Athens
The city of Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece and one of the world's oldest cities. It was one of the city-states of Ancient Greece, famous for its learning institutions such as Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum (philosophy universities). Many famous ancient philosophers, politicians and writers were born there. It is known as the cradle of Western Civilisation and the birthplace of democracy. Even today, evidence of the Athens' past can be seen throughout the city, with ancient ruins, monuments and museums in proximity with modern, urban buildings.
Statistics
POPULATION (URBAN): 3.3 million
POPULATION (METROPOLITAN): 3.8 million
LAND AREA (URBAN): 39 square km
LAND AREA (METROPOLITAN): 412 square km
History & Mythology
Athens was named after Athena, the Ancient Greek goddess of war and wisdom (amongst other things). Indeed, according to legend, Athens is Athena's own city. She contested with the Poseidon, god of the sea, for ownership of the city. In order to decide the winner, the two deities each gave a gift to the people of Athens. Poseidon struck the ground with his trident, producing a spring of water. Athena struck the ground and produced an olive tree which could give oil, food and wood. The Athenian people chose the olive tree as the more useful gift and hence Athena became the patron goddess of Athens.
Athens' recorded history spans some 3000 years. At the peak of its power, it was Ancient Greece's leading city and had great influence on Western civilisation. After wars with the city-states Sparta and Thebes, Athens finally lost its independence to Macedon and later became part of the Roman Republic along with the rest of Greece. It remained a centre for culture, wealth and learning until its universities were closed upon the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity. Several of its temples were converted into churches.
At around the same time, the city fell under the control of the Byzantine Empire and remained so until the 15th century when it became part of the Ottoman Empire. It regained its independence when Greece became its own kingdom in 1833.
Why I Love Athens
I fell in love with Athens on my first visit. I'm a city girl but I'm also fascinated by Greek mythology and ancient history. And where can you find both? Well, probably a lot of cities, but something about Athens really called out to me. I think it's great that you can see ancient temples and stately ruins amidst trendy bars and classy restaurants.
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