Athens: The History of the City

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Athens: The History of the City

The Beginnings

The Athenians have made it their boast that they had never been conquered. Both Achaean and Dorian invaders passed them by, possibly because their rocky plain was far less fertile than the rich valleys of Argos or Sparta. Thus the Athenians represented, or claimed to represent, the purest and most ancient Grecian stock, descended from the gods themselves (Ellis). The initial name of Athens was Akte or Aktike, named after the first king, Akteos (http://www.sikyon.com/Athens/ahist_eg01.html). Her second name, Kekropia, came from the king, Cecrops, who succeeded Akteos by marrying his daughter. According to the legend, his lower body was that of a dragon. During his reign, goddess Athena and Poseidon were competing for the protection of the city and each one offered presents. Poseidon struck the rock at the Acropolis with his trident (the three marks can be seen behind the Erectheion) and a spring with salted water gushed up. With the blow also leaped the first horse, ready to serve the man faithfully, while Athena offered an olive tree. The legend tell us that all the men of Athens voted for the gift of Poseidon and all the women, for the gift of Athena. Because there was one woman more than the men, goddess Athena was selected and from her the city took her name.

The Era of Kings

Under King Cecrops, the city was founded with the name Athens 1550 B.C.? Cecrops built the city on a steep rocky hill that is known today as the Acropolis, and is also known as the sacred hill (Ellis).? Athens became one of the first city-states.?? A city-state consists of a city and the surrounding region ruled by a king.? Kings ruled the area until 682 B.C (World Book).? After rule by kings ended...

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...29 Jul. 2002. 12 Dec. 2003<http://www.sikyon.com/Athens/athens_eg.html>.

2)Athens World Book Encyclopedia.1990.

3)Athens, Greece. Wguides.com. 12 Dec. 2003. <http://www.wguides.com/city/382/city_history.cfm>.

4) Ellis, Edward S., and Charles F. Horne. ?History of Athens Greece.? The Story of the Greatest Nations and the World?s Greatest Events, Vol. 1. 12 Dec. 2003

http://www.publicbookshelf.com/public_html/The_Story_of_the_Greatest_Nations_and_the_Worlds_Famous_Events_Vol_1/history_beh.html>.

5) The Official Website of the Olympic Movement. 9 Dec. 2003. <http://www.olympic.org/uk/index_uk.asp>.

6) Procopiou, Angelo. Athens: City of the Gods. New York: Stein and Day, 1964.

7)The Religion in Greece: Information about Greece Religion.? Greeka.com: The Greek Islands Specialists. 12 Dec. 2003. <http://www.greeka.com/greece-religion.htm>.

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