Athens is an exciting city with a history that goes back for many centuries. Perhaps the most fascinating part of the Greek capital’s past, is its mythology. There are countless myths narrating the history of Athens and they all illustrate the ways in which people, gods and heroes forged Ancient Athens and contributed in making it the most important city of antiquity.
Nowadays, walking among ancient ruins in the heart of Athens is the best way to unveil the secrets of these myths and understand the forces behind the huge cultural achievements of Ancient Athens. Let’s have a look at the best spots in the city that any mythology buff would love.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus
A stroll around the most important mythology sites in Athens wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the once colossal Temple of Olympian Zeus. Dedicated to Zeus, the father of all gods, this impressive construction was once the largest temple in Greece but it wasn’t long before it was reduced to ruins due to a barbaric invasion.
The Acropolis
The Acropolis of Athens is the ultimate site to visit if you want to learn everything about the city’s mythology. Dotted with splendid temples such as the Parthenon and the Erechtheion and home to the superb Theatre of Dionysus, the Acropolis is where the most famous stories between gods, people and heroes unfold.
The Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora is among the most fascinating archaeological sites in Athens as it is central to the every-day lives of people in Ancient Athens. Furthermore, the Ancient Agora is home to the Hephaisteion, which is the most well-preserved temple in Greece. The temple is named after Hephaestus, the smithing god of fire.
In order to put the various myths into context and make sense of the many names of gods and heroes related to those archaeological sites, it would be best if you visited with a guided tour that focuses on mythology. This way, not only will you check out some of the most remarkable landmarks in Athens but also understand the ways in which the brilliant society of Ancient Athens functioned.