Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In 86 BC Athens joined an ill-fated rebellion against the Romans in Asia Minor staged by the king of the Black
Sea region, Mithridates VI. In retribution, the fierce Roman statesman Sulla invaded Athens, destroyed the city
walls and carted off many of its finest statues to Rome. At this point, Greece became the Graeco-Roman province
of Achaea. Although officially under the auspices of Rome, several major Greek cities were given the freedom to
self-govern to some extent.
The Pax Romana
Because the Romans revered Greek culture, Athens retained its status as a centre of learning. The city received a
pardon for its rebellion from Julius Caesar and, for the next 300 years, it experienced an unprecedented period of
peace - the Pax Romana. During this time it became the seat of learning for the Romans as well, attracting the
sons of wealthy Romans. During the Pax Romana, a succession of Roman emperors, namely Augustus, Nero and
particularly Hadrian, graced Athens with many grand buildings, including the Roman Agora, Hadrian's library (
Click here ) and territorial arch (cnr Leoforos Vasilissis Olgas & Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias; Syntagma) .
The Pax Romana lasted until the middle of the 3rd century AD, and was followed by the decline of the Roman
Empire and the rise of the Byzantine Empire, centred around Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).
4 Areopagus Hill
LANDMARK, PARK
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
This rocky outcrop has superb views over the Ancient Agora. According to mythology, it
was here that Ares was tried by the council of the gods for the murder of Halirrhothios,
son of Poseidon. The hill became the place where murder, treason and corruption trials
were heard. In AD 51 St Paul delivered his famous 'Sermon to an Unknown God' here
and gained his first Athenian convert, Dionysos. (admission free;
Monastiraki)
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