Athens (disambiguation) facts for kids
Athens is the capital city of Greece. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. People have lived there for over 3,400 years. Athens is famous for its long history. It is known as the birthplace of democracy. It was also a center for philosophy and art in ancient times.
Today, Athens is a large, busy city. It is the biggest city in Greece. Many people live and work there. It is an important place for business, politics, and culture.
Contents
The History of Athens
Athens has a very rich history. It has seen many changes over thousands of years.
Ancient Athens: A Powerful City-State
Long ago, Athens was a powerful city-state. This means it was like a small country with its own government. It was a leader among Greek cities.
Birthplace of Democracy
Around 508 BC, Athens created democracy. This was a new way of governing. Citizens could vote on laws and leaders. This idea changed how people thought about government.
Golden Age of Athens
The 5th century BC was a "Golden Age" for Athens. Great thinkers like Socrates and Plato lived there. Famous playwrights wrote plays. Beautiful buildings were constructed. The Parthenon on the Acropolis was built during this time. It is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Athens Through the Ages
After its Golden Age, Athens was ruled by different empires. These included the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire. In 1834, Athens became the capital of modern Greece. Greece had just gained its independence.
Famous Landmarks in Athens
Athens is full of amazing historical sites. Many of them are from ancient times.
The Acropolis
The Acropolis is a rocky hill in the center of Athens. It has many ancient buildings on top. The most famous is the Parthenon.
The Parthenon
The Parthenon is a huge temple. It was built for the goddess Athena. She was the patron goddess of Athens. This building shows amazing ancient Greek architecture.
Erechtheion
Near the Parthenon is the Erechtheion. This temple is known for its unique columns. These columns look like women. They are called the Caryatids.
Ancient Agora
The Agora was the heart of ancient Athens. It was a marketplace. It was also where people met to discuss politics. Philosophers like Socrates taught here.
Other Important Sites
- Temple of Olympian Zeus: This was a massive temple. It was dedicated to the king of the gods, Zeus.
- Panathenaic Stadium: This ancient stadium was rebuilt for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Athens Today
Modern Athens is a busy European city. It mixes ancient history with modern life.
Culture and Arts
Athens has many museums. The Acropolis Museum shows artifacts found on the Acropolis. The National Archaeological Museum has many ancient Greek treasures. The city also has theaters, music venues, and art galleries.
Education and Economy
Athens is a center for education. It has several universities. The city's economy relies on services, trade, and tourism. Millions of tourists visit Athens each year. They come to see its famous historical sites.
Other Places Named Athens
The name "Athens" is also used for other places around the world. These places are often named after the famous Greek city.
In the United States
Many towns and cities in the United States are named Athens. Some examples include:
In the United Kingdom
- "Athens of the North" is a nickname for Edinburgh in Scotland. It got this name because of its many beautiful buildings. These buildings were built in the 18th and 19th centuries. They look like ancient Greek temples.
See also
In Spanish: Athens para niños
