Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Promenade around Plaka, Monastiraki and Thisio in
Athens' historic centre
(
Click here
)
Live it up with Athens' hot
nightlife
(
Click here
)
: lively bars, jamming discos, chic
beach clubs and moonlit cinemas
Compare superb antiquities and contemporary art at the
National Archaeologic-
al Museum
(
Click here
)
, the
Museum of Cycladic Art
(
Click here
)
, the
Benaki Mu-
seum
(
Click here
)
and Athens' multicultural centres
Catch an
Athens Festival
(
Click here
) show at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Shop till you drop in the
Monastiraki Flea Market
(
Click here
)
, or any of the
boutiques
Enjoy the majesty of the Parthenon sculptures at the
Acropolis Museum
(
Click
Dine out in
Thisio
(
Click here
)
,
Keramikos
(
Click here
) or
Makrygianni
(
Click
ATHENS ΑΘΗΝΑ
POP 3.8 MILLION
History
Early History
The early history of Athens is inextricably interwoven with mythology, making it impos-
sible to disentangle fact from fiction. What is known is that the hilltop site of the Acro-
polis, with two abundant springs, drew some of Greece's earliest Neolithic settlers. When
a peaceful agricultural existence gave way to war-orientated city states, the Acropolis
provided an ideal defensive position.
By 1400 BC the Acropolis had become a powerful Mycenaean city. It survived a Dori-
an assault in 1200 BC but didn't escape the dark age that enveloped Greece for the next
400 years. Then, in the 8th century BC, during a period of peace, Athens became the
artistic centre of Greece, excelling in ceramics.
By the 6th century BC, Athens was ruled by aristocrats and generals. Labourers and
peasants had no rights until Solon, the harbinger of Athenian democracy, became
arhon
(chief magistrate) in 594 BC and improved the lot of the poor, with reforms such as the
annulment of debts and the implementation of trial by jury. Continuing unrest over the
