Giddy here. I am off on a new journey with my friends Bonnie and Jim to Athens, Greece, where civilization in the known world started.
We traveled via American Airlines with a transfer in London to British Airways, which took a total of 25 hours, including layovers. Our three suitcases made it, but one had a broken wheel, which will be retired when we return home. Our driver met us after exiting baggage claim, and we were off through the traffic to our hotel—Marriott Athens. Some other long-time friends, Dan and Linda, met us in Athens to enjoy the sights and have fun while exploring a new country.
Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the world’s oldest cities, spanning over 3,400 years. It’s often considered the cradle of Western civilization due to its significant contributions to philosophy, democracy, art, and science.
Athens is named after the goddess Athena, the city’s patron deity. According to mythology, Athena won the favor of the Athenians over Poseidon by offering them the olive tree, symbolizing peace and prosperity. This act established her as the city’s protector, and the city was named in her honor. To ensure Athena stayed in Athens, they clipped her wings.
Athens was a powerful city-state during the 5th century BCE, mainly known for its cultural and political achievements. Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle thrived here, and the city is famed for its democratic governance.
Today, Athens is a bustling metropolis that blends ancient history with contemporary life. It offers vibrant nightlife, diverse cuisine, and cultural festivals.
After some food and drink, it was off to sleep at 8:30 p.m. since we scheduled a morning walking tour of the Acropolis area and museum.
As our tour began, Jim was yelled at by one of the Acropolis guards for taking my picture. They didn’t like my kind since some of my ancestors had caused a partial temple collapse from tunneling underneath. The guards hold grudges even after hundreds of years have passed. The guards did not want me wandering about and I had to stay in the backpack for the remainder of the tour.
The Acropolis of Athens is a rocky outcrop on a hill overlooking Athens. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and a symbol of Ancient Greece. The Acropolis contains several significant structures, the most famous of which is the Parthenon.
- Parthenon: This temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, was built in the 5th century BCE and is renowned for its stunning Doric architecture. It housed a massive statue of Athena and is considered a masterpiece of Classical architecture.
- Erechtheion: Known for its unique asymmetrical design, this temple is dedicated to Athena and Poseidon. Its famous Caryatids, statues of women used as columns, are particularly notable.
- Temple of Athena Nike: A small temple celebrating the goddesses Athena and Nike (Victory), it exemplifies the Ionic order and is known for its elegant proportions.
- Theatre of Dionysus: Located at the foot of the Acropolis, this ancient theater is one of the earliest of its kind. It was where many of the great tragedies were performed.
The Acropolis served as a religious center and a symbol of Athenian power and culture. It was also a focal point for various festivals, including the Panathenaea, which celebrated the city’s patron goddess.
The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and ongoing restoration efforts aim to preserve its structures and heritage. Visitors can explore the site and the Acropolis Museum, which houses many artifacts and sculptures from the Acropolis itself.
When visiting the Acropolis, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat, especially in the summer months. Due to the uneven terrain, comfortable shoes are recommended. If you wear sandals, your feet will get dirty from walking across the stone walkways.
The building techniques used by Greek architecture The concept of “Greek Legos” typically refers to building toys or construction sets inspired by ancient Greek architecture, where the concept of LEGOs originated, which is actually several thousand years ago concept.
We tried reading the words scripted into the stone, but they were all Greek to us.
The Acropolis remains a profound testament to the artistry and cultural legacy of Ancient Greece.
An interesting note is that the theater was situated on the south side of the Acropolis along with a hospital, as they believed that healing the body, mind, and soul of each person was essential.
Stay tuned for more updates as we travel around Greece.
Giddy Out!