Athens, a city full of history and myths: A dive into the rich past of the city
Athens is a city intertwined with the ancient world, the arts, and culture. It is the city that has
given us the great values of humanity, philosophy, science, democracy, free thought, while at
the same time being a significant part of Ancient Greek History. Like a proud rock standing
motionless in all conditions, Athens has developed a rich history filled with myths.
Let's explore in the following article the entire history, secrets, and myths hidden within this
city.
A history of Athens that will fascinate you
The history of Athens is vast. Let's examine it in more detail according to the various major
periods.
Mycenaean Period
According to experts, Athens is considered to have been first inhabited during the Neolithic
Period. During the Mycenaean Period, it was a small provincial city, which gradually, with the
settlement of more tribes, developed economically and culturally. During this period,
philosophers, poets, people of science, and orators emerged. Athens gradually evolved into a
city of great power.
Golden Age
In the 5th century BC, Athens, which had acquired great military power, fought and defeated
the Persians twice. The battles include the famous Battle of Marathon and the naval Battle of
Salamis. With these victories, Athens established itself as the leader of the Greek world. This
century is known as the Golden Age of Pericles, the great political leader of the time. Athens
was the intellectual center of Greece and provided the space for the development of great
human principles such as philosophy, science, literature, art, and ancient drama.
Macedonian Period
In 431 BC, the Peloponnesian War broke out, the war between Athens and Sparta, in which
Athens suffered a crushing defeat. This war significantly weakened these great cities and
Greece, allowing Philip II of Macedon to subjugate them. Subsequently, Philip's son, Alexander
the Great, united the cities of Greece and expanded his empire into the East and Africa.
However, Athens remained a major intellectual center.
Roman and Byzantine Period
The great power of the city began to decline gradually, especially after 146 BC, when the Greek
territories were conquered by the Roman legions. The next period saw the spread of
Christianity. In 330 AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Empire to the
area of Byzantium, specifically to Constantinople. The Roman Empire was divided into two
parts, the Western and the Eastern part. Athens became part of the Byzantine Empire, which
had dominance for more than 1000 years. During this period, many ancient temples were
converted into churches, which are preserved to this day. Thus, if you wander through the
various areas of the city, you can admire the glorious Byzantine ecclesiastical art.
Period of Ottoman Rule
During the Middle Ages, Athens came under the rule of many powers, such as the Franks,
Catalans, Venetians, and Florentines. The Ottoman Turks captured Athens in 1456 AD. Since
then, for the next 400 years, Athens, like the rest of Greece, remained under Ottoman rule.
During this occupation, many monuments were destroyed, and the Parthenon was converted
into a mosque. Moreover, the bombings by the Venetian mercenaries destroyed many parts of
the Parthenon.
Greek War of Independence Period
In 1821, the Greek War of Independence began. The war for the Independence of Greece lasted
8 years. In 1830, Britain, France, and Russia, the three great powers of the time, declared
Greece as an independent state, with Nafplio as its capital. In 1834, King Otto I named Athens
as the capital of Greece.
Modern Era
After World War I and the Asia Minor Catastrophe, Athens changed significantly due to
population exchanges. A large number of refugees settled in the capital and its surrounding
areas, creating a city with multicultural elements. In the following years, Athens actively
participated in World War II. On October 28, 1940, Greece refused to open its borders to the
Italians, thus initiating its involvement in the war, presenting strong resistance. During the Nazi
occupation, Greeks faced very difficult living conditions. In 1944, Greece was liberated, and the
country's civil war began.
In the following years, the political scene was calm until April 21, 1967, when a junta of
Colonels declared a military coup. In 1973, the junta was overthrown. In 1981, Greece joined
the European Union, and Athens became a high-level capital.
Myths surrounding Athens
Apart from its grand history, Athens played a prominent role in mythology. References are
made to a wide array of myths, with some of the most popular ones being:
Naming of Athens
Athens, once known as Cecropia, derived its name from King Cecrops, a creature who was half-
human, half-dragon. During his reign, the goddess Athena and the god Poseidon battled over
who would be the protector of the city. The victor of the contest would be the one who offered
the best and most useful gift to the city. Poseidon struck the rock of the Acropolis with his
trident, causing a spring of saltwater to gush forth. Athena, on the other hand, offered an olive
tree. The other gods, along with Cecrops, deemed Athena's gift to be of greater benefit to the
city and its inhabitants. Thus, the city was named Athens.
The apparition of Mount Lycabettus
According to myth, Mount Lycabettus, the hill that seemingly appeared suddenly in the center
of Athens, was nothing but a rock held by the goddess Athena, intended to be placed as a
fortress in front of the Acropolis. However, a crow brought her bad news. In her agitation, the
rock slipped from her hands, landing at the specific spot. Since then, Mount Lycabettus has
been one of the beloved landmarks of the city center.
For more than 2,500 years, Athens has been a center of literature, arts, and culture. The city
that enlightened the world stands proudly and continually invites its visitors to uncover its
secrets.
If you happen to visit Athens, it's worth dedicating time to explore it fully. As for your
accommodation, the Poseidon Hotel offers you the opportunity to enjoy a memorable
experience in the Greek capital, embracing every aspect of life. The past and the present
converge in a unique way.
Book your stay now and indulge in unique experiences in Athens that you will remember for a
lifetime.
72 Posidonos Avenue
17562 Paleo Faliro
Athens / Greece
Tel.: +30 210 98 72 000
Fax: +30 210 98 29 217
E-mail: info@poseidonhotel.com.gr
ΜΗΤΕ: 0261Κ013Α0051000
17562 Paleo Faliro
Athens / Greece
Tel.: +30 210 98 72 000
Fax: +30 210 98 29 217
E-mail: info@poseidonhotel.com.gr
ΜΗΤΕ: 0261Κ013Α0051000
