At the heart of both ancient and modern Greece, Athens is also the birthplace of Western civilization. Filled with art, architecture, science, and politics, here are some eye-opening facts about the ancient city of Athens.
The Acropolis
An unmissable fortification atop the hill in the heart of Athens, the Acropolis overlooks the Theatre of Dionysus, with a capacity of 17,000 people. What’s particularly astonishing about the Acropolis is that it has stood the test of time, surviving since its origins in the 5th century B.C.
An Economic Hub
Given that Athens is still a thriving city today, you may be surprised to learn just how long this city has been an economic hub. Athens has been a center for trade for Greece and the greater Mediterranean region since 900 B.C.
Olympic Games
While Athens hosted an unforgettable Olympic Games in 2004, the country’s connection with the Olympics runs deeper than just a few decades. In fact, the modern Olympic Games are based on the Ancient Olympics, which took place in none other than Greece. From the 8th century BC until the 4th century BC, every four years, the ancient Olympic Games would take place in none other than Olympia, Greece, paving the way for modern sports to follow.