Athens was the largest and most influential of the Greek city-states. It had many fine buildings and was named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. The Athenians invented democracy , a new type of government where every citizen could vote on important issues, such as whether or not to declare war.
Why is Athens so popular?
Athens is also the southernmost capital on the European mainland and the warmest major city in Europe. The heritage of the classical era is still evident in the city, represented by ancient monuments and works of art, the most famous of all being the Parthenon, considered a key landmark of early Western civilization.
What is Athens known for?
Athens, Modern Greek Athínai, Ancient Greek Athēnai, historic city and capital of Greece . Many of Classical civilization’s intellectual and artistic ideas originated there, and the city is generally considered to be the birthplace of Western civilization. The Acropolis and surrounding area, Athens.
What are 3 facts about Athens?
- Athens is Europe’s oldest capital. ...
- Athens has experienced almost every form of government. ...
- If it weren’t for an olive tree, Poseidon might have been the city’s patron. ...
- The ancient Olympic games were never held in Athens. ...
- Athens is home to the first known democracy.
What was popular in Athens?
- The Acropolis. ...
- Acropolis Museum. ...
- National Archaeology Museum. ...
- The Pláka and Anafiotika Neighborhoods. ...
- Ancient Agora: Ruins of the Marketplace. ...
- The Roman Agora & Hadrian’s Library. ...
- Museum of Cycladic Art. ...
- Olympieion: Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Is Athens worth visiting?
Athens is now definitely one of the best cities to visit in Greece. It’s worth visiting Athens today for both its ancient treasures – and its modern delights.
Does Athens have a beach?
The beaches in Athens feature crystal clear waters and sand-fringed shorelines that are easily accessible to the public from the city centre. ... The majority of beaches are free to enter , but will usually charge a fee for the use of sun-beds and beach umbrellas.
Which area of Athens is best to stay in?
- The Best Neighborhoods in Athens are Plaka, Monastiraki, Koukaki, Syntagma, Kolonaki, and Psirri. ...
- Best Places for Sightseeing: Most neighborhoods in Athens have at least a few attractions, whether museums or ruins, but Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods have the most.
Did Athens have a strong military?
During the Greco-Persian Wars, Athens developed a large, powerful navy in the eastern Mediterranean Sea that defeated the even larger Persian Navy at the Battle of Salamis. The Athenian Navy consisted of 80,000 crewing 400 ships. ... Its fleet was destroyed and its empire lost during the Peloponnesian War.
Is Athens a clean city?
Although Athens is winning over travelers as a popular city break destination and garnering high marks by guests on the GBR satisfaction index, the city also scored low (5.6/10) in cleanliness .
Is Athens rich?
In the fifth century B.C., Athens was one of the richest and most powerful city-states in Greece. ... Remarkably, ancient writers said the Athenian reserves could, at times, reach up to 10,000 talents (potentially 260 metric tons).
What are 10 facts about Athens?
- It’s Europe’s oldest capital city. ...
- The ancient Olympic games were never actually held there. ...
- It was the birthplace of democracy. ...
- The marathon was named after a long run to Athens in 490 B.C. ...
- It was the first European Capital of Culture.
What are some bad things about Athens?
- Drug Abuse.
- Homelessness.
- Stray Cats.
- Graffiti.
Is Athens expensive?
Is Athens expensive? Athens is certainly not cheap, but it is not very expensive either . In comparison to other European capitals, we would say that Athens is somewhere in the middle. It all depends on what type of traveler you are and how much budget you wish to spend during your visit.
What should I not miss in Athens?
- The Acropolis. What is it? ...
- The National Gardens. What is it? ...
- Museum of Cycladic Art. What is it? ...
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC) What is it? ...
- Monastiraki Neighbourhood. What is it? ...
- Varvakios Agora. What is it? ...
- Lycabettus Hill. What is it? ...
- Plaka Neighbourhood. What is it?
Is Athens older than Rome?
Athens is seriously old having been founded somewhere between 3000 and 5000 years BC . However Ancient Rome didn’t spring into life until at least a couple of millennia after the heyday of the great early civilisations in Greece and Egypt.
