Athens - Roman Agora

Athens, the southernmost capital on the European mainland, is one of the world's oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years. According to Greek mythology the city was named after Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom. Classical Athens was one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Greece. It was a centre for democracy, the arts, education and philosophy, and was highly influential throughout the European continent, particularly in Ancient Rome. For this reason it is often regarded as the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy.


The Roman Agora was built around 100 metres east of the original agora by Eucles of Marathon between 27 BC and 17 BC using funds donated by Augustus, in fulfilment of a promise originally made by Julius Caesar in 51 BC.

The "Tower of the Winds" is an octagonal, 13-meter-high tower on the edge of the Roman Agora. It served as a clock pavilion and weather station. The late Hellenistic tower was designed by the architect Andronicus of Cyrrhus in the 1st century BC. It is the best-preserved ancient building in Athens. Its well-preserved status is due to its use in early Christian times as a "Tower of the Winds"of a basilica and, in Turkish times, as a place of worship for the dancing of the dervishes. While it once stood in isolation, it is now part of the archaeological excavation site of the Roman Agora.