The agora overview

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THE AGORA

Transcript of The agora overview

THE AGORA

A RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ATHENIAN AGORA

A QUICK HISTOTY 1600 and 1100 BCE

Used as a burial ground

6th Century BCE Began transformation into Athenian public space as public buildings and workshops were developed

520 BCE Altar of Twelve Gods constructed

508-507 BCE Old Bouleuterion built, and Agora boundaries established

6th Century – 1st Century BCE A political, cultural and economic hub of Athens

480 BCE Earliest buildings of Agora destroyed by Persian invaders

450 BCE Temple of Hephaestus built

Later History: Connected with Roman Agora, destroyed by multiple invasions, Roman gymnasium built over the top of some ruins, buildings converted (e.g. Temple of Hephaestus converted to Byzantine church), excavations (1931)

THE AGORA

Built on flat ground, easily accessible from both the city, farmlands and the port

Conformed with existing ancient roads with, importantly, the Panathenaic way connecting to the Dipylon Gate (the main gate of the defensive wall) with the Acropolis

Heart of government and law systems

Temples present for worshippers

Marketplace

Orators and Philosophers gathered to share thoughts; Politicians gathered to work on proposals

Once per year, the Panathenaic festival united the Athenians in celebration and solemn procession through the Agora toward the Acropolis.