V. Athens before the Persian Wars

Today? The best resorts and archaeological sites of Attica.

The most ancient period in the historical life of Attica, which later became the main territory of one of the most powerful and flourishing states - Greece, found only a faint reflection in the sources. Archaeological studies of Athens itself and the area surrounding them have revealed traces of ancient life dating back to the Neolithic era. The oldest burial found here so far dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. NS. The handmade gray clay vessels found in this burial near the twisted skeleton are still very primitive.

The end of the fragmentation of Greece, according to legend, was put by the hero and the Athenian king Theseus, who united the population around Athens and established one general council. “From that time to the present,” writes Thucydides, “the Athenians celebrate in honor of the goddess Athena a nationwide festival of sinoykia (unification).

During excavations on the Athenian acropolis, monuments of an incomparably higher culture were discovered in the form of the remains of a Mycenaean-type palace, and in a number of other places (Akharny, Erhia, Keramik, etc.) - burials of the same time with a large number various items, mainly ceramics, including those of non-local origin. All these monuments, dating back to the end of the Bronze Age, give reason to believe that one of the centers of the Mycenaean culture existed on the territory of Attica, modern to its other centers.

The subsequent, post-Mycenaean period is characterized in Attica by the emergence of pottery of the so-called protogeometric and geometric styles. Some of the ceramic finds of this time, such as the famous, widely known, Dipylon vases, have survived to our time in excellent preservation.

Abundant finds of protogeometric and geometric ceramics have also been excavated on the northern and northwestern slopes of the Areopagus. It is noteworthy that imported items are almost never found in the cultural layers characterized by this kind of ceramic finds. This shows that the weakening of ties with other countries, typical for the whole of Greece in the post-Mycenaean period, characterizes Attica.

The ancient Athenians had a severe debt law, by virtue of which the debtor was responsible to the creditor not only with his property, but also with the freedom of himself and his family members. Insolvent debtors became slaves to their creditors.

To characterize the Iron Age in Attica, it is interesting to find a burial discovered in 1949 on the territory of Athens, apparently of an artisan, in which about ten objects made of iron and a whetstone were found.

Fig trees (fig trees) in Attica grew in huge numbers and gave so many fruits that they even entered the proverb as something useless, of which a lot will be born. A similar proverb existed for owls nesting in the vicinity of the Acropolis.

Attica is an area bounded in the south by the Aegean Sea. Its whimsical configuration testifies to the existence of many bays, bays and capes. The land has been cultivated here since time immemorial. The goddess Athena herself argued for the possession of Attica with the powerful Poseidon and won this dispute by bringing an olive as a gift to people. Attica has been famous since ancient times for its mild, warm climate; a large number of ancient monuments are located here. It was the proximity to the capital that led to the rapid development of this area at almost all times of Greek history.

Drinkable water was supplied, except for the rivers Ilissa and Kefis, only the springs of Panopa and Kallirroya. Only Emperor Hadrian (117-138) arranged a water supply for the eastern part of the city. The well overseer was an important person who made sure that no one drained the water without having the right to do so.

Separately, it should be said about the remarkably preserved monuments of ancient architecture of Attica. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Temple of Poseidon, located at Cape Sounion. The temple consists of columns located at a distance of 70 meters. A large temple, standing on a promontory, where only the winds walk, leaves an unforgettable impression. It would be worth visiting the ancient temple of Demeter in Eleusis, located 22 km from Athens, dedicated to the secret cult of the goddess Demeter and her charming daughter Persephone.

The main resorts of the Attic Riviera are Palio Faliro, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Voula, Kavuri, Varkiza, Lagonissi, Anavyssos, Cape Sounion, Mati, Nea Makri. And, of course, the island of Evia - with its luxurious resorts Eretria, Amarynthos, Edipsos

Attica - historical area Greece, which is located near the modern capital. Spread out on a picturesque peninsula in the southeast of Greece, it served as the cradle of ancient culture. It's hard to imagine more appropriate place for exploring Hellas and relaxing in the bosom of nature, among wonderful beaches, amazing mountains and emerald greenery.

Geographic features

Atika on the map of Greece resembles a triangle that runs along the sea coast and extends to the central part of the country. In its vastness is the capital, the port of Piraeus and several cozy resort towns. The area is predominantly hilly, surrounded by limestone and marble mountains. Their peaks are poorly covered with vegetation, but the intermontane plains amaze with all shades of dense greenery.

The coastal part is very winding, there are numerous sandy beaches... The shores are washed by the blue waters of the Sardonic Gulf. The beaches are very clean and beautiful, many of them boast a blue flag - the highest environmental award for cleanliness and safety.

Myths and historical facts

From the few surviving sources, it follows that the first settlers, the Ionian Greeks, occupied the territory of Attica as early as two millennia BC. Although Plato in his works claims that the inhabitants of Attica did not come from other lands, but have always lived here. Numerous archaeological excavations testify to the fact that a person has long settled in this territory.

Later, the society was divided into small communities, each of which worshiped a separate god. Periodically, wars arose between the settlements, which were also considered wars between the gods - the patrons of the communities. At the same time, the affected community and its god did not disappear completely, but simply changed the importance of one or another patron. Gradually, as a result of several internecine wars, a single pantheon was formed.

After the expansion of Attica and the inclusion of Athens, next to the Acropolis and the temple of Athena, sanctuaries and other gods of the indigenous settlements began to appear. Athens, on the other hand, turned into a bright pearl of Greece, where culture, art, philosophy were actively developing, and new foundations of the state were formed.

Attractions of the region

Attica, a land with a rich historical heritage, boasts many attractions. For the most part, these are the ruins of temples and other important structures, as well as places where the fate of the ancient Greeks was decided. Let us dwell on just a few of the most interesting sights of Attica.

Temple of Poseidon- a majestic structure, which is located at Cape Sounion - the southernmost point of Attica. It seems that the god of the seas is still washing the remains of his temple, which nestles almost at the cliff at an altitude of 60 m. It is best to visit here in the late afternoon, when the rays of the setting sun pass through the preserved columns.

Acropolis- the oldest fortress in Athens, which is awe-inspiring even today. Important historical events have left many marks on the boulders. The Acropolis is a fairly large multi-level complex that you can wander around for a long time in search of unusual places and backgrounds for photography.

In the vicinity of Athens there is Daphne monastery- the Byzantine heritage of Greece. Initially it was built in honor of Apollo, but later the monastery passed into the possession of Christians, then the building was used as a fortress wall and even as a psychiatric hospital.

Aegina- a small island off the coast of Attica in the Sardonic Gulf. Here you can endlessly admire the beautiful landscapes, as well as numerous churches. On a small area of ​​land, there are 365 religious buildings. The abandoned city of Palayochora is of no less interest.

Near Athens, in the thick of a cypress forest, an ancient monastery is hidden. It is located at the base of Mount Imittos, next to a healing spring. The building is striking in size, beautiful architecture, mosaics and frescoes.

Resorts of Attica

Once your mind is full of sightseeing, it's time to go to the beach. There are several cozy towns with developed infrastructure along the coast. They are united under the name "Athenian Riviera"... It is difficult to find a deserted or secluded corner here, but there is everything for a comfortable stay: yacht clubs, bars, hotels and nightclubs.

Just 15 km from the center of Athens is the famous Glyfada... Here you can have a fun night out in the many clubs, and in the afternoon go to the huge golf course.

Lagonissi- a less noisy and very comfortable resort. It is ideal for measured family vacation on the Aegean coast. The calm sea with a shallow bottom and the beach with the finest sand let you forget about the time. After lunch, you can stroll through the dense lemon groves.

Loutraki- a town where you can not only enjoy a relaxing beach holiday, but also improve your health in the famous hospitals. The mild climate and healing springs will return health and youth to everyone.

Vouliagmeni – prestigious resort with expensive hotels and luxury villas. The city has a lake of the same name, famous for its healing springs. With their help, it is possible to get rid of many serious diseases of the skin, bones, nervous system and reproductive organs. The city is home to the most beautiful coniferous forests.

The maximum cosmetic effect will have a rest in Sounione... There are many beauty centers that use cosmetics based on local herbs, flowers and mineral complexes.

Things to do?

Attica is a place where everyone will find something to their liking. Most tourists start their acquaintance with sightseeing or relaxing on the famous beaches. In addition to passive lying on the shore and swimming, you can ride a scooter or water ski, as well as enjoy the views from a pleasure yacht.

Adults and children alike will enjoy spending time in the water park. Lovers of the underwater world will be able to scuba dive. There are several diving centers on the beaches.

Connoisseurs of gambling and vibrant nightlife will not be overlooked. They can head to the bustling casino in Loutrak or the many nightclubs along the coast.

Shopping

In Attica, there are areas where people go for shopping even from neighboring countries. In the center of Athens there are shopping centers and boutiques selling jewelry and furs. In memory of this paradise buy aromatic herbal teas, leather products, cosmetics based on minerals and olive oil, the oil itself and olives, as well as ceramic products from the masters of Marusya.

How to get there?

Since the capital of Greece Athens is located in Attica, there will be no problems with the flight. The city has a large international Airport which accepts direct flights from different parts of the world.

You can get to more remote towns by comfortable regular buses or trains. They run regularly in the suburbs. In order not to depend on the schedule, you can rent a car and create your own route for exploring the region.

You can get to the island of Aegina by ferry from the port of Piraeus. It delivers passengers every hour from early morning until sunset.

tier (strip) above the main cornice in the antique façade.

(Ancient culture: literature, theater, art, philosophy, science. Dictionary-reference / Edited by V.N. Yarho. M., 1995.)

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Attica

Attica, region in the southeast. parts Center. Greece. In ancient times, there were several. small settlements, to-rye gradually merged into the city-state of Athens. This process was completed by the 7th century. BC. Families of large landowners continued to live outside the city, although during the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) the countryside was often plundered by invading Spartans. Armenia was rich in natural resources, especially clay, which was necessary for a flourishing pottery industry, as well as marble, lead, and silver, which was required to finance the Athenian fleet.

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ATTIC

Titus Pomponius (110 - 132 BC) - wealthy and influential. Rome. horseman, received the name A. due to the fact that he lived in Athens for more than 20 years. Being composed. landowner., merchant and financier, tried to take in troubled political. point of view time is neutral. position between confrontations. in batches. This is a fence. A. from encroachments on his condition and provide. mediator role. Letters written. Cicero, with whom A. connected. many years. friendship, represent the historian. document of that era. A. yavl. high-images. and enlightened. man, he gained a well-known. publication and distribution. lit. manuf. For this purpose, he disposed educated. slave scribes. His own. op. "Chronicle" - a short chronological. essay on the history of Rome from the day of its foundation. A.'s life is described in detail. by his friend Cornelius Nepos.

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Attica

peninsula in the south-east central Greece, bordering Boeotia in the north and Megara in the west; pl. peninsula 2200 km2, relief predominantly. mountain. Mountains Kiferon (1409 m) and Parnassus (1413 m) with spurs form natures. border of the Attic region. Other significant mountain peaks known for marble quarries are Pentelikon and Gimet. South the tip of the peninsula forms Cape Suniy. Athens is located in the flat part of the peninsula. Eleusis and Marathon. Pp. Kefis and Iliss, who are in summer time tend to dry out. Soils in A. preim. calcareous, therefore Ch. agriculture. crops in ancient times were grapes, olives and figs. Main mineral deposits were located in Lavrion, they mined pottery clay, silver and iron ore. The first inhabitants came to A. apprx. 1900 BC NS. Since the great resettlement of the Doryans in the end. 2nd millennium BC NS. A. was not affected, the inhabitants of this area considered themselves autochthonous. OK. 1000 BC NS. the population of Albania was united under the rule of Athens. Other significant settlements in Armenia include Piraeus, Eleusis, Forikos, Bravron, and Ramnunt.

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ATTICA

Ancient (´Attikn) - the area of ​​Dr. Greece. Inhabited since the Neolithic era. The spurs of Kyferon and Parnet divide Armenia into small plains: the Athenian, Eleusinian, Mesogean, and Marathon plains, which are suitable for the village. x-va. In addition to the flat, terrace farming was widespread. Ch. s.-kh. grapes and olives were the ancient cultures of Albania. The yields of barley and wheat were low, and there was not enough bread. Sheep and goats were raised on mountain pastures. Armenia was rich in salt, marble, clay, and silver (it was mined in the Lavrion mountains in the south of Armenia). Crafts were developed in Armenia (pottery, metalworking, and shipbuilding). The ruggedness of the banks of A., its middle position in Dr. Greece, the need to import bread contributed to the development of the pestilence. trade in A. (harbors - Piraeus, Phaleron). By the 5th century. BC NS. A. gradually became the most developed socio-economic., Political. and the cultural area (center - Athens) Dr. Greece. In the present. Greece A. forms one of the administrative-terr. units - nom. Lit .: Kolobova K.M., Gluskina L.M., Essays on the history of Ancient Greece, L., 1958; Wrede W., Attika, Athen, 1934. - *** - *** - *** - Atticus of the time of Cleisthenes

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Attic

Titus Pomponius Atticus) - a wealthy and influential Roman landowner, merchant and financier, historian, publisher and philanthropist of the 1st century. BC Born 110, died 32 BC Atticus, a representative of the equestrian class, was a highly educated and enlightened person; he received his nickname due to the fact that he lived in Athens for more than 20 years. Consisted of many years of friendship and correspondence with Cicero (the texts of these letters have survived to this day), also corresponded with Octavian and Mark Antony in the 30s. BC He became widely known among the educated strata of Roman society as a publisher and distributor of literary works, including the works of his contemporaries. For these purposes, Atticus kept a whole staff of educated scribe slaves at home. Titus Pomponius Atticus himself was the author of the "Annals" ("Liber annalis") - a work that was a short chronological outline of the history of Rome from the day of its foundation, as well as individual works on the genealogy of noble Roman families, now lost. The biography of Atticus, written by one of his friends, the historian Cornelius Nepotus, survived millennia.

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Attic

1. Titus Pomponius (110 - 32 BC), wealthy and influential Rome. horseman, received the name A. due to the fact that he lived in Athens for more than 20 years. As a wealthy landowner, merchant and financier, he tried to borrow in troubled political life. point of view being a neutral position between the opposing parties. This protected A. from encroachments on his fortune and provided an intermediary. role. The letters written by Cicero, with whom A. had a long-term friendship, represent a historian. document of that era. A. was highly educated and enlightened. man, he gained fame for the publication and distribution of lit. works. For this purpose, he disposed of educated scribal slaves. His own. composition "Chronicle" ("Liber annalis") - a short chronological. essay on the history of Rome from the day of its foundation. A.'s life is described in detail by his friend Cornelius Nepos.

2. low built-up wall, located over the cornice crowning the structure (in Roman architecture, usually on triumphal arches) and intended. for a bas-relief or inscription. It is also found in the art of the Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism.

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Attica

from Greek- coastal country)

peninsula, one of the largest areas in the southeast of the Middle. Greece. Its mountains are branches of Kiferon, a steep rocky ridge that formed the natural border of Africa with Boeotia and Megara. Among the mountain ranges are the plains: Eleusis, Kekrop, Mesogei and Marathon. The small rivers A. Kefis and Asop were shallow, the land was barren. But the industriousness of the farmers compensated for the scarcity of the land: olives, grapes, figs, millet, spelled, and barley were grown in Armenia. There was a lot of limestone and marble in the mountains, suitable for building. Silver, iron ore and clay were mined in Lavrion, which contributed to early development crafts, and thanks to the large reserves of table salt, the population began to preserve food, laying the foundation for the development of an entire industry.

The population of Albania considered themselves to be autochthonous. OK. X century. BC, under the legendary king Theseus, it began to unite under the rule of Athens, but this process was long and stretched for centuries. By the VI century. BC. Athens became the center of economic and political transformations in Armenia.The large centers of Armenia were Eleusis, Piraeus, Forikos, Ramnunt, and others.

(IA Lisovy, KA Revyako. The Ancient World in Terms, Names and Titles: Dictionary-Reference Book on the History and Culture of Ancient Greece and Rome / Scientific Ed. AI Nemirovsky. - 3rd ed. - Minsk: Belarus, 2001)

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ATTIC

church in Constantinople, which was built in the IX century. in the traditions of Eastern early Byzantine architecture, dating back to throne rooms Babylonian and Assyrian kings in ancient Mesopotamia. Its Byzantine name has not survived. As the researchers suggest, the church was not intended for ceremonial cult actions, but was used as a prayer house. It was a five-nave cross-domed building with a low dome (5 m in diameter), which was not supported by pillars, but by massive walls with small openings leading to the corner rooms. Her plan was based on a square. From the original outer walls, only wide, squat apses have survived, each having three sides without protrusions and ornaments. At the eastern end of the cross there was an altar room, to which an apse adjoined. The worshipers were located in front of the altar at the lateral ends of the cross, spread apart in breadth, and the western end was longer than the north and south, which strengthened the direction towards the altar. The domed square and the narthex had vaulted ceilings, in the extreme side naves, turned into isolated chapels with images of saints, there were wooden floors. The masonry of Attica did not differ from similar religious buildings of this and subsequent eras: 6 - 6 rows of massive stone block masonry, characteristic of the architecture of Asia Minor, alternated with 4 - 4 rows of bricks. After the conquest of Byzantium, the Turks turned this church into a mosque, laying down the windows and destroying the extreme side aisles.

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ATTIC

roman cognomen. The most famous was

1. T. Pomponius Atticus, born in 109 BC, came from an ancient family of Roman horsemen and received an excellent education. He was adopted by his uncle Q. Cecilius, and therefore was called Kv. Caecilius Pomponian A. To avoid participating in the strife during the unrest caused by Sulpicius and Cinna, he went to Athens and studied science there. He lived in Athens for many years and from this he got the name Atticus. The Athenians loved him (Ner. Att. 2) both for his generosity and sympathy, and for his generous support of the poor and needy, and expressed their respect for him by constructing in honor of his statues. When Sulla, upon his return from Asia, lived in Athens, A. enjoyed his great favor. Soon afterwards he returned, to the great sorrow of the Athenians, to Rome, about the time when he inherited the property of his uncle Q. Cecilia; Here he used part of this property to support his friends, including Cicero and Hortensky, and did not refuse to help even those whose political conviction he did not sympathize with. A.'s position among the most influential men of his time was very peculiar. He did not interfere in politics; he managed at the same time to be on the best terms with the leaders of different parties; being a friend of Cicero, he enjoyed the favor of Antony, being in friendship with the younger Marius, he did not lose the respect of Sulla. Thus, his good fame and his life were not affected by the wild quarrels of the parties, because his courteous nature and his rare education put him above them. He never looked for positions and did not occupy. He died in 32 BC, at the age of 77, respected by all his contemporaries. He did a great service to literature by multiplying and distributing the works of his contemporaries and friends; were engaged in the correspondence of essays ( Nep. Att. 13) his many slaves. He himself wrote historical writings, between which the liber annalis, dedicated to Cicero, contained the history of Rome from its founding to its time, arranged in chronological tables by officials. Nep. Att. 18 Cic. Brut. 3, 5. I. Nepos (18, 5) also mentions imagines and one Greek work on the consulate of Cicero. Cic. ad Att. 2, 1, 1. Plin. n. h. 35, 3, 11. Wed: Boissier, Cicero and Friends;

2. Tib. Claudius Herodes, son of a wealthy marathon man, was born c. A.D. 103 and was engaged in rhetoric under Marcus Aurelius, who showed him great respect. Having been brought up by excellent teachers, A. entered the civil service and in 143 he held a consular post. Subsequently, however, he left the civil service and devoted himself entirely to scientific pursuits. He founded an oratory school, from which excellent students came, and was himself an excellent orator. Gell. 19, 12. His training was also used by the emperors L. Ver and Marcus Aurelius. About his relationship to Pediment, not always friendly, Wed letters of the last p. 61. 111. 138. Of his many works, none have survived; the authenticity of the writings attributed to him cannot be proven. Its main advantage, it seems, was the simplicity and fluency of the language. Possessing great wealth, he was a benefactor of the poor and founded many magnificent useful buildings in Athens, Rome and other cities. He died in 179 at Marathon.

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ATTICA

? ?????? (from ?????, instead of ???????), previously also called ????, « coastal country» , and the poets have ???????, or ?????, or ?????????? and was the most important of the 8 regions that made up its own (middle) Hellas. It had the shape of a triangle, the top of which was facing southeast, bordered in the north with Boeotia, in the east with the Aegean Sea, in the southwest with the Saronskiy Gulf (n.Aegin Bay), in the west with Megara and occupied the area in about 1960 sq. versts Armenia is a mountainous country and is covered by separate, but frequent, mostly bare groups of mountains and hills, between which there are only a few and insignificant plains. All mountains represent the spurs of Kiferon (????????, n.a. of the same name, the highest peak is called Elatia), a wild, steep and rocky ridge reaching up to 4000 feet in height, known from the myths about the hunt for the Kiferon lion, about the hunt Actaeon and about Oedipus, and who formed the border of A. from the side of Boeotia and Megara. The sharp contrast between him and the neighboring Helikon gave rise to the myth of two brothers turned into mountains; the meek and kind Helikon became the seat of the muses, the cruel Citheron, who killed his father and mother, became the seat of the Erinyes. A passage wound through the wildest places of Kiferon ?????? ??????? or?????? ???????, n. Gifto Kastro. To the south of Kiferon stretched a lower range of mountains, probably called ??????? ??????, representing the Megarian border and ending near the coast, opposite the northern part of Salamis with two horn-shaped peaks (n. ??????). To the east of Kiferon, the country is cut through by Parnef (??????, N. Ozea), the most significant in height (over 4000 feet) and the length of the mountain range A. deciduous trees and shrubs, partly pine. It is rich in beautiful views. To the south, its continuation is a much lower chain of mountains, n. ?????????, separating the Athenian plain from the Eleusinian plain from the west; the middle part of this chain, through which the sacred road to Eleusis led, had the name ??? ???????? ??????, extreme, south-western part, with a cape ??????? - ??????????, according to one of the demos. From the summit of Koridall, Xerxes watched the battle of Salamis. Hdt. 8, 90. Brilette (?????????) or ??? ??????????? ??????, DeMouy ???????; it was famous for its marble. It is adjoined and directed to the south, but closer to the city, also rich in marble Gimette ???????, n. Trelo-Vuni, still famous today for its fragrant thyme and excellent honey. Gimette ends with a cape ?????? (n. Cape Helikes). Mount Lycabettus (??????????, n. Hagios Georgios) is a separate rocky cone reaching in the northeast to the walls of Athens; adjoining it, heading to the north, a rocky chain of mountains, probably ancient ????????. The southern part of Armenia is also covered with chains of mountains, which form the Lavrian Mountains (???????? or ???????) with rich silver mines ( Hdt. 7, 144. Plut. Them. 4), which constituted the main source of wealth for ancient Athens. There were three plains in A.

1. Eleusinian (?????????? ??????), between Kiferon and the marshy shore of the Gulf of Eleusis, the granary of Athens, as a result of which, at the beginning of the Peloponnesian War, the first was devastated by the Spartans. The western part of it was called ´ ?????? ??????, eastern, most of - ???????? ??????; The part adjacent to Megara, the inalienable property of Demeter, bore the name ??? ???? or??????;

2. Cecrop plain, northeast of Athens, simply called ??? ?????? (n. Calandrian plain), was surrounded by Aigaley and Hymettus and irrigated by Kefis; in the northeast, Dekelia towered over it, which was occupied as a result of this by the Spartans in the Peloponnesian War;

3. Mesogean Plain (????????), n. Mesoghia, located in the east off the coast near Bravron.

In addition, there were even smaller plains - Marathon and the plain at the mouth of Asop. Irrigation of the country was scarce, almost all rivers and streams were very shallow in summer. A. belongs to Asop, flowing from Boeotia, in its lower course. The country's most important river, Kefis (??????? n.Kiphissos) flows out of the southwestern slope of Brilette, joins a few streams originating in Parnef and flows through the Kecrop plain, on the western side of Athens (cutting through long walls) ; in winter, it emerges from the coast at the mouth near the Faler's harbor. Ilissos flows out of the Hymettus, joins the Eridanus stream, flows from the southern side of Athens and is lost in the plain. Another Kephis (n. Sarandopotamos), which originates from Kyferon, flows into the sea east of Eleusis. To the east of it were ´ ??????, flowing salt water, fishing in which it belonged to the Eleusinian temple. Athens and its surroundings were not richer in water than the rest of A. Good water was delivered, except for Ilis and Kephys, only the springs of Panop and Kallirroi (?????????, near Odeon), also called ?????? ?????? or?????????????; now this key also gives muddy water. Only Adrian (117-138) arranged an aqueduct from Ankhesma for the eastern part of the city. The rest of the wells gave bad water and therefore were sometimes also called ??????? ( Hdt. 8, 55). The Well Overseer (?????????? ???????) was an important person who made sure that no one drained water without having the right to do so. Of the bays, the most important were: on the east side - a shallow marathon bay, on the west side - the harbor of the city of Athens ( cm. below) and the Eleusinian bay. Although today it is difficult to form a correct understanding of the state of the country in antiquity, since due to the disappearance of forests and the shallowing of rivers, its dryness has reached a high degree, it can still be argued that Albania was not fertile in ancient times, with the exception of only a few parts of it; and now still noticeable terraced fields show that they tried to use every piece of land. The layer of fertile land (chernozem) was so insignificant that in the lease agreements, a special clause prohibited the removal of land; however, the scarcity of soil was rewarded with the diligence of the inhabitants and an excellent climate. Agriculture, sanctified by religious regulations and the cult of the Eleusinian Demeter, was an honorable occupation even for the noble Athenians. The bread (barley) was excellent, but the harvest only yielded? grain necessary for the population (during the prosperity of the state, 500,000 inhabitants - 140,000 free and up to 400,000 slaves - destroyed 3 million medims of bread). In the same way, the olive oil, which was the subject of export, was excellent (in the temple of Athena Poliadeskaya, the first olive tree was planted by Athena herself, which remained unharmed even during the Persian wars. Hdt. 8, 55). Wine was plentiful, but not particularly good; better were the figs born in great numbers; hence the proverb: ??? ????? ???? ?????? to express something useless. The often mentioned prohibition on their export ( cm.??????????, Sycophant) should be considered fiction. In addition, mulberry, laurel and almond trees, well-known omegas, etc., oak, beech, pine, spruce, cedar grew well; the latter covered the slopes of Parnephus and Cithaeron, from where the Athenians received firewood and coal (Aharna). The mountains are composed of limestone, slate and marble; Pentel marble was especially prized for its whiteness and its fine-grained composition. In the Lavrian region there were significant silver mines, so rich that every Athenian citizen annually received a net income of 10 drachmas (about 2.5 gold rubles). Good clay was mined at Cape Koliada; besides, emeralds and other stones and the famous Attic forces, golden paint like ocher. Salt mined in Albania was of such good quality that it became a proverb. Among domestic animals, especially sheep, goats were raised, horses were only on the marathon plain; draft animals, on the basis of ancient decrees, were dedicated to triptolemus; kept many donkeys and mules. Of the wild animals in former times, wild boars, wolves and bears were found in the mountains. Especially many owls nested in the crevices of the Acropolis (hence the proverb: ??? ???????? ???????, which had the same meaning as the above mentioned ??? ????? ???? ??????). The sea was teeming with fish. The climate in the plains is already suffocating from March, reaching in August the unbearable heat of 28-32 ° Rehom .; he is especially suffocating in Athens under the influence of the rocky Acropolis; however, in some areas cool sea winds moderate the temperature. When all the vegetation dries up, the shrill singing of countless fillies begins to be heard from the olives. Snow stays on the mountains for a long time in winter, and this time of the year is especially cool due to the moderate temperature. The air of A. is usually extremely pure; the light is distinguished by a peculiar brilliance due to the strong reflection of rays from the mountains, which are mostly treeless. The dry air contributed a lot to the preservation of ancient buildings and other art objects. The inhabitants of the Ionian tribe, in all likelihood, migrated by sea from Asia Minor, they were joined by, in addition to other settlers, the Peloponnesian Ionians. Before them, the country was probably inhabited by the Pelasgians, who were conquered by the Ionians and merged with them. At first the population of Armenia was divided into 4 phyla ( cm.????, Phil), then, since the time of Kleisfen, into 10 phyla, split into 174 demos ( cm.??????, Demos); in addition, the country was divided by the nature of the terrain into ?????? - "Plain", north and northwest of Athens; ??????? or???? - "Coastal", a strip by the sea between Athens and Sounia (this strip was adjacent to ????????) and ??????? or??????? - "Mountainous country", which occupied most of the eastern coast. This division was also of political significance, cm. Pisistratus. ?, Pisistarat. ? ?????? there was 1) the Athenian plain with the city of Athens (?? ???????), the capital of A. and greatest city Greece. Athens consisted of two parts: the city and the harbors, which since the time of Cimon were connected by long walls (??? ?????). Nothing reliable can be said about the size of the city before the Persian Wars. The main founder of its greatness should be considered Themistocles, who, after the destruction of Athens by the Persians, restored the city in a more magnificent form, surrounded it with walls and built the important harbor of Piraeus. The direction of the walls erected by Themistocles is still clearly visible in the south and west, in the north and east only minor traces of them are noticeable. Their perimeter was, according to Thucydides (2, 13), 174, 5 stadia or 30 versts, of which the harbor accounted for 56, 5 stadia, the long connecting walls 75, the city itself 43. Hence it is clear why Athens, almost equal in circumference of Rome, occupied only 0.25 of its area. In Athens, there were up to 10,000 houses ( Xen. Socrat. 3, 6, 14) and, according to Boeckh's calculation, 180,000 inhabitants, according to others - slightly more than 100,000. With the exception of public buildings, there were hardly many beautiful buildings; most of the houses were made of beams and adobe, especially in the western part of the city, inhabited by the poorest citizens; the streets were wrong and narrow (????????).

The names of the 11 city gates (counting from west to south) were:

1. Dipil (???????), originally the Friasian or Kerameik gate, of considerable size ( Liv. 31, 24);

2. Sacred gate (?? ????? ?????), on the road to Eleusis;

3. The rider's gate (?? ??????? ?????), through which, probably, the periegetus Pausanias entered the city and from which he took his walk;

4. Piraeus Gate (????????? ?????);

5. Melita Gate (?? ????????? ?????);

6. Eton Gate (?? ??????? ?????);

7. Aegean Gate (?? ?????? ?????); probably near the Panathenian stage;

8. Diokharov's gate (?? ???? ????????? ?????),

9. Diomeean gate (? ??????? ?????), on the way to Kinosarg;

10. Barrow gates (?? ????? ?????);

11. Acharn Gate (?? ????????? ?????).

The position of some of the gates is questionable. Almost in the middle of the city there was a huge steep cliff 150 feet high, accessible only from west side and having an area at the summit 900 feet long (west to east) and 400 feet wide (at its widest point). On this rock, the Kremlin was built, which was called under the Pelasgians ??????, under Kekron ????????, under Erechtheus ??????, - later, when the city began to be called ????? ??, - ?????????. According to legend, the northern side of it was already fortified by the Pelasgians ( Hdt. 6, 137), while the southern one was fortified by Cimon. The space between these walls represented ´ ???? in the proper sense, and at all times constituted the center of the city in religious, artistic and political terms. On the western, accessible side of Pericles in 435-430. with the help of Mnesicles, he built for decoration and protection the famous magnificent Propylaea [The names of the buildings from which the remains have survived are indicated] (?????????) with a beautiful staircase leading from the Acropolis to the base of the rock. The Propylaea was a sumptuous building made of Pentel marble, with 5 aisles; their construction, which lasted 5 years, cost 2012 talents. On the right side - the entrance to the Propylaea, a small staircase leads to the bastion, on which is located the well-preserved small * temple of Athena Nike, usually called ???? ´ ???????. There were extensions on the right and left sides of the Propiley; the left, large (northern), well-preserved, served as an art gallery (??????????), which, by the way, contained the famous paintings of Polygnotus ( cm. pictores, Painting, 2); the right one, the smaller one (south), represented the quarters for the watchmen and gatekeepers. On the Acropolis Square, dotted with sanctuaries, sacred offerings, statues, etc., were placed: a colossal copper statue of Athena made by Phidias (?????? ????????), whose helmet and spear were visible in the distance distance ( Paus. 1, 28, 2), and two the most famous temple, Parthenon and the so-called Erechtheus. * The Parthenon (????????), the temple of virgin Athena, was built of marble under Pericles in 438 by Ictinus and Callicrates. Despite the fact that the Venetians with their bombardment in 1687 inflicted great damage on the temple, and at the beginning of the 19th century. Lord Elgin took away many metopes, bas-reliefs and other objects that adorned him (Elgin marbles in the British Museum), yet this magnificent building still causes our surprise today. In the Parthenon stood a statue of Athena, 26 Greek cubits (39 feet) high, made by Phidias from gold and ivory. The clothing of the statue, which was removed and weighed 44 talents, was stolen by the tyrant and demagogue Lahar in 299 during the time of Demetrius Poliorketus. Paus. 1, 25. On her right hand, the goddess held her face to the viewer, Nika, 4 Greek cubits high, made of ivory and dressed in a golden dress. The rear compartment of the Parthenon (???????????) served to store the sacred money of Athena and other gods and the state treasury ( Wed: Michaelis, Der Parthenon, 1871 and architecti 4.5). To the north of the Parthenon was the most ancient temple of the Acropolis, which belonged to Athena Poliades and was usually named after one section of it * Erechtheus (?? ?????????). It was built during the Peloponnesian War; it contained: an ancient wooden image of Athena, the alleged tomb of Cecropus, a well with salt water (????????? ???????), formed from Poseidon's blow with a trident, and a sacred olive tree (? ??? ?????), planted by Athena herself. The city that surrounded the Acropolis was formed from a combination of several demos, which retained their names in subsequent times: Kerameika, in the northwest; Scambonides, Keyriad, Melita - in the west, Koyly, Colita - in the south-west; Kidafeneya - in the south; Agr and Diomei are in the east. To the west of the Acropolis rose a rocky hill ´ ????? ?????, Areopagus, at such a close distance from it that the Persians, with the help of burning arrows, lit the Acropolis from it, which then consisted of wooden buildings ( Hdt. 8, 52). On the eastern side of the hill was the court of the Areopagus and the temple of Erinius (??????? ????) with the tomb of Oedipus, near the hill - Kiloneus (?????????), built to atone for the killing committed by the Athenians Kilona ( cm. Cylon, Cylon) and his supporters; to the south of Kyloneus stood the temple of Areus, and closer to the Acropolis - the temple of the 12 gods and the statues of Harmodius and Aristogateon. On the outskirts of the city, in the south-western part of it, there was a high, rather steep rocky hill called Musey (?? ?????????), after the name of the singer Mussey buried there, according to legend. This hill was turned into a Macedonian fortress by Demetrius Poliorketes. Adjacent to this hill from the north is another elevation, commonly called Pnyx (????, Gen. ??????); this elevation served as a meeting place for the people. There and now you can still see the scaffolding carved into the rock, as it was believed, for the orators, facing the semicircular square designated for the people. But recently Welker, Urlichs, E. Curtius and others have given strong arguments in favor of the opinion that on the hill bearing the name of Pnyx, there was more likely an altar of Zeus (????? ?????????), and the name Pnyx (according to Curtius) was only another name for Museo and that the place of popular assembly was the plain between Museo and the Acropolis. Later, the Dionysus Theater was used for this. Between the Acropolis, Areopagus, Pnyx and Musey, there was an Agora (?????) decorated with many statues, in the part of the city called the inner Kerameik. On it was the Stoa Poikile, or picture gallery. with paintings by Polygnotus, Kolonos Agoraios, small mound, Stoa Basileios, office building of archon Basileus, Stoa of Zeus Eleutherios, temple of Apollo Patroos, temple of the mother of gods (????????), Council building (??? ?????????), where the council of five hundred met, and the so-called Tholos (?????) is a round building with a domed roof. Between the Agora and Pnyx stood the temples of Aphrodite Urania, Hephaestus and the sanctuary of Euryssacus. To the east of the Agora, on the southern slope of the Acropolis, lay: Odeon of Herodes Atticus ( cm. Atticus, 2, Atticus), built by this wealthy Athenian in honor of his wife, the temple of Asclepius, Stoa of Eumenes, * the main theater dedicated to Dionysus; this building was opened only in 1862 by a Prussian scientific expedition headed by Strack, E. Curtius and Betticher; from the south it adjoins the Lenion Theater, where lenei were celebrated in honor of Dionysus; finally, on the southeastern slope of the rock occupied by the Acropolis, stood the Odeon, built by Pericles for musical performances, smaller in size than the theater, but similar in shape, with a wooden hipped roof. In the part of the city lying to the east of the Acropolis (later called the Hadrian's Castle), near the source of Kallirroi, by the Ilissa River, stood Olympion, the grandiose temple of Olympian Zeus, 4th stage in a circle, begun by Pericles, but ended only by Emperor Hadrian; 16 colossal columns of this temple still stand today. At the northwestern tip stood the Triumphal Gates of Hadrian, in the east - the temple of Aphrodite in the gardens (??? ??????). On the small island of Ilissa was the temple of Demeter and Cora; beyond Ilissus, therefore, outside the city limits, is the magnificent Panathenaicon Stadium, arranged by the orator Lycurgus for the Panathenian games and decorated with Pentelian marble by Herod Atticus; The stadium was so large that Adrian once arranged a hunt for 1000 wild animals in it. The rocky hill to the south of the Stadium was, I suppose, that Ardette (????????), on which annually determined by lot the Heliast judges took the oath. Somewhat to the east of the Odeon of Pericles, where the street on the eastern side of the Acropolis turns to the north (Tripod Street), stands * the choregic monument of Lysicrates, now called Demosthenes lantern, - a small beautiful temple, round in shape, with 6 slender Ionian columns, the domed roof of which was crowned with a copper tripod, erected as a gift to the gods and in honor of one choregic victory ( cm.??????????, 2, Liturgy); this temple was built in 334, Pritaneion, where ambassadors and honored citizens were treated, was located at the northeastern foot of the Kremlin, next to the Sarapis temple; to the west of it - the sanctuary of the Dioscuri (?????????, ?? ´ ??????), and above this sanctuary, at the northern slope of the Kremlin - the sanctuary of Aglavra, in a grotto communicating through a crevice in the rock with the upper square of the Acropolis. To the west of here was (and still is) a cave with a source; the cave is the Grotto of Apollo and Pan, and the source was called ???????? or ??????, since it was thought that it flows underground from Athens to Phaler; by means of a water pipe, it was connected to the water clock of Andronicus Kirrest, a monument still known now under the name "Towers of the Winds"... Between Pnyx and Musaeus, the road to the Piraeus Gate ran in a southwest direction: there lay: the Gymnasium of Hermes, the temples of Hercules Alexicacus and Demeter, and Pompeion, which served as a repository of sacred gold and silver vessels that constituted the necessary accessory for solemn processions; between Pnyx and Areopagus there was another road in the northwest through the inner Kerameik to the gate of Dipilu; to the left of here was the so-called Hill of Nymphs (in ancient times it was probably ranked as Pnyx), to the right is the magnificent Stoa of Attalus, now unjustly called the Gymnasium of Ptolemy, and further, to the north of it, * Theseion, which is now unjustly considered by some to be the temple of Areus; the building is well preserved. To the east of it - * Stoa of giants, Hadrian's gymnasium and the sanctuary of Athena Archegetida. Outside the city, on the northwestern edge of the outer Kerameiko (this suburb was actually a residence for the poorest classes, but also served especially as a burial place for citizens who died in the war or provided other services to the state, for example Miltiada, Cimon, Thucydides; as a result, on both sides long rows of tombs with "Steles", that is, marble plaques of a regular quadrangular shape, serving as gravestones and decorated with inscriptions and bas-reliefs) was 6 stages from the city wall Academy (?????????), a perfectly arranged gymnasium, surrounded by a beautiful garden where he taught Plato; slightly to the north - Hippios Kolonos - the birthplace of Sophocles. Distinguished archaeologists Otfried Müller and Letronne are buried here. Behind the eastern Diomean gate, south of Lycabettus, was Kinosart (??????????), a gymnasium. dedicated to Hercules, taught by Antisthenes, founder of the school of cynics. To the south of here is Lyceion (???????) - an institution consisting of a park and gardens, at the temple of Apollo of Lycea, with a gymnasium where Aristotle taught. About the topography of Athens Wed Leake, Topographie von Athen. 2 Aufl. ? bers, von Baiter und Sauppe (1844). Forchhammer, Topogr. von Athen (1842). C. Wachsmuth, die Stadt Athen im Alterthum (Bd. I. 1874). E. Curtius und Raupert, Atlas von Athen (1878). Long walls (?????? ????? or ??? ?????) from 456 connected the city with its harbors; north wall, 40 stadia long, ??? ??????? ??????? or??? ???????? (because it was more open to enemy attacks) went to the northern wall of Piraeus; the southern wall is 5 stadia shorter than the northern one, - ?? ?????? or????????? - led to Fahler. Between these two walls, however, another third was built 12 years later, ??? ????? ???????, which also went to Piraeus and had the purpose of maintaining the communication of the city with one of the harbors in the event that the other is in the hands of the enemy; this also explains the traces of internal fortifications between the two harbors. Since the construction of this inner wall, the Phaler wall has been abandoned. The harbors of Athens are formed mainly by a rocky spit, in the middle of which there is Mounychia Hill, and at the very end - Piraeus Hill. On the southern coast of this peninsula, two almost circular natural basins open up, connected by narrow straits with the sea; the Munychia basin is more adjacent to the mainland, and the Zea basin extends partly between the mentioned hills. Both harbors served as military ports (Zea housed about 200 ships), along with the Kanfar basin located on the other side of the peninsula (o ???????? ?????), which forms part of the vast Piraeus harbor; the rest, much more of this latter served for some commercial purposes (?????????). One branch, I think, was called Aphrodision. The general raid for warships was the vast Phaleron Bay, perfectly protected from storms. This bay was the oldest Athenian harbor; other harbors came into use only from 493; the last one was Piraeus. The whole part of the city could be fully surveyed from the Munichi hill. These superbly fortified harbors had their temples, theaters, etc. In Piraeus there was a large storeroom for goods (???????), a large ????????? (shop) Philo, a dockyard for 400 ships, an extensive grain store (?????????????) of Pericles and a theater: in Munychia, the alleged tomb of Themistocles was indicated (Plut. Them. 32, Paus. 1, 1, 2). Often mentioned judgment seat ??? ??? ????????? The ???????????, who tried people expelled for murder and accused of a second murder committed by them after the exile, must have been placed at the entrance to the Zeya harbor (the accused came to the court in boats). To the west of Piraeus lay still a small harbor o ?????? ?????, identical, no doubt, with the so-called ?????? ????? (thieves' harbor), one of the favorite sites of smugglers.

1. Of the places located on the Athenian plain, one must also name:

Aharny (???????), 60 stadia north of Athens, the most significant dem, engaged in agriculture and especially the burning of coal; Kefissia, near the Kefis springs near Pentelik; Pallena, with the famous temple of Athena, where Pisistratus defeated the Athenians ( Hdt. 1, 62); Gargett, near Hymettus, birthplace of Epicurus; Alopek, home of Aristides and Socrates, 10 stages east of Athens, on Anhesme; Galimunt, home of the historian Thucydides, north of Cape Coliada, famous for its potting clay; on the promontory stood the temple of Aphrodite;

2. Eleusinian and Friassian plains, west of Athens, where a sacred road led, decorated with many all kinds of monuments.

Here were: Fria on the Eleusinian Kephis; Eleusis or Eleusis (n. Lepsina) on the northern shore of the gulf of the same name, opposite Salamis, is one of the oldest and most important cities in the country, famous for the magnificent temple of Demeter, built under Pericles, in which the great Eleusis was celebrated; Alaric destroyed it, but even now large ruins are still visible. Eleuthera, near the Boeotian border, on the Eleusinian Kephis, from where the cult of Dionysus of Eleutheria passed to Athens, in whose honor the Great Dionysias were celebrated; Oinoya, Drimos and Panacton - fortresses that defended the plain from the side of Boeotia; the last of them dominated one of the mountain passages of Citheron; Phila (n. Fili), a small mountain fortress, from where Thrasybulus set out to overthrow 30 tyrants, 100 stadia from Athens. Xen. Hell. 2, 4, 2. The last of the named places are already referred to in part II. Diacria, a northeastern mountainous strip that runs across the entire marathon plain. In it: Dekeleia, 120 stadia from Athens (Dekeleia is visible from there), - on the northeastern edge of the Athenian plain, - a very important fortified place during the Peloponnesian War (ruins at Tatoi); Oropus, who belonged now to the Athenians, now to the Boeotians, not far from the mouth of Asop, on its right bank, with the harbor of Delphinion; near it (to the southeast) the temple and oracle of Amphiaraus, which, according to legend, was swallowed up here by the earth, while fleeing from Thebes; Ramnunt (Tavrokastro), on Evripus, with the famous temple of Nemesis (Rhamnusia virgo); Afidna and further in the west of Trinemeus - at the main source of Kephis. Towns Tricorif (near Suli), Marathon (n.Vrana, cm. Marathon, Marathon), Oinoya (not to be mixed with the above) and Probalinf (N. Vasilipirgi) made up ??????? ??????????. On the now almost completely treeless marathon plain (about 2 hours long and 0.5-1 hour wide), where Theseus killed the marathon bull, one can see, in the southern part, an artificial earthen hill, about 200 feet in circumference and 36 feet in height probably the common grave of the Athenians who fell here in 490 BC; opposite another small burial mound, under which the bodies of the Plateians and slaves were buried ( Paus. 1, 32, 3), disappeared without a trace. The place of the battle was a narrow, flat valley, which favored the actions of a small army against a large one. Nearby are the source of Makariya and Mount Pana with a grotto and an oracle. III. In Paralia (western coast) and Mesogeia (slope south of Pentelikon and east of Paralia), as well as on the eastern coast: Gali Arafenids (???? ??????????), harbor of dema Arafen , south of the mouths of the Yerasin, famous for the cult of the Taurian Artemis. The nearby Bravron (n. Vraona) was, they say, the place where Iphigenia first entered the coast, returning from Taurida with the idol of Artemis; that is why the Tauride (Bravron) Artemis enjoyed a special veneration here and in her honor there were annual festivities (?????????); the oldest statue the goddess was taken away by Xerxes. Dionysias were also celebrated here every 5th anniversary. Further south - Styria, where the Styrian road led from Athens; homeland of Feramenos and Thrasybulus; Prassia (Prassa at the bay of Porto Rafti) with the temple of Apollo and the tomb of Erisichfon, the son and heir of Kekrop; he died, however, before his father and Kranai seized power; Potamos with the tomb of Jonah; Torikos (Teriko), one of the ancient settlements in Attica, with a beautiful harbor (n. Porto Mandri) and an acropolis, at the foot of which there are still significant ruins. Sounion - in the north-west of the cape of the same name (n. Cap Colonna), strongly fortified, with the famous temple of Athena now lying in ruins, at which naval battles with triremes were represented during Panathenes. In the mining district of Lavrione lay Anaflist (n. Anaviso) with a well-fortified harbor, at the entrance to which was the island of Eliussa (n. Lagonisi); further - Sfettos, Lampry, Fora, Anagirunt, near Cape Zostra, with the temple of the mother of the gods; from the fetid bush growing here ´ ???????? the saying goes back to ???????? ???????; Gala Exxonid with salt pans; Exona is a significant place, which has become notorious for the quarrelsomeness of its inhabitants; finally, aside from the Styrian road - Peania (n. Liopesi), the birthplace of Demosthenes. Of the islands belonging to Attica, the most significant is Salamis (??????? - ??, N. Kuluri), near the mainland, in the shape of a horseshoe, forming an Eleusinian bay with the coast. In ancient times, it was an independent state ( cm. Aeacus, Eak), then belonged to the Megaras and for a long time served as a bone of contention for the Megarians and the Athenians, until it was conquered by Solon and, by the verdict of the Spartans, was recognized for Athens. It did not, apparently, constitute a deme, but was a special state, supremely dependent on Attica. The ancient main city stood on the southern coast, and later Novosalamis (n. Ambelaki) was founded in the east, opposite Mount Egaleos in Attica. The closest part of the island to Attica is the Kinosur spit, with the grave of the faithful Themistocles dog, who threw himself into the sea when the fleet sailed, and the trophy that Themistocles erected in honor of the great victory won by him (480) over the Persian fleet. The battle took place in a narrow strait between Novosalamin and Attica, the Athenians were locked in the Salamis bay. Hdt. 8, 84 sl. Near Salamis - the islands of Farmakus and Psittaley (N.Lipsokutali); on the last detachment of the Persian ground forces, Aristides was destroyed. Hdt. 8, 95. Aesch. Pers. 422. sl. The island of Gelena or Makrida (n. Makronisi) was tightly adjacent to Sounion, where, they say, Helen came ashore, either after her abduction, or on her return from Troy. Wed generally Bursian. Geographie von Griechenland, I. 251 sl.

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Classic symbols of Athens - majestic Acropolis, Parthenon, temple of Zeus, Dionysus theater, odeon of Herod Attica. Every year thousands of tourists from all over the world come here to visit the famous areas Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, admire the majestic beauty of the mountains and the abundance of beaches.

The grandiose architectural monuments of Athens deserve special attention, as do the numerous museums in the city.

Take time to stroll through the pedestrian zone in the historic city center to admire the rich collection of National Treasures archaeological museum and visit the sacred Acropolis - the main attraction for many tourists. The beautiful architectural complex includes several ancient temples, sanctuaries and places of worship, the surviving fragments of which allow you to fully enjoy the grandeur of these places.

In the central part Athenian Acropolis there is another unique architectural structure - Parthenon temple striking in its size, age and splendor. Today, this most famous monument of ancient architecture, built in honor of the goddess Athena, is clearly visible from anywhere in the city.

Just half a kilometer from the Acropolis is the largest temple in Greece - Temple of Zeus or Olympion. The former glory of the great monument of Greek history is reminded by 14 huge marble columns, the height of which reaches almost 20 meters. The graceful ruins of the Temple of Zeus and the surrounding ruins of other ancient structures are especially beautiful at night, thanks to the picturesque lighting.

One of the most famous natural attractions in the region is the mountain Imittos- located in the east of Athens. At the top of the mountain range, hiding behind cypress forests, there are amazing monasteries with healing springs and bizarre caves. Here you will find an abundance of walking paths, mountain biking and climbing sites, and secluded corners. To get to Attica means to climb this mountain: a breathtaking view of the entire city of Athens is guaranteed to you.

Indulge in the pleasure of visiting the ancient temple of Poseidon- a unique building located on the picturesque Cape Sounion. Many legends are associated with this cult building. interesting stories... Some of the slender Doric columns of the temple, flanking the majestic structure, have survived to this day.

Visit ancient greek temple of goddess Demeter in Eleusis - its museum contains historical artifacts from various eras. Most of the territory of the complex can be freely strolled, admiring the ancient ruins.

10 kilometers from Athens is located Daphne monastery- a building erected in the VI century and recognized as one of the greatest masterpieces of the Middle Byzantine period. Listed Ancient Monastery Museum World heritage UNESCO, famous for its beautiful interior mosaics and frescoes.

Everything about Attica: hotels, sea activities, beach holidays and excursions. Author's photos and videos, reviews of tourists. Location of Attica on the map.

The Attica region is geographically divided into two main parts: the capital of Greece with its suburbs and the rest of Attica. Athens - the cultural and intellectual center of antiquity, stands out for its six thousand years of history. This is the city in which such concepts as Democracy and Freedom were born, the city where thousands of scientists and philosophers with their works and research "opened the eyes" of other peoples and is one of the cities that created the Greek civilization. The name of the city comes from the name of the goddess Athena (beloved daughter of Zeus) - the goddess of wisdom and protector of the city.

Attica is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Euboea from the northeast, Petalian from the east and Sardonic from the south. In fact, it is an area of ​​over 3,800 square kilometers connecting the Archipelago and Balkan Peninsula... Its neighbors are the Peloponnese and Megaris to the west, Boeotia to the north. In ancient times, Attica was referred to as a "coastal country", which fully reflects its location on the shores of as many as three bays of the Aegean Sea.

Beaches of Attica

Local resorts delight their guests with well-groomed beaches and a huge number of all kinds of entertainment. Most tourists who want to fully enjoy their Greek summer choose hotels located on the Athenian Riviera as their beach "doing nothing". Very popular with Russian tourists enjoy the following resort villages and the cities of Attica:

• Lagonissi: shady lemon groves, golden sand, uplifting sunny aura and clear sea water - what else is needed for people looking for a quality tan and pleasant memories. This resort is considered ideal for vacationers who come to Greece with the whole family. For them, Lagonissi has prepared cozy and inexpensive hotels, various options for fun, all kinds of entertainment on the water.
• Glyfada: this Attica resort is aimed at tourists who prefer high-class European holidays in luxury hotels. Glyfada has extensive golf courses, many establishments that open their doors at nightfall, luxury boutiques and luxury restaurants. The infrastructure of the city is really high-quality and very developed, therefore, as a rule, the "cream" of European society and well-to-do tourists, who do not count the costs of their vacation in Attica, are having fun here.
• Sounion: Greek resort, which is known primarily for lovers of effective anti-aging and revitalizing treatments. In local hospitals and hotel centers, the latest preparations from the field of cosmetology are used. They are created from flowers and herbs collected in Attica, algae and salts from the sea, unique minerals that can only be found in this part of Greece. Perhaps, it is in Sounion that there are most opportunities for a great holiday for those who want to soak up the body relaxing Jacuzzi and special pools with programs of "water elixirs".
• Loutraki: also popular among fans of a healthy lifestyle, the resort of Attica, on the territory of which there are many hydropathic centers. They use a wide variety of thermal waters - alkaline, containing the required amount of chlorine, radon. The effect of warm baths and medical treatments is complemented by magnificent landscapes of nature and a mild climate throughout the year. Mental balance and shattered physical strength in Loutraki will return you quickly!

sights

The local lands are full of legends and ancient myths, they literally come to life before the admiring eyes of travelers. And it is not difficult at all during your travels to local places of interest to mentally travel back to those times when Greece was ruled not by mortal people, but by the omnipotent ancient deities. We will tell you what to see in Attica in order to see all the "best":

• Temple of Poseidon: a unique structure on Cape Sounion, in which in the old days the Greeks made sacrifices to the formidable and fickle god of the sea, trying to appease him. The sanctuary impresses with its slender columns that frame the massive temple building. This combination of subtlety and power embodies the union of sea and land.
• Daphni Monastery: For many tourists, this is the main attraction of Attica, located about 11 kilometers from the city of Athens. The monastery was built on the site of the pagan sanctuary of Apollo of Daphnia in the 6th century. Currently, the Daphni Monastery has the status of a historical monument and is visited daily by thousands of guests of Greece.
• Aegina Island: a small piece of land in the middle of the Sardonic Gulf with crystal clear sea water and magnificent beaches. This island in Attica is known for the fact that more than 360 temples were erected on it. Now, of course, not a trace has remained of many of them, but the existing historical buildings will fully satisfy the aesthetic and cultural needs of tourists who love antiquity. Also on Aegina there is a slightly mystical Paleochora, called the "ghost town", in which no one has lived for many decades.
• Temple of Demeter (museum): located in Eleusis, it delights tourists with its special aura. The guides will tell you everything about the ancient rites and the purposes for which they were carried out.
• Mount Immitos: It is not the mountain itself that is of interest to travelers, but the monastery that is hidden on it. It is hidden from prying eyes by forests with cypresses, and very close to it flows a magical spring, considered to be healing. Resting in Attica and not visiting this mountain is simply unrealistic.
• Hydra Island: hundreds of thousands of travelers literally fall in love with this islet of Attica, seeing its images on the pages of glossy publications printed specifically for potential guests local resorts... It is not cheap to rest and relax here; Hydra has long been considered an elite place, which was chosen for themselves by the Greek nouveau riche.

And, of course, you definitely need to take enough time to explore the main city of Attica - Athens with its ultra-modern trade centers, ancient structures, antique sculptures and other unusual things.