Athens has a history going back over 4,000 years, so history buffs will find a lot of places to go and things to see. The earliest human presence was found in the Cave of Schist in the 11th millennium BC. The Temple of Athena Polias was built in 630 BC and the first coins were found dating back to 575 BC.
You can still see the remains of the acropolis in the hills above Athens near the Parthenon, which is another temple dedicated to Athena. You will notice many other recognitions to Athena in Athens as that is where the name came from. Leave your luggage at an Athens suitcase storage facility before heading out to explore.
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Acropolis of Athens
The walls of the Acropolis have been protecting this majestic site for over 3,300 years and it is still in relatively good condition. It has been many things such as a home to kings, a citadel, and home of the gods. Built high on a hill, the name actually means “high city.” The Parthenon was the first building in the city.
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Parthenon
This ancient fortress above the city dates back prior to 447 BC and is one of the oldest structures in Athens. Built for the Goddess Athena statue, the Parthenon was a place to proclaim the success of the city and for Pheidias to announce his leadership.
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Athenian Agora
Right under the northern side of the Acropolis of Athens, the Athenian Agora is an ancient marketplace from the 2nd century. This is where many peddlers traded their wares as well as the spaces where meetings were held. Religious festivals were also held here on the Panathenaic Way, which was the main road of Athens.
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Nike Temple
Also on the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena Nike was built for Athena and Nike in 420 BC. It is the oldest fully ionic temple on the property. With four columns on each side, the temple was 27 feet long, 18.5 feet wide, and 23 feet tall. You can see a vast collection of friezes, reliefs, and statues with lots of photo ops.
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Temple to Athena and Poseidon
Also known as the Erechtheion, this temple on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens was built between 421 and 406 BC. It is a shrine to several deities from the contest between Athena and Poseidon to become the patron of Athens. The six caryatids on the Porch of the Maidens are stunning and should not be missed.
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Arch of Hadrian
This triumphal arch near Syntagma Square is right between the temple of the Olympian Zeus and the rock of the Acropolis. It faces the Monument of Lysicrates in Plaka and was built in 131 BC to celebrate the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Nobody knows who built it, but it is really a fantastic sight.
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Panathinaiko Stadium
This was the site of the very first Olympics in 1896 and is still a functioning stadium. Found at the site of an even older stadium, the structure held games where athletes competed nude in 564 BC. It was also the site of political forums, religious ceremonies, and festivals. Ancient buildings and other structures still remain.
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Odeon of Herodes
Another amazingly old stadium, the Odeon of Herodes was built in the 2nd century on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis. This one was roofed and hosted mostly music festivals, holding about 5,000 people. Destroyed by the incursion of the Heruli in 267 BC, the building was not reconstructed until the 14th century and wasn’t completed until 1950.
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Mycenae
The kingdom of the mythical Agamemnon, Mycenae was one of the richest palatial centers in the Bronze Age. Built between 1350 and 1200 BC, it lies between two tall hills to control both land and sea. Don’t miss the Lion Gate, which is the monumental entrance of the Mycenae, built in 1250 BC.
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Cemetery of Kerameikos
On the edge of the city on Ermou Street, this cemetery is one of the most ancient of Athens. It was during the building of the Kerameikos Station that the tombs from the 4th century, as well as a plague pit, were found. It was dated back to 427 BC, when a plague killed over a third of the population.
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Temple of Zeus
Just the name tells you that this is a special spot in Athens that you must visit. Started in 174 BC and finished in 131 CE, it has unusually tall columns that made it the largest ever built in ancient times. Although only 15 of the temple’s columns remain, they are a stunning sight to behold.
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Library of Hadrian
One of the oldest libraries in the world, created in 132 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian, the Library of Hadrian was actually a temple of peace. It is still a fantastic sight today. A large walled enclosure, the walls were made of limestone and marble. The building also features marble columns and a courtyard with a pool.
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National Archaeological Museum
You have to visit some of the museums while in Athens. Constructed in 1829, this was the first national archaeological museum in Greece. Some of the highlights include the Mask of Agamemnon, gold items from the Prehistoric Collection, the bronze statue of Zeus, and Athena in the Sculptures Collection.
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Benaki Museum
Established by Antonis Benakis in 1930, the family mansion houses many works of art from prehistoric to ancient Greek and Byzantine. Some of the main items include Pieta by El Greco in 1566, St. Mark the Evangelist by Emmanual Tzanes in 1657, and the Greek Maiden by Henry Pickersgill in 1829.
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The Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is the most popular museum in Greece and contains artifacts from the slopes around the Acropolis. From rocks and minerals to pottery and other art, the ground floor of the museum holds over 1,000 pieces. The other levels hold thousands of other exhibits to see, including the head of Alexander the Great.
While you are in Athens, be sure to take the time to try some of the delicious Greek cuisine. Souvlaki is the most popular fast food and is just like an American kebab. They were the first to create the gyros, so you should definitely try those. And don’t miss the Loukoumades, which are small, deep-fried balls of dough dipped in syrup.
Sources
https://rsscblog.com/2018/10/19/the-history-buffs-guide-to-athens/
https://www.shuttledirect.com/blog/3-top-attractions-in-athens-for-history-buffs/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g189400-d198709-r129781579-Ancient_Agora_of_Athens-Athens_Attica.html
https://www.hithaonthego.com/perfect-day-athens/
https://www.mappingmegan.com/5-fascinating-destinations-greece-history-lovers/
