In ancient Athens Agora (market place) was the center of the political and administrative life of the city. While
Acropolis could be treated as the center of sacral life, the Agora of Athens could be considered as the center of the civil life.
It was the place where citizens of the Athens gathered to hear latest news and discuss some political issues and of course it was the place where they made their own business.
Ancient Agora of Athens located under the Acropolis, at the south from the hill of the Areopagus. According to the archaeological excavations this place has been already settled from the 3000 BC. During the time of the Persian invasion Agora was destroyed completely but recovered soon after the end of the war. And what is interesting is that the life on the Agora never stopped until now days.
Now Agora is one of the most expressive ancient places in the world. I have deep believe that if Athens would not have the Acropolis, the city could still be considered as the greatest ancient city because the city wields Agora.
North part of the Agora
At the north part of the Agora you can see the ruins of the building which is known as the “Basilica”. This building has been built in the 2 century BC. Also you can find here the ruins of the portico which was built in the 5 century BC. In the ancient times it was very popular place among Athenians since it was adorned by the pictures of Greek artists.
Central part of the Agora
In the central part of the Agora you can find ruins of the ancient temple which was built in honor of the Leo, - the hero who saved Athens from the plague. Further there are ruins of the temple which was dedicated to the all Olympian gods and the ruins of the temple which was dedicated to the Ares.
Also here you can find the ruins of the Odeon which has been built in the 15 BC and initially has been used for musician performances and later for the lectures. This Odeon has been destroyed at the 267 and in place of it Gymnasium has been built to give young men in Athens opportunities for the physical training. Also let me say that all central part of the Agora in Athens filled within the ruins of the ancient monuments.
West part of the Agora
This part of the Ancient Agora in Athens could be considered as the birth place of the democracy. There is believe that Solon exactly in this place proclaimed his democratic laws at the middle of the 7-th century BC. So I think that this part of the Agora is the cradle of our society.
Later here Athenians built special portico which has been used as the place for political debates. Here were made most important decisions in the Athens’s history. For example, it was the place where in the times of war with Persian Athenians discussed about how to wage the war. Also it was the place where Athenians met envies from the foreign cities and countries.
At the west part of the Agora were a few important official buildings. For example, you can find ruins of the Foloss – the building where stored the keys from the temples in the city as well as the official seal of the Athens.
