This gives it its famously magical, mythic quality. When you stroll around Athens, you are literally walking in the footsteps of some of the most illustrious figures in human history.
Athens really began to prosper in the Iron Age. Owing to its central position, its access to the sea, and its natural Acropolis, by 900 BC and beyond Athens was a major center of trade.
Athens is the birthplace of Democracy, and the word itself tells us what democracy is. It comes from the Greek words “demos” – the people, and “Kratos” – power, or as it is used today, the state.
The philosopher Plato established the Academy in the late 4th century BC (387 BC). Aristotle studied here. You can visit the ruins of the Academy of Plato. It captured the imagination for centuries and still does.
Plays were performed at a festival called the Dionysia, honoring the God Dionysus. Many ancient Greek Tragedies and Comedies were performed at the Ancient Theater of Dionysus on the slopes of the Acropolis.