radical restructuring. The majestic acropolis and the Parthenon temple appeared - masterpieces of ancient architecture. Among the inhabitants was high percent literate and able to read. Right from that moment Greek language becomes dominant throughout the Mediterranean. Even after the fall of the ancient policies, it continued to be used in science, thanks to which a huge number of modern terms arose in various disciplines. Orators and rhetoricians held public debates surrounded by the most diverse audience.

Athens, whose geographical position allowed the construction of ships, at this time became the center of maritime trade and colonization. From here, adventurers and adventurers set off on a long journey, settled on the shores of Italy, North Africa and the Black Sea.

Rivalry with Sparta

In 431 BC. e. ancient Athens was drawn into a war with its southern neighbor - Sparta. Pericles was still alive, and it was he who directed the first successful stage of the conflict. However, suddenly a deadly epidemic began in the city, the famous king himself became a victim of it.

Later in historiography, the war will be called the Peloponnesian. Greek Athens stood at the head of the Delian League, which also included Samos, Chios and Lesbos. Sparta had tried to dispute with these cities for many years. It differed significantly from democratic Athens. Here, the military class was at the head of power, and all the inhabitants lived in barracks. Everyone knows the cruel practices of this policy, for example, the custom of throwing frail and unhealthy babies off a cliff. So it was a war not only between two political centers, but also between two systems of social organization.

The first period of this armed conflict was characterized by numerous Spartan raids on Attica, while Athens tried to win with the help of the fleet and superiority at sea. In the second half of the war, everything turned upside down. Sparta enlisted the support of foreign Persians and was able to build a fleet. With his help, all the Athenian allies were first defeated. In 404 BC. e. and the great polis itself admitted defeat, as a result of which many years of tyranny were established there. Both Athens and Sparta were weakened. As a result, over time, Thebes moved forward in Greece. However, this period did not last long.

Capture by the Macedonians

In the IV century BC. e. the Macedonian kingdom, which was located north of Greece, rose. Its ruler, Philip II, decided to conquer the southern neighbors, who had been occupied with internecine wars for many years. The inhabitants of Athens united with the citizens of Thebes and met the enemy at Chaeronea in 338 BC. e. The Greeks were defeated.

After that, both Athens and Sparta became part of the Macedonian state. Philip's son great commander Alexander - soon led a huge number of Greeks to the east in order to conquer distant countries. He finally defeated the Persians, who for a long time were a threat to the policies. The new state, which also covered Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, Egypt and bordered on India, did not last long. Nevertheless, within a few decades, all these provinces adopted the Hellenistic culture, the centers of which were the policies of Athens and Sparta. became international.

In Athens itself at this time there was another flourishing of cultural life. The Academy of Plato and the Lyceum of Aristotle were opened.

Roman province

In 146 BC. e. Athens was annexed to the Roman Republic, which later became an empire. Since then, the city has become provincial. Nevertheless, the Romans adopted a lot from Greek culture. This was their peculiarity - they never destroyed local traditions, language, etc. Instead, the Romans took the best from the conquered peoples, drawing them into their orbit of influence in a peaceful way.

The real decline of Athens happened in the III century AD. e., when the Balkan provinces became a target for barbarian raids. Many monuments of ancient culture fell into disrepair and eventually collapsed. The Olympic Games, which were an important and regular event in the life of local Greeks, were cancelled.

Part of Byzantium

With the collapse of the empire into two parts, Athens, whose geographical position corresponded to its eastern half, became part of Byzantium. It was at this time that the local population began to accept Christianity, especially after the edict of Constantine the Great. This led to the disappearance of ancient ancient gods from the mass consciousness. The Byzantine emperors did not like the features of Athens, and they methodically got rid of the symbols of the past era. So in the VI century, Justinian banned the activity philosophical schools, which he considered a hotbed of paganism and blasphemy.

Athens became a provincial city, while Greek became official language empire whose capital was Constantinople. Proximity to the political center allowed the city to survive several centuries calmly. In the 13th century, Byzantium briefly ceased to exist after Constantinople was captured by the Crusaders. Catholics founded several states in Greece. Athens became the center of a small duchy dominated by the French and Italians.

Turkish city

In 1458, the city was captured by Muslim Turks. It became part of the Ottoman Empire for a long time. Several times Athens became the target for attacks by the Venetian Republic, which fought with Turkey for dominance in the Mediterranean. In the XVII century, during one of the sieges, the ancient Parthenon was destroyed.

Modern capital of Greece

Despite the power of the Turks, the Greek nation survived, although, of course, it had little in common with the ancient Greeks. This people had their own orthodox church - christian religion has remained here since Byzantium. In the 19th century, against the backdrop of a crisis in the empire, a Greek national upsurge began. A revolution broke out, which was supported by many European Christian countries. In 1833 there was an independent capital of which Athens became.

After the liberation from Turkish rule, colossal archaeological work unfolded here. A huge number of European experts and historians began to study the remains of the ancient city. At the same time, the restoration of the city began. Famous architects flocked here (for example, Theophil von Hansen and Leo von Klenze), who rebuilt the neglected streets. In 1896, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens.

At the beginning of the 20th century, thanks to the Greek-Turkish agreements on the exchange of population, compatriots from the most distant lands returned to the city. Millions of Greeks were able to visit Athens for the first time. Geographical position capital allowed to accommodate many of the settlers.

During World War II, Athens was briefly under German occupation. Today it is a modern European city with numerous monuments of antiquity and developed infrastructure.

A bit of geography

The city is located on Attica (the south is washed by the Saronic Gulf. Today it occupies almost the entire territory of the plain, so soon the city will have nowhere to grow because of the natural boundaries in the form of mountains and water. But while the suburbs on the outskirts are expanding. The Kifisos rivers flow through Athens, Eridanus and Pirodafni.

There is no city in Europe that looks like Athens. This also applies to ancient monuments, and the most difficult historical path along which the Greek capital passed. Having revived, Athens turned into a modern Cultural Center Greece and a major European city full of contrasts. Antique ruins here coexist with luxurious hotels, and the bustling center is within easy reach of idyllic beaches.

Geography of Athens: what is the capital of Greece

Athens is located in Central Greece (Attica), surrounded by the mountains of Parnithos, Imittos, Pendeli and Egaleo. The city and agglomeration occupy an area of 410 sq. km, and the population with suburbs has more than 3 million inhabitants. Although this figure is arbitrary, because numerous students, repatriates and migrants come to the Greek capital.

The city is divided into 7 districts. However, unofficially it is customary to divide Athens into historical districts, the most famous of which are Kolonaki, Plaka, Monastiraki and Exarchia.

History of the city of Athens

The history of Athens is so ancient that the exact age of the city cannot be established. It is only known that it is the oldest of the currently inhabited cities in Europe. The origin of Athens is connected with mythology. According to legend, they appeared as a result of a dispute between Poseidon and Athena for the right to give the best gift to the first king of the city - Kekrop. The victory was won by the goddess of wisdom, and she became the patroness of the city.

In antiquity, Athens, along with Sparta, played a leading role in the life of Greece. Democracy was formed here, the art of theater became. Outstanding creators, artists, orators and politicians lived in the city-state. Prosperity continued until the Peloponnesian Wars, which resulted in the defeat of Athens. They lost their leading position forever, although they finally turned into an ordinary provincial town with the flourishing of the Roman Empire and the advent of Christianity.

In the Middle Ages, French, Italian and Byzantine knights claimed the right to own Athens. In the 15th century, the city was ceded to the Ottoman Empire. Subsequently, the wars between the Turks and the Venetians further weakened the city - the population decreased, many historical monuments were destroyed.

Only in 1833 the city managed to become the Greek capital and a new era began. The University of Athens, Syntagma Square and national park, the first modern Olympic Games were held.

Today Athens is a metropolis and a major transport hub of Greece with a bright nightlife, ancient monuments, a lot of cultural events. The city has a developed trolleybus and bus network, metro and international Airport, annually receiving 16 million passengers.

Best season to visit Athens

The right time to visit Athens depends entirely on the purpose of the visitor. One thing is for sure: the Greek capital is a year-round destination, attractive in any season.

If you want to explore the city without queues and heat, and also have a large selection of hotels, it is better to come in January-April or October-November. However, keep in mind that during the low season, some restaurants are closed, and attractions change schedules. June-September are considered the busiest months. Numerous crowds of tourists pour into the bustle of Athens. Although there is no better time to combine sightseeing tourism and recreation on the coast.

Athens - attractions

The goal of any tourist in Athens is the Acropolis with many historical monuments. Among the main ones are the theater of Dionysus, in which competitions were held among the authors of tragedies and other cultural events Athens. The outstanding monument of the Acropolis Erechtheion will give a complete picture of the architecture of the Ionian order. And the scale of the Parthenon will allow you to appreciate the works of the best architects and builders of antiquity. All original finds of the Acropolis can be seen in its New Museum, which owns huge collection statues, bas-reliefs and religious objects.

However, beautiful ancient buildings have been preserved not only on the Acropolis. On the Agora, which in ancient times was considered the center of urban life, is the temple of Hephaestus. He survived largely due to the fact that Byzantine times a church was established here. In the southern part of the Agora is the Odeon, reminiscent of a Roman amphitheatre. The Athens Festival is held here every year.

Tourists enjoy spending time in Plaka. This is the oldest district of Athens with colorful architecture, many old buildings, narrow streets and shops. The relaxed atmosphere makes Plaka one of the most charming places in the city.

Cape Sounion is located 65 km from the city, which is worth visiting for two reasons. Firstly, the temple of Poseidon and fragments of the temple of Athena have been preserved here. Secondly, on Sunion you can watch sunsets of amazing beauty. In addition, the cape is shrouded in legends. It was in this place, according to the myths, that Aegeus threw himself into the sea.

Athens: sea and beaches

Near the metropolis there is a row good beaches, to which the Athenians come after a working day or on weekends. The suburb of Glyfada is the most popular destination. The sandy coast of this resort is ideal for family vacation. Some beaches are free, others are well equipped and charge a fee to visit.

In the suburbs of Athens, there is Mati beach and Agios Andreas adjacent to it. The coast is strewn with pebbles, equipped with sun loungers. There are taverns and water attractions.

The beaches of Vouliagmeni are perfect for relaxing after a long day. They are 23 km away from the city. On the coast there are restaurants and tennis courts, playgrounds are equipped. Fans of wild beaches on Vouliagmeni will love the Limanaki place with exotic nature and clear sea.

How to get to Athens

The main transport gates of the Greek capital are the Eleftherios Venizelos airport and the port of Piraeus. The most convenient way to get to Athens is by air. The airport receives regular flights and charters from many countries. Directly from the terminal to several points in Athens can be reached by any of the six plying buses.

Taxi at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport.

Port of Piraeus.

Piraeus connects Athens with all popular destinations within Greece and beyond. From the port to the center you can take buses No. 49, 40 (to Syntagma and Omonia) or prefer the metro (Green Line).

Ancient Greek Athens It is a majestic and revered city. It had a huge number of inhabitants. The area has excellent architecture. Athens is also the center of the arts and culture of the Greeks. Main city Attiki is not located on the seashore, as was customary since ancient times, but a few kilometers from the body of water. The settlement was founded around a large hill, on top of which, in a picturesque area, stood a fortress of unprecedented beauty - the Acropolis.

foundation of the foundations

Legend has it that the city was named after the warrior maiden Athena. She was the goddess of wisdom, patronized the arts and crafts, all kinds of sciences, but at the same time she was a great supporter of battles and fights.
The city was born so long ago that history hides from contemporaries true date. There is evidence that Athens existed during the Mycenean era and even long before it. Athens was sung in his teachings by Plato and his associates.
Athens, like other cities in Greece, was a polis. This city-state reached its peak in the 9th century BC. During this period, Athens was no longer ruled by kings, but by tyrants. But the inhabitants did not see anything wrong with the definition of this name. Translated from the Greek "Tyranos" - the ruler. However, at first everything was perfect, but over the years, the rulers began to take away the most valuable things from people. The population was periodically looted. Since then, the word "tyrant" has become almost a dirty word. By him was meant a cruel ruler.
The inhabitants tolerated tyrants, because they enjoyed the patronage of the nobility and the highest council of elders (Areopagus).
First population
It is believed that at first Athens was inhabited by some Pelasgians, and the first king, according to mythology, was Kekrops. This time is dated 2-3 millennia BC. Later, the Ionians arrived in Athens. By the way, according to legend, the majestic Athena gave the inhabitants of the city an olive tree much later than the moment when the policy began to flourish. So she won honor and recognition. After all, the olive is a symbol of wealth, life. The goddess bypassed Poseidon in the rivalry, who wanted to give the inhabitants of Athens water in order to win their honor and respect and become a recognized ruler. Olive meant more.
Mines flourished in the city, where slaves mined silver, tin and a number of other minerals. Iron deposits were also found not far from the city. Without thinking twice, the Athenians set up enterprises for the extraction of useful metal.
Athens was famous for its ceramic dishes, olive oil, various varieties of honey, and wines. In Athens, marble was mined and processed. All this contributed to the enormous flourishing of trade and crafts. Athens prospered and gained bonuses in economic terms. Here people aspired to whole families, founding and building their homes. So the city grew more and more.

Noteworthy is the reign of Draco. On his behalf, the concept of "Draconian laws" came into modernity. This cruel ruler has established a very dangerous order. According to them, the inhabitants were punished by death even for the most minor offenses. For example, they could take their lives for stealing bulbs.
In ancient times, property inequality reigned in Athens. But in the 6th century BC. this was put an end to. It is all to blame for the growing clashes between the nobility and ordinary poor people. The bloody unrest was suppressed by the election of the archon, who, in the end, thanks to his quick wits, brought general order. Solon abolished the draconian order and began to build a beautiful society, reforming the main areas of Athenian life.

Estates of Athens

According to historians, Solon developed a series of laws, according to which residents received freedom in terms of inheriting property. Benefits were enjoyed by ordinary hard workers - artisans and merchants. Citizens were divided into 4 classes, which depended on their financial situation. All people, regardless of position in society, received equal rights. Any, even not very important questions Policies were decided by the opinion of the majority and only after general discussions.
Solon always defended only the highest stratum - the aristocracy, in the ranks of which there were well-to-do peasants. Under him, only the wealthy held public office. However, at the same time, the poor classes could also decide fate. So, in the 500s BC, some commoners Aristogeiton and Harmodius killed the ruling tyrant, who repaired complete arbitrariness and did not give a normal life to people.
Despite this, the nobility always found an opportunity to unite and lead people in the way that was necessary for her. They rigged votes at meetings of the people, made big bribes, used the services of demagogues (dubious people's leaders).
The flourishing concerned external relations. Athens owned the port of Piraeus. It was the center of trade in the Mediterranean. The policy began to dominate the Maritime Union, which included at least 200 policies. Athens owned a common treasury, which greatly raised the authority of the Athenians.

Great War

In the 400s. BC. Athens was attacked by the Spartans. This epic is called the Peloponnesian War. It lasted for about 30 years. In the history of Athens and Ancient Greece, these were one of the most significant and bloody battles. As a result, the maritime union of Athens could no longer be called a community, and in the city, as a result of a coup, a group of rulers in the amount of 30 tyrants took power. People's Assembly failed.
Athens capitulated to Sparta. The protracted war weakened not only this The largest city Greece, but also most policies. In the same period, a major external enemy appeared on the arena - Macedonia. The ruler of this country systematically approached Athens. As a result, city-states decided to unite. Thus the union was formed:

1. Thebes.
2. Magar.
3. Corinth.
4. Athens.

The battle of the coalition of the Greeks was defeated. After all, the Athenian nobility, in the majority, fawned over Macedonia. Thus began the era of Hellenism in Greece. During this period, the Macedonians took over. They gave freedom to the population only formally. However, the Athenians resisted, thanks to their ancient history. For example, the Roman Lucius pardoned Athens only because they have such rich history. The people were given freedom.

decline

Athens began to gradually decline by the 3rd century BC. The Peloponnesian War completely ruined Greece. Scientists argue that the collapse of Hellenism eventually occurred. One side internecine wars, on the other hand, the advancing Romans. Already at the beginning of our era, the city was not only captured, but also catastrophically plundered by the warriors of Silla. This Roman brought a huge army to Athens, and there was not a single chance left for the victory of the inhabitants of the besieged policy.

Roman domination continued until the 3rd century. At the same time, Athens did not lose its high position in Greece until the German Heruli warriors came and destroyed everything almost to the ground. Only cultural values have been preserved, some institutions, for example, schools. By the way, this time gave the world the most famous Roman emperor Julian, who was just studying at one of the Athenian schools. However, he also closed these schools.
The center of Hellenism "left" to Macedonia, Athens quickly fell into decay. The unfortunately rich city has become more like a periphery, a small village. Population in 500 years. new era was only 20 thousand people.
The subsequent history of Athens is far from rosy, but rather sad. The city was besieged and robbed many times. The Acropolis, which was an unsurpassed palace, lost its grandeur. In the middle of the 15th century, the Turks entered Athens. And they, in turn, had to defend the city from the raid of the Venetians. During that period, it suffered greatly. significant monument architecture of the Parthenon. He practically fell under the shelling of the Venetian guns.
Revival of the capital
Athens became the capital of the state in the early 19th century. Then the city was more like a provincial village, but free from the Ottoman yoke. King Otto, who ruled in those years, ordered to revive the once a beautiful city. Intensive construction began. The design of the architect Leo von Klense was taken as a basis.
Even more quarters appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. Refugees from the territories of Asia Minor came to the city. World War II brought new troubles to Athens. The city was occupied by the Nazis. But with the victory over the Nazis, prosperity and a new revival came to Athens.
Now Athens - the largest metropolis of Greece - the capital Olympic Games. They have been held here again since the end of the 19th century. The millennial glory of this city is not forgotten even now. Even in the 20th century, the city was still shaken by political upheavals, but cultural activity did not stop. In 1981, Greece joined the European Union, which gave the country and, of course, its capital, huge privileges as an investment.
So, Athens to this day remains the cherished dream of those tourists who have not yet had a chance to visit the capital of Greece. Majestic architecture, cultures, traditions, wonderful history. All this is preserved in numerous museums of antiquity.

Public education in Greece

In 338 BC A war broke out between Macedonia and Greece, which was declared Sacred, since the desecration of the lands belonging to the Delphic sanctuary by the inhabitants of Amfissa served as the reason for its beginning. In August, King Philip, at the head of the entire Macedonian army, entered Hellas.

Crete. Fortetza - Venetian castle in Rethymnon

Going on a trip to Crete, be sure to visit the Venetian castle of Fortetza in the city of Rethymno. The fortress rises on the hill of Paleokastro (Old Castle), which is located in the center of the ancient settlement. You can see the castle from almost every point in the city.

Athens. City of great poets and philosophers.

The city of Athens is the capital of Greece, the heart of culture, which has preserved many monuments of ancient civilizations. We do not know of another city in the world that would have the history and, above all, the glory of the city of Athens. Blessed not only by nature, but also by the gods, the city of Athens is the city where high ideals, majesty, beauty and truthfulness were created during the classical period, which are the only true ray of light of human wisdom and inspiration.

Meteora Monastery Complex Greece

Meteora in Greece is one of the largest complexes of monasteries. Along with Athos, its own administration operates here, the monastic state of the Metropolis of Stagi and Meteor is subordinate. The peculiarity of the complex lies in its inaccessibility - all the monasteries are located on the tops of sheer cliffs, which, like huge pillars, rise above the surface of the Pindus mountain range.

OK. 508 BC e. Democracy wins in Athens.
461-429 BC e. the era of Pericles in Athens.
447-438 BC e. - construction of the Parthenon.
431-404 BC e. — Peloponnesian War.

Ancient Athens was the first of many city-states to call for a joint defense against new Persian invasions after the Greco-Persian Wars. For this, a powerful fleet was built here.

In Athens, all male citizens had a say in how the city should be run. Every ten days they met to discuss new laws and vote on decisions. This type of government is called democracy, which means "rule by the people". Women, foreigners and slaves were not allowed to vote.

Athenian temples

The Greeks built majestic temples of dazzling white marble. Most temples had triangular roofs resting on rows of columns. The Greeks used three different orders in the construction of the column: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian.

athenian agora

The Athenian Agora is the central square and market in the center of Athens. It is located at the foot of the hill, which is called the Acropolis. The road leading to the Acropolis is called the "sacred way". At the top of the hill was the temple of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, which was called the Parthenon. Religious processions passed through the main gate of the temple.

The men went to the agora to meet friends. Men usually did their shopping in the market. People from all over Greece came to Athens to buy pottery from the agora. Residents from other cities could change their money at the trapezit. Jugglers in the market entertained the crowd.

On the market in the Athenian agora was sold wide range goods. On the shelves they sold wool and linen, clay lamps, flowers, olive oil for lamps and even slaves. In the building, called "standing", there were shops. They sold gold, spices and silk. Food was also sold in the agora: hot food, meat, fruits and vegetables, honey for preparing sweet dishes, eggs, cheese. During the sale, the meat was laid out on a marble slab to keep it chilled. material from the site

Greek thinkers wondered about the meaning of human existence. The two most famous philosophers, Socrates and Plato, lived in Athens. Scientists tried to explain the structure of the world. They studied plants, animals, human body, Sun and stars . Scientists like Pythagoras discovered laws that are still used in mathematics today. A Greek named Herodotus wrote the first reliable history book. It was dedicated to the Greco-Persian wars.

Pictures (photos, drawings)

Pericles
Greek warriors. Painting on a vase
Market (agora) in the center of Athens
Parthenon in Athens - a typical Greek temple
Politician giving a speech to Athenian citizens
The Greeks used three different orders in the construction of the column: Doric, Ionic, Corinthian
Plato
Socrates
Manuscript containing the famous Pythagorean theorem
Herodotus questions veterans of the Greco-Persian wars