Download Walking in Agora, the heart of the ancient Athens!

Walking in Agora,
OF CULTURE AND SPORT
theMINISTRY
heart of
the ancient Athens!
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF ANTIQUITIES AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
DIRECTORATE OF MUSEUMS
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND COMMUNICATION
Walking in Agora,
the heart of the ancient Athens!
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Walking in Agora,
the heart of the ancient Athens!
Now the time has come to listen closely to the pulse of ancient Athens… Listen to what the
Athenian citizens have to say and help them go where they want. Find the places that they
want to visit on the map and note the correct number in the box. Hint: read about each site in
the information provided below.
I am Nikias,
one of the 10 generals of the city. This period
is extremely critical. The Peloponnesian war has broken out and our city is in grave
danger. I am in no mood for socialising, my purpose is to restore peace to Athens.
In which building will I working until late at night to save the city?
Α. Nikias Antipatrou Korydalleus, a General
What a great
honour to be appointed Eponymous archon of
the city. I did not believe my luck! However, my name was drawn in
the lottery. Where should I go to take my oath before assuming
my duties?
Β. Aristeides Phrixou Deceleus, an Eponymous Archon
Today I decided to
wake up at the break of dawn and go to the Helaia
to see if I was lucky and appointed by lot to be a judge. Pericles raised the salary
for judges from one to three obols, a sum not to be looked down on. I hope that
the kleroterion will be on my side today!
C. Demodocus Chrysippou Mesogeus, a candidate judge
My name is
Xanthos and I work as a slave at the family
of Kallinikos. Our home is located in the demos of Koile and I come here
to buy what we need for our daily meals. Where should I
go to buy fresh fish?
D. Xanthos, a slave in Athens
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Walking in Agora,
the heart of the ancient Athens!
Hail!
My name is Memnon and I have been appointed
as bouleutes. I belong to the presiding tribe. Where should I
go to enjoy my lunch?
Ε. Memnon Demophonta Acharneus, an Athenian bouleutes -councillorA new day
has dawned, its time for a walk.
I don’t have many opportunities to go outdoors.
However I can fill my hydria with fresh water
for our home.
F. Glauke, a poor Athenian
Hail!
I want to meet my teacher Gnesippous
to enter into philosophical discussions. The stoa is nice and
cool. Ideal for our profound philosophical discussions.
G. Plato Aristonos Kefiseus, a philosopher’s apprentice
A new day
has dawned! What new developments
have occurred? Where should I go to learn the news
of my city?
Η. Metrocles Polykletou Aphidneus, an Athenian citizen
My name is
Socrates and I like to help people discover the truth
that they hide within them without being aware of it. I have to respond to
Meletos’ charge that I am impious. Where should I go?
I. Socrates Sophroniskou Alopekeus, an Athenian philosopher
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Walking in Agora,
the heart of the ancient Athens!
Have you ever
wondered why when we leave one grain of wheat to fall
we don’t hear the sound it makes, but when many grains fall together the
sound can be heard clearly?
J. Zeuxippos Egesandrou Phalereur, an Athenian philosopher
Now I also have
a say in the laws that regulate life in our city
I am one of the 500 bouleutes that will prepare the bills of the laws
before they are discussed in the Assembly. Where should I go though
in order to take part in my first meeting?
K. Deinocrates Terpandrou Athmoneus, a Bouleutes
I didn’t sleep
at all last night. Today is the big day! I will
propose that we start building one hundred brand new triremes.
Where should I submit my proposal?
L. Anaxagoras Democratous Phlyeus, an Athenian citizen
Hail!
I am Aristogeiton and I came of age today!
Where should I go to report it and to be finally recognised
officially as an Athenian citizen?
M. Aristogeiton Melikerti Alimousios, a young Athenian
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Walking in Agora,
the heart of the ancient Athens!
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1. The Panathenaic Way
2.Metroon (Old Bouleuterion)
3.Tholos
4. Stoa Basileios or Royal Stoa
5. Stoa of Zeus Eleutherios
6. Stoa Poikile
7. South-eastern Fountain
8.Heliaia
9.
Monument of the Eponymous
Heroes
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10.New Bouleuterion
11. Strategeion
12.Pnyx
13.Altar of the12 gods
Walking in Agora,
the heart of the ancient Athens!
1. The Panathenaic Way: The main road that crosses the Agora.
It was named after the procession that passes during the Greater
Panathenaea. Traders of all kinds would come here to sell their
ware. Their benches were filled with staples, such as fresh fish,
vegetables, meat, as well as other goods, including sophisticated
perfumes.
2. Metroon (Old Bouleuterion): The state archives were kept here.
It was named in honour of Rhea, the mother of gods, who now
had the most important archives in the world under her protection.
This is where young Athenians came upon reaching adulthood
(at 18 years old) to be recorded on the lists and be recognised
from that point on as Athenian citizens.
3. Tholos: This round building was the seat of the presiding
tribe that was designated to govern for approximately 35 days.
Out of the fifty prytaneis, 1/3 of them had to be present for
zthe entire day, in the event of emergency
4. Stoa Basileios or Royal Stoa: This is the seat of the king Archon,
responsible for the charges of impiety. Athens’ most important
laws are kept here. Initially the Athenians had set up wooden
pillars (“kyrveis”) with Solon’s laws, which were replaced by marble
ones. The “Oath Stone» is located outside the stoa. This is where
the ten archons of the city took their oath before assuming their
duties swearing that if they violated the laws may their whole line
be wiped out! Preliminary investigations for impiety charges take
place here.
5. Stoa of Zeus Eleutherios: Exactly next to the Stoa Basileios is
an elegant stoa with 2 side wings: The Athenians honoured Zeus
Eleutherios here. They believed that he helped Athens remain
a free city. The shields of glorious warriors who died for Athens
to remain free, decorated the building. The Athenians enjoyed
meeting daily in this stoa that was very aesthetically pleasing.
Socrates would often hold discussions with his pupils here.
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Walking in Agora,
the heart of the ancient Athens!
6. Stoa Poikile: One of the most beautiful buildings in the Agora!
It was named after the paintings that adorned it. These depicted
glorious moments of Athenian history, such as the battle
of Marathon. All kinds of people frequented the stoa Poikile
such as fishermen, beggars and even men performing “magical”
tricks. This is where people came in order to discuss and comment
on developments.
7. Southeastern Fountain: Located on the square of the ancient
Agora, next to the Southern Stoa. Women and slaves came here
to fill their hydrias with fresh running water. This was a good
opportunity for women to get out of the house and meet other
young girls.
8. Heliaia: The court that tried most cases between Athenians.
The judges were called heliasts and were drawn by lot on the
day of the trial from 6,000 Athenians over 30 years of age, who
had volunteered as jurors for a year.
9. Monument of the Eponymous Heroes: This monument was
erected to honour the heroes of Attica after whom the ten tribes
were named. Announcements were posted here daily to inform
citizens on matters of importance. So if somebody wanted
to be informed on developments, this would be the first place
to visit. The relevant announcements would be placed under
the corresponding hero of his tribe.
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Walking in Agora,
the heart of the ancient Athens!
10. New Bouleuterion: The place where the Boule convened. It
was built around 415 BC and replaced the Old Bouleuterion
that was located right next to it. This is where the 500 bouleutes
(councilors) met to prepare the issues to be discussed in the
Ecclesia to demou (Assembly). The resolutions of the Assembly,
laws and lists of Athenian epheboi (young men) were kept in
this building.
11. Strategeion: The seat of the 10 generals in charge of military
issues. It is located close to the Tholos.
12. Pnyx: The Athenians started convening the Ecclesia tou
Demou (Assembly) at Pnyx, on the slopes of the hill located a
small distance from the ancient Agora, from the 6th century
BC onwards. Great orators such as Themistocles, Pericles,
Demosthenes and others have spoken there. From the moment
that the salary of three obols was established, Athenians were
even more intent in participating in the assembly.
13. Altar of the 12 Gods: The Altar of the 12 Gods was dedicated
to the 12 gods of Olympus. This was the point from which all
distances from Athens were calculated. It was a sacred space and
persons fleeing persecution came to seek asylum as suppliants.
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Walking in Agora,
the heart of the ancient Athens!
Get to know the 10 heroes of Attica after
whom the tribes of Attica were named!
1. ERECTHEUS: A great king of Athens. He
chose the goddess Athena as the protector
of the city and as a result its inhabitants
were called Athenians - even to our days!
6. OINEUS: There isn’t a lot of information
about this hero.
In his honour the Erechtheis tribe was established!
The Oineis tribe was established in his honour!
2. AIGEUS: Legendary king of Athens
descended from Erectheus and father of
Theseus, hero known for killing the Minotaur,
terrible monster at the palace of king Minos.
7. CECROPS: One of the truly ancient kings of
Athens, half man – half serpent. Thanks to
Cecrops the Athenians learnt how to create
cities, invented writing and honoured their
dead by burying them.
In his honour the Aigeis tribe was established!
3. PANDION: King of Athens. Athenians
believed that in his years their ancestors were
taught the art of cultivating cereals and
growing grape vines.
In his honour the Cecropis tribe was established!
8. HIPPOTHOON: Hero of Attica and son of the
god of the sea, Poseidon.
In his honour the Pandionis tribe was established!
In his honour the Hippothontis tribe was established!
4. LEOS: Herald from the demos Agnounta who
saved Theseus’ life by informing him about the
attack that the Pallantides planned against
him.
The Leontis tribe was established in his honour!
9. AJAX: King of Salamis and glorious hero who
fought in the Trojan war. He was considered
the second most valorous man after Achilles. In
his honour Sophocles, the tragic poet, wrote the
tragedy “Ajax”.
5. AKAMAS: Son of Theseus and Phaidra. He
founded two cities named Akamantas in Cyprus
and Phrygia.
In his honour the Aiantis tribe was established!
The Akamantis tribe was established In his honour!
The Antiochis tribe was established in his honour!
10. ANTIOCHOS: Son of Hercules and Meda.
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Walking in Agora,
the heart of the ancient Athens!
ΛΥΣΕΙΣ
Α. 11
Β. 10
C. 8
D. 1
Ε. 3
F. 7
G. 5
Η. 9
I. 4
J. 6
K. 10
L. 12
M. 2
MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND SPORT
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF ANTIQUITIES AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
DIRECTORATE OF MUSEUMS
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND COMMUNICATION
Αthens, 2015
Project coordinator: Maria Lagogianni, Ph.D. (Archaeology)
Souzana Choulia – Kapeloni, Archaeologist
General editors: Tonia Koutsouraki, Archaeologist
Alexandra Seleli, Archaeologist / Museologists
Texts:
Eleni Fragkaki, Αrchaeologist, Cultural Heritage
Management Consultant
Translation into English: Katerina Apostolaki, Translator - Interpreter
Graphic design editor: Spilios Pistas, Graphic artist
Graphic design: Irene Charalampidi, Graphic designer
Illustrated by: Manolis Tsambourakis, Painter
Copyright © 2015 Ministry of Culture and Sport
ΙSBN 978-960-386-208-6
The leaflet “Walking in Agora the heart of the ancient city!”, was created and digitized in 2015, within the framework of Act code no. MIS
339815 “Updating and digitizing educational material to support the educational process, which is implemented by the Directorate of Museums
as part of the Operational Programme “Education and Lifelong Learning” and jointly funded by the European Union (European Social Fund) and
by national resources.