In the heart of Athens, northwest of the Acropolis, lie the ruins of the Ancient Agora. During the period of ancient Greece (from about the beginning of the 6th century BC) it was the political, financial, administrative, cultural and religious centre of the ancient city, second in importance only to the Acropolis. Here justice was administered, trade deals were concluded, athletic and theatrical competitions were held. It is worth noting that it was through the Ancient Agora that the famous Panathenaic Way leading to the Acropolis passed, along which solemn processions marched during the so-called Panathenaea (religious and political festivities in honour of Athena, the patron goddess of the city). Today, the Ancient Agora is one of the most interesting and popular sights of the capital, as well as an important archaeological and historical monument.
The first excavations of the Ancient Agora were carried out in the second half of the 19th century by the Greek Archaeological Society and the German Archaeological Institute. Systematic work began already in the 20th century by the American School of Classical Studies in Athens. The results of excavations were so impressive that at the state level decided to demolish a huge number of modern buildings to be able to still establish the boundaries of the Ancient Agora.
The colossal work carried out by archaeologists made it possible to determine the location and purpose of many different structures, both public and administrative, and religious - temples of Hephaestus, Apollo and Aphrodite, standing Zeus, the royal standing, the so-called Tholos (the seat of government of ancient Athens), the mint, the altar of the Twelve Gods, the Metrion, the Odeon of Agrippa and much more.
Today, on the eastern edge of the agora stands the impressive Stoa of Attalus, a reconstruction of the original structure (2nd century BC) erected in the mid-20th century. The gallery is not only of some architectural interest, but is also home to the Agora Museum. The museum exhibits unique ancient artefacts found during the excavations of the agora and its surroundings, which perfectly illustrate the history of the ancient city. The earliest exhibits date back to the 4th millennium BC.
