Athens: The Acropolis and the Agora

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Athens: The Acropolis and the Ago

Modern day Athens has managed to maintain an ancient landscape.? The Acropolis and the Agora are two major features of ancient Greece that have a home in this metropolitan city.? Both of these ancient sites preserve their power and mystery in a modern day world.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, an agora is an open space in ancient Greek cities that served as both a meeting place and as an area for various civic activities (?Agora?).? The Agora of ancient Athens was rebuilt after the Persian Wars (490-449 BC) in response to a lengthy period of wealth and peace in the city (ibid).? The area demonstrates an archaic type of agora architecture (ibid).? This means that the colonnades and other buildings do not appear to coordinate, thus, creating the general impression of disorder (ibid).? The Agora contains three main architectural areas:? the colonnades, the government buildings, and the sacred area.? These three parts of the Agora combine to form a space that functions for public, private, and religious interests.? These functions can best be described by looking at a map of the ancient Agora of Athens (Quick Tour, Agora).?

Publicly, the Agora served as a meeting place, market place, and a center for public activity.? The Agora once contained lush trees and fabulous fountains for public enjoyment (?Agora?).? These aesthetic elements combined to create an area that functioned as a public park and meeting space (ibid).? Athenians could engage in discussion, meet friends, or take their children to play in this free public area (?Athens?).? At the same time, the Agora created a public market for the sale of goods (?Agora?).? Two long stoas, or colonnade halls, once provided an area f...

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...ns greatest treasures.? These architectural areas have provided insight into the culture, religion, and government of ancient Athens.? The Agora has become a symbol of civic space, and has influenced how modern architects plan public areas.? It has also provided scholars with understanding of religious and cultural aspects of Greek life.? The Acropolis has served as symbol of the power of both Athens of religion in Greek life.? This structure has unlocked questions about art and architecture, and it continues to symbolize perfection.? Together, these ancient sites unlock the mysterious of ancient Athens.?

Bibliography

http://search.eb.com/ebi/article?eu=294421

http://search.eb.com/ebi/article?eu=4106.

http://search.eb.com/ebi/article?eu=294750.

http://www.lfc.edu/academics/greece/AcropTour.html.

http://www.lfc.edu/academics/greece/AgoraTour.html.

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