Ancient Athens

The archaeological study of Athens began in the 30s of the 19th century, however, excavations became systematic 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. Main literary source on the history of Athens during the formation of the state - Aristotle's "Athenian polity" (4th century BC).

The formation of the Athenian state

Theseus fighting the Minotaur

According to the Athenian tradition, the policy arose as a result of the so-called Sinoikism - the unification of isolated tribal communities Attica around the Acropolis of Athens (where there was a fortified settlement and a "palace" in the 16th - 13th centuries BC back in the Mycenaean era). Ancient Greek tradition attributes the conduct of Sinoikism to the semi-mythical king Theseus, the son of Aegeus (according to tradition, around the 13th century BC; in reality, the process of Sinoikism proceeded over several centuries from the beginning of the 1st millennium BC). Theseus is credited with the introduction of the ancient system of the Athenian community, the division of its population into eupatrides, geomors and demiurges. Gradually, large land plots were concentrated in the hands of the tribal aristocracy (that is, eupatrides), and most of the free population (small landowners) became dependent on it; debt bondage grew. Insolvent debtors were responsible to creditors not only with their property, but also with the personal freedom and freedom of their family members. Debt bondage served as one of the sources of slavery, which was already gaining significant development. Along with slaves and free people in Athens, there was an intermediate layer - the so-called meteki - personally free, but deprived of political and some economic rights. The old division of the demos into phyla, phratries and genera was also preserved. Athens was ruled by nine archons, who were annually elected from among the aristocrats, and the Areopagus - a council of elders, which was replenished by archons who had already served their term of office.

First reforms. Age of Solon

With the growth of property inequality, socio-economic contradictions deepened and the struggle between the tribal aristocracy and the demos intensified, seeking equal rights, redistribution of land, cancellation of debts and abolition of debt bondage. In the middle of the 7th century BC. e aristocrat Cylon made an unsuccessful attempt to seize power. Around 621 BC That is, under Archon Draco, legislative customs were first recorded, which somewhat limited the arbitrariness of aristocratic judges. In 594-593 BC. That is, under the pressure of the demos, Solon carried out reforms: they significantly changed the whole system of the socio-political life of Athens, as a result of which debt bondage was destroyed, the sale of citizens for debts into slavery is now prohibited, land debts (which weighed on small farmers) were annulled, freedom of will, which contributed to the development of private property; a new government agency- Council of the Four Hundred, a number of events were carried out that encouraged craft and trade. Solon is also credited with the division of all citizens by property qualification into 4 categories, belonging to which now began to determine their rights and obligations to the state. Solon also reformed the Attic calendar by introducing the octaetherides system. However, the socio-political struggle did not stop. The reforms were dissatisfied with both the peasants, who had not achieved the redistribution of land, and the tribal nobility, who had lost their former privileged position.

Athenian democracy

The Age of Peisistratus and Cleisthenes

Around 560 BC e. in Athens, a political upheaval took place: the tyranny of Peisistratus was established, who pursued a policy in the interests of the peasantry and the trade and craft layers of the demos against the clan nobility. Under him, Athens achieved great foreign policy successes: they extended their influence to a number of islands in the Aegean Sea, strengthened themselves on both banks of the Hellespont. Athens grew, adorned with new buildings and statues. A water pipe has been built in the city. During the reign of Peisistratus and his sons, the best poets were invited to the court. After the death of Peisistratus in 527 BC. e. power passed to his sons Hippias and Hipparchus, but, as in all of Greece, the tyranny in Athens was short-lived: Hipparchus was killed by conspirators, and Hippias was overthrown in 510 BC. e. An attempt by the tribal nobility to seize power caused in 508 BC. e. a revolt of the demos led by Cleisthenes. The victory was secured by reforms: the former 4 tribal phyla were replaced by 10 new ones built on a territorial basis. New governing bodies have been created: the Council of Five Hundred and the College of 10 Strategists. As a result of Cleisthenes' reforms, the last remnants of the tribal system were destroyed, and the process of the formation of the state as an apparatus of domination of the slave-owning class was completed.

Greco-Persian Wars

In the Greco-Persian wars (500-449 BC), Athens played a leading role. They were one of the few Greek policies that supported the uprising of the Ionian cities, won a brilliant victory over the Persians at Marathon (490 BC) (see the Battle of Marathon), and were among the first to enter into a defensive alliance of Greek states. The Battle of Salamis (480 BC), which became a turning point in the course of the war, took place precisely on the initiative of the Athenians and, above all, thanks to them and the strategist Themistocles, ended with the complete defeat of the Persian fleet. No less significant was the role of Athens in 479 BC. e. at the Battle of Plataea and at Cape Mycale. In subsequent years, Athens, who led the Delian Union (soon, in fact, turned into the Athenian maritime power - the Athenian arche), completely took the leadership of military operations into their own hands.

At this time, Athens entered a period of greatest upsurge. Piraeus (the harbor of Athens) has become a crossroads of trade routes of many countries ancient world. On the basis of developed crafts, trade and navigation, in an atmosphere of acute struggle between the oligarchic (headed by Aristides, then Cimon) and democratic (headed by Themistocles, later Ephialtes and Pericles) groups in Athens, the most progressive for that time state system of ancient slave-owning democracy - the Athenian democracy - was established. , which reached its peak during the reign of Pericles (strategist in 444/443 - 429 BC). The supreme power passed to the People's Assembly, all other bodies were subordinate to them, legal proceedings were carried out in a jury - helie - elected from citizens by lot. For the performance of public duties after the election, a remuneration from the treasury was established, which opened up a real opportunity political activity and to low-income citizens. A theorikon was also established - the issuance of money to citizens to visit the theater. The increased costs of all this were covered by a tax - foros, which the allied cities that were part of the arche had to pay regularly.

Athenian hegemony

In the second half of the 5th century BC. e is the period of the greatest cultural flourishing of Athens - the so-called golden age of Pericles. Outstanding scientists, artists and poets lived and worked in Athens, in particular the historian Herodotus, the philosopher Anaxagoras, the sculptor Phidias, the poets Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, the satirist Aristophanes. The political and judicial eloquence of the Athenians was imitated by the orators of all Greek cities. The language of Athenian writers - the Attic dialect - became widespread, became literary language all Hellenes. Huge construction was carried out in Athens: according to the Hippodamus system, Piraeus was rebuilt and connected by the so-called long walls with the city fortifications into a single defensive fortification, the construction of the main structures that made up the ensemble of the Athenian Acropolis, a masterpiece of world architecture, was completed. Temple of the Parthenon (built in 447-438 BC by the architects Iktinos and Kallikrates), statues by Phidias and other works of Athenian visual arts The 5th century served as models for many generations of artists of subsequent centuries.

Peloponnesian War. Under Macedonian rule

Map of Athens at its peak, around 430 BC. e., on the eve of the Peloponnesian War

However, the "golden age" did not last long. The well-being of Athenian citizens was based not only on the exploitation of slaves, but also on the exploitation of the population of the allied cities, which gave rise to constant conflicts within the Athenian arche. These conflicts were exacerbated by the unbridled desire of Athens to expand the scope of its political and economic dominance, which led to clashes with other groups of Greek policies, in which the oligarchic order had an advantage - the Peloponnesian Unionled by Sparta. Ultimately, the contradictions between these groups led to the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC), which was disastrous for the whole of Greece - the largest war in the history of Ancient Greece. Having suffered a defeat in it, Athens has forever lost its leading position in Greece. In the first half of the 4th century BC. e. Athens from time to time managed to improve its position and even achieve success. So, during the Corinthian War of 395-387 BC. e Athens, largely on Persian subsidies, managed to revive its fleet and restore the fortifications around the city (pitted under the terms of the surrender of 404 BC). In 378-377 BC. e revived, though in a narrowed form, the Athenian Maritime Union, which did not last long. After the defeat at the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BC. e. as part of the anti-Macedonian coalition led by the Athenian politician Demosthenes, Athens, like the rest of the Greek policies, had to submit to the hegemony of Macedonia.

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 (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 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. From the 3rd century AD e, when the Balkan Greece began to be subjected to barbarian invasions, Athens fell into complete decline.

Planning and architecture

hills

Areopagus Hill, Modern Athens

  • 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 is 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.
  • Hill Acropolis.

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 entire 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 stood an ancient temple dedicated to Pallas Athena, along with whom 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. It was here that the oldest sanctuaries of the city were located, in particular those 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 various parts, for 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 northern 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 highest point of the Acropolis hill, the 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 Mouseyon, led to the road between the 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.

Districts

Temple of Olympian Zeus, today

  • Inner Keramik, or "Potters' Quarter".
  • Dem Milet in the western part of the city, south of Inner Keramik.
  • Dem Hippias Kolonos - was considered the most aristocratic among all the demes of the policy of Ancient Athens.
  • Dem Scambonide in the northern part of the city and east of Inner Keramik.
  • Kollitos - the southern district of the city, lay south of the Acropolis.
  • Koele is a district in the southwest of the city.
  • Limna - the area to the east of the Miletus deme and the Kollitos area, occupied the territory between the Acropolis and the Ilissos river.
  • Diomea - an area in the eastern part of the city, next to the Diomei gates and Kinosarg.
  • Agra is a region south of Diomei.

Suburb

  • Outer Keramik, located northwest of the city, was considered the best suburb of Athens. Athenians who fell in the war were buried here, and at the far end of the district there was an Academy at a distance of 6 stadia from the city.
  • Kinosarg was located east of the city, opposite the Ilissos River, bordered on the Diomean Gate and the gymnasium dedicated to Hercules, where the cynic Antisthenes taught.
  • Likey - located east of the city. In this area there was a gymnasium dedicated to Apollo Lyceum, known for that Aristotle taught his students there.

Streets

Among the most important streets of Athens were:

  • Piraeus street, which led from the Piraeus gate to the Athenian agora.
  • The Panathenaic Way led from the Dipylon Gate through the Agora to the Acropolis of Athens. The Panathenaic way was a solemn procession during the Panathenaic holidays.
  • Trinog Street was located east of the Acropolis.

Public buildings

  • Temples. Of these, the most importance had Olympeion, or the Temple of Olympian Zeus, located southeast of the Acropolis, near the Ilissos River and the Kalliroe fountain. Other temples of Athens include: Temple of Hephaestus - located to the west of the agora; Temple of Ares - in the north of the agora; The Metroon, or Temple of the Mother of the Gods, is on the western side of the agora. In addition to these main ones, there were many smaller temples in all parts of the city.
  • Buleftherion was erected in the western part of the agora.
  • Tholos - a rounded building near Buleftherion, built in 470 BC. e Kimon, who was elected to the Council of Five Hundred. In Tholos, the members of the council ate and also performed sacrifices.

Panathinaikos Stadium, modern view

  • Stoas - open colonnades, used by the Athenians as a place of rest at the height of the day, there were several of them in Athens.
  • Theatres. The very first theater in Athens was the theater of Dionysus on the southeast slope of the Acropolis, long time it remained the largest theater of the Athenian state. In addition, there was an Odeon to participate in vocal competitions and perform instrumental music.
  • The Panathinaikos Stadium was located on the banks of the Ilissos River in the Agra region and hosted the sporting events of the Panathenaic Celebrations. The Panathinaikos Stadium hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Sources

  • Buzeskul V.P., Aristotle's Athenian polity as a source for the history of the political system of Athens until the end of the 5th century, Har., 1995;
  • Zhebeleva S. A., From the history of Athens (229-31 BC), St. Petersburg. 1898;
  • Kolobova K. M., The ancient city of Athens and its monuments, L., 1961;
  • Zelyin K.K., The struggle of political factions in Attica in the VI century. BC e., M., 1964;
  • Dovatur A., Politics and polities of Aristotle, M.-L., 1965;
  • Ferguson W.S., Hellenistic Athens, L., 1911;
  • Day J., An economic history of Athens under Roman domination, N. Y., 1942.
Ancient Greece in themes - Portal:Greece
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Athens is the capital of Greece, the economic, cultural and administrative center of this state. The city is named after the famous ancient Greek goddess of wisdom and war, who is considered to be its patroness. This is the oldest city that survived its heyday more than two thousand years ago. Greece is the cradle of the greatest civilization, a city shrouded in legends that came from ancient times. The richest history of Athens, full of unforgettable events, excellent climatic conditions, as well as the beauty and originality of city streets and squares - all this arouses great interest in the Greek capital among tourists who come here from different corners peace.

Athens: brief information, some interesting facts

is the birthplace of the theatre. In the ancient Greek theater, tragedies were staged to please the god of wine, Dionysus, and watching comedies was considered the lot of the plebeians. Only men could play on the stage of the ancient Greek theater. Facial expressions were not used in the ancient Greek theater, instead they used masks depicting various emotions.
Athens has hosted the modern Olympic Games twice, including the first one in 1896. Interestingly, women were not allowed to participate in the first Olympics: all athletes (241 people) who arrived from fourteen states were men. In ancient Greek Athens, the Olympic Games were also held, in which the best athletes Ancient Greece competed with each other in sportsmanship.

Athens is considered a city ancient gods who, according to mythology, lived on Mount Olympus.
The Greek capital is the most big city country and one of the oldest cities in the world.
The Greek city of Athens is the birthplace of many prominent philosophers, politicians and writers: Sophocles, Pericles, Socrates, etc.
It is not customary to take off your shoes in Athenian houses. invitation to guests in Athens does not imply a mandatory treat for dinner or lunch, not all cities can boast of this.

Historical appearance of Athens

Greek city of Athens is one of the world's major centers of archaeological research. Many tourists who come here are attracted to the Greek capital by the opportunity to look into the past of human civilization, touch its history, see the ruins of ancient buildings, admire unique monuments architecture and history. In the place where modern Athens is located today, people began to settle more than five thousand years ago, so the Greek capital has great amount monuments from different eras.

Information for tourists visiting Athens

Travelers who come to Athens in the summer have the opportunity not only to see the local sights, but also to attend interesting performances played in the amphitheater located at the foot of the Acropolis. They also have the opportunity to enjoy their holidays on the magnificent suburban beaches, called the Athenian Riviera. Tourists wishing to escape the heat and crowds can come in winter: the mild Mediterranean climate makes this city attractive at any time of the year.

The city of Athens, which is the capital of sunny and beautiful Greece, shrouded in many myths and legends, is located on the plain of Attica, and its coast is washed by the picturesque Saronic Gulf.

The city, at the mention of which amazing ancient greek myths with their passions and battles of the gods, is one of the favorite places for travelers from all over the globe. A huge number of cultural monuments, exquisite and unique National cuisine, gentle waters Aegean Sea, developed entertainment infrastructure and, of course, the ancient ruins of temples and sanctuaries attract to Athens all, without exception, connoisseurs of ancient sights and tourists who want to have a quality and inexpensive vacation.

Athens Acropolis

Holiday prices in Greece, in particular in Athens, are really low when compared with holiday prices in other EU countries.

IN currently the population of the capital of Greece, including small suburbs, is just over 4,000,000 people. In addition, thanks to the availability of jobs, about half a million people from other countries live in Athens intermittently. Greece cannot be called a populous country, more than a third of the population nowadays lives in its capital and nearby suburbs. If you look at the map of Athens, you will notice that from the land the city is surrounded by mountains: Imito, Pendeli and Parnitha.

We can say that the city is located in a kind of pool created by nature itself. On the one hand, this is the natural protection of the city, and on the other hand, the mountains and the Saronic Gulf limit the area of ​​\u200b\u200bAthens and do not allow them to go beyond natural barriers. Due to the city's high population density and technological advancement, Athens suffers from the effect temperature inversion. It is very hot in Greece in summer, tourists should definitely remember this, especially those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases. But the winter here is sometimes frosty, and snow is not a novelty for the Athenians.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

The history of the city's name

Most historians say that the name of the capital of Greece comes from the name of the goddess Athena Pallas, although, in fairness, it is worth noting that there is another version. The myth that tells how exactly the city got its name is very interesting. In ancient times, the settlement near the Saronic Gulf was ruled by a king named Kekrops. He was only half human, with a serpent's tail writhing instead of legs. The ruler, born of the goddess Gaia, had to solve a rather difficult task and choose who would be the patron of his village. Thinking, he said that he who of the gods will make the most best gift city, he will become its patron. Immediately, the brother of Zeus Poseidon appeared before the people, and with all his might he struck his trident into the stony soil. A huge fountain soared up from this place: people ran up to it, but immediately returned back with gloomy faces: the water in the fountain was the same as in the sea, salty and undrinkable. After Poseidon, the beautiful Pallas Athena appeared to the inhabitants, she showed people an olive tree that quickly grew out of the ground. Kekrop and the population of the city rejoiced and recognized Athena as the patroness of the city.

Temple of the Erechtheion

So, the city, surrounded by three mountains and stretched by the sea bay, got its name - Athens. After that, Poseidon was angry with Athens, and the lack of life-giving moisture is felt in the city even today (and all this in a subtropical semi-desert climate). Sacrifices, gifts and the construction of the temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion did not help. Some historians do not agree with this myth and insist that the name of the capital of Greece occurred as a result of a slight change in the word "Athos", which can be literally translated into Russian as a flower.

Athens - a bit of history

In the distant 500 BC, Athens flourished: the inhabitants of the city were rich, culture and science developed. The end of the prosperity of the center of Ancient Greece was put by the Great Roman Empire around the beginning of the 300s BC. 500 years after the arrival of the Savior in our world, Byzantine Empire decided to close numerous philosophical schools in Athens and put an end to the prosperity of pagan cults. It is from this period of time that the capital of Greece from the richest city turns into a small provincial town, for which a war has been waged between the French and Italians for many centuries. It could not be otherwise, from Athens it was possible to go out to the open sea and conduct profitable trade. strategic location ancient city difficult to overestimate today.

Academy of Athens

A serious blow to Athens came in 1458, the year the city was captured by the Turks. and included by them in the huge Ottoman Empire. In those days, most of the inhabitants of Athens died from overwork for the benefit of the Ottoman Empire and from hunger. At this time, the Byzantines were trying to regain control of Athens, and the city often became the scene of bloody battles. During them, many priceless monuments of history and architecture were destroyed, in particular, the well-known ancient Greek temple Parthenon.

Only 1833 brought relief to the small population of Athens, when the city finally became the capital of the free Greek Kingdom again. By the way, at that moment less than 5,000 (!) people lived in the capital. The population rapidly grew immediately to 2,000,000 people already in 1920, when the descendants of the native Athenians, who were once expelled by the Turks to Asia Minor, began to return to their homeland. The beginning of the 20th century was also marked by an increased interest in the numerous sights of the city: a huge number of archaeologists began to excavate on the territory of Athens, and restorers tried to return at least a semblance of architectural monuments former grandeur. The work was stopped only during the Second World War: the Nazis needed access to the sea and they occupied Greece in a short period of time.

Temple of Hephaestus

Modern Athens

No matter how strange it may sound, but it is the second World War, or rather its end, marked the beginning of the new prosperity of Athens. Industry is rapidly developing in the capital and there is active trade with many countries of the world. Greece flourished until 1980: a huge number of tourists interested in ancient sights and the history of the country bring significant income to the budget. In 1981, as everyone is well aware, Greece joined the European Union, which brought the Athenians not only the joy of affordable credit and a booming economy, but also problems with overpopulation and movement around the city.

At the moment, Athens attracts travelers from all over the world with its sights, among which are the Theater of Dionysus, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Athenian Agora and, of course, the majestic Acropolis. There are more than 200 large museums in the city, where you can see unique exhibits dating back to 500 BC. The first museum that travel agencies recommend paying attention to is the Benaki Museum, where you can get acquainted with cultural objects and ethnographic materials that will “tell” the history of the once great, powerful, invincible and famous for its philosophers, Athens.

Arch of Hadrian

In addition to numerous attractions, the traveler who was brought to Athens will be able to appreciate what the incessant, cheerful and shimmering with thousands of neon lights are, " night life". The capital of Greece has a huge number of restaurants, large and small bars, discos and nightclubs. In the city, everything is done so that a tourist who comes to Athens feels as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

Ancient Athens Post will briefly tell you about this city-state of Ancient Greece. You will learn about how the inhabitants of Ancient Athens lived, and what was the basis of their state.

"Ancient Athens" report

Formation of the Athenian state briefly

Where was Ancient Athens located? The location of the ancient Greek city-state of Athens is Attica. According to archaeological finds this region refers to the southern eastern parts Central Greece. Athens was located on the hills of Pnyx, Acropolis, Areopagus, Nympheion and Museion. Each hill had its own function. On the hill of the Areopagus was the meeting room of the Supreme Judicial Council. The rulers of the city lived in the Acropolis. On the rocky, low hill of Pnyx, people's meetings were held, speakers listened and important decisions were made. Festivities and cultural events were held on the hills of Museion and Nympheion. The streets and roads of the city diverged from the hills, which consisted of inner and outer quarters, temples, and public buildings. In the vicinity of the Acropolis, the first settlement arose around 4500 BC.

The legend of the creation of the city of Athens

The city was named after the goddess Athena - the goddess of wisdom and war, the patroness of arts, knowledge, crafts and science. A long time ago, Athena argued with the god of the seas, Poseidon, which of them should be the patron of the new city. Poseidon took the trident and hit the rock. A pure spring gushed out of it. The god of the seas said that he would give the inhabitants water, and they would never suffer from drought. But the water in the springs was sea, salty. Athena planted the seed in the ground. An olive tree grew from it. The inhabitants of the city gladly accepted her gift, as the olive gave them oil, food and wood. This is how the city got its name.

Power in Ancient Athens

Issues of foreign and domestic policy were decided at the people's assembly. It was attended by all citizens of the policy, regardless of position. During the year they were convened at least 40 times. At the meetings, reports were heard, the construction of public buildings and the fleet, appropriations for military needs, food supplies, questions about relations with other states and allies were discussed. The ekklesias dealt with private issues on the basis of existing laws. All bills were discussed very carefully and in the form litigation. The People's Assembly made the final decision.

Elections of persons for state and military positions also took place at the people's assemblies. They were chosen by open vote. The rest of the positions were chosen by lot.

Between the people's assemblies, the Council of Five Hundred dealt with administrative issues, which was annually replenished with new citizens who had reached 30 years of age. The council took care of the current details and prepared a draft decision for the people's assembly.

Another authority in ancient Athens is the helium jury. All citizens of the city took part in the court. 5,000 judges and 1,000 substitutes were selected by lot. Lawyers did not take part in court hearings. Each defendant defended himself. To compose the text of the speech, logographers were involved - people skilled in laws and rhetoric. Performances were limited to strict regulations, which were determined by the water clock. The court dealt with the litigation of citizens and immigrants, the cases of residents from the allied states, political issues. The decision was made by voting (secret). It was not subject to appeal and was final. Judges taking office took an oath to conduct their affairs according to the laws and fairly.

The strategists acted with the Council of Five Hundred. Their competence was the command of the fleet and the army, they followed them in Peaceful time were in charge of military spending. The strategists conducted diplomatic negotiations and were in charge of foreign policy issues.

In the 5th century BC. introduced the position of archons. They did not play a big role, but nevertheless the archons were engaged in the preparation of court cases, controlled sacred lands, guarded orphans' property, appointed khoregs, led competitions, religious processions, and sacrifices. They were elected for a year, after which they became part of the Areopagus, where they were waiting for life membership.

With the development of Athens, the administrative apparatus increased. Elective positions were also introduced in the subdivisions of the state - demes, phyla, phratries. Every citizen was drawn into the social and political life of the city. This is how democracy gradually developed in ancient Athens. It reached its highest point during the reign of Pericles. He organized the fullness of the legislative supreme power into an ekklesia - a people's assembly. It was collected every 10 days. The remaining organs of the state were subordinate to the people's assembly.

Education in Ancient Athens

Life in Ancient Athens was subject not only to politics. Not last role citizens gave education, which was based on public education and democratic principles. Parents were supposed to provide a comprehensive education for young men. If they didn't, they were severely punished.

The educational system is aimed at the accumulation of great scientific information, the constant development of physical natural data. Young people should set high goals for themselves, both intellectual and physical. Schools in Ancient Athens taught 3 subjects - grammar, music and gymnastics. Why was special attention paid to the education of young men? The fact is that the state, thus, brought up healthy offspring, brave and strong warriors.

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Useful information for tourists about Athens in Greece - geographical position, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Athens is the capital of Greece and one of the oldest European cities. The city is located in the southern part of the Attica peninsula, in a valley surrounded from the west, east and north by low mountains. From the south it is washed by the waters of the Saronic Gulf.

Athens got its name from Athena, goddess of wisdom in Greek mythology. The history of the city has several millennia. After the classical golden age of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, the city experienced a decline in the Middle Ages. Athens experienced a second birth in 1834 as the capital of independent Greece. It was here in 1896 that the first Olympiad of the Modern Age took place.

Now Athens is a large metropolis with a population of 4.5 million. This is a huge museum. antique architecture under open sky. Finally, simply amazingly beautiful and hospitable city.

The central part of Athens is divided into a number of distinct areas. Behind the Acropolis, which is the core of the ancient city, lies Plaka, the oldest residential area of ​​Athens. Here you can see monuments of the ancient, Byzantine or Turkish period - such as the octagonal Tower of the Winds, the tiny Byzantine church of the Small Metropolis or the elegant stone door of the Turkish religious school - a madrasah, the building of which has not been preserved.

Most of Plaka's old houses have now been converted into tourist shops, cafes, night bars and restaurants. Descending from the Acropolis in a northwestern direction, you come to the Monastiraki area, where craftsmen's shops have been located since medieval times.

Starting from here along University Street in a southeast direction, you can go to the center of the modern city, passing richly decorated buildings National Library, University and Academy and get to Syntagma (Constitution) Square - administrative and tourist center Athens. On it stands a beautiful building of the Old Royal Palace, there are hotels, open-air cafes, many banks and institutions. Further east towards the slopes of Lycabettus Hill are Kolonaki Square, a new Cultural Center, including the Byzantine Museum, the Benaki Museum, the National Art Gallery, the Conservatory and the Concert Hall. To the south are New Royal Palace, national park and the Great Panathenaic Stadium, reconstructed for the revived Olympic Games in 1896.

Today's Athens is a modern city with a dizzying pace of life. Modern and at the same time romantic, with lively streets and squares, with bright multi-colored shop windows, but also with secluded alleys, with quiet and secluded neighborhoods such as Plaka and Metz. In the countless stores of the capital, the buyer will find everything he wants; Athenian restaurants and taverns are able to satisfy any order.