ATHENIAN AGORA: The Meeting Place

The modern equivalent of a downtown or main square, the Athenian Agora was the center of everyday Athenian life for the city's 100,000 inhabitants. During the night, people walked the main street, Panathenaic Way, in search of goods and services and opportunities to barter for things that would enhance their lives. During the night, they sought out entertainment and fellowship and during all hours, they worshiped at any of several temples located there. Some people were just passing through on their way to other places. Taking in the large and well designed area, it is possible to imagine a robust and fully functioning society occupying the time and space of ancient Greece.

The Agora served the cultural, civic, commercial, political, legal, healthcare, welfare, religious and social needs of the population. Today, remnants from multiple periods in the Agora's history are represented, showcasing its importance and resilience.

Take a video stroll through the ancient square:

As a young American, I have marveled at what seems like the long and rich history of my country and can barely imagine that so many generations walked here before me over the course of almost 250 years. I realize there were inhabitants long before that, but I have no real point of reference or relation to those peoples. In comparison, the layers of history resting upon the Greek landscapes seem much more connected over the course of numerous conquests, ____ and thousands of years. Reading, seeing and considering the Greek history creates a longing within me for more and a belief that I might actually be able to hear ____ as I walk along Panathenaic Way.

the ancient Athenian Agora reconstructed