Events with tag - Athens

January 1, 601 BC

Establishment of Ancient Agora of Athens

The Ancient Agora of Athens was established around 600 BCE as the central public space of the city-state, marking Athens' transformation from scattered settlements into an organized civic center. Located northwest of the Acropolis, it served as the primary gathering place for commerce, politics, and social interaction for nearly 1,200 years.

January 1, 509 BC

Birth of Democracy in Ancient Athens

In 508 BCE, Athens established the world's first democratic system under Cleisthenes' leadership, transforming from aristocratic rule to a revolutionary form of government that would influence civilizations for millennia to come.

January 1, 448 BC

Construction of the Parthenon

The Parthenon, Ancient Greece's most magnificent temple, began construction in 447 BCE and was completed in 438 BCE. This architectural masterpiece, dedicated to goddess Athena, was built under Pericles' leadership by architects Ictinus and Callicrates, with artistic supervision from Phidias.

January 1, 433 BC

Completion of the Parthenon

The Parthenon, ancient Greece's most iconic temple, was completed in 432 BCE after 15 years of construction. This architectural masterpiece, dedicated to goddess Athena, featured intricate marble work, sophisticated engineering, and elaborate sculptural decorations.

April 1, 432 BC

Start of the Peloponnesian War

The Peloponnesian War began in 431 BCE when Sparta declared war on Athens, marking the start of one of ancient history's most significant conflicts that would reshape the Mediterranean world.

December 1, 432 BC

Pericles' Funeral Oration

In winter 431 BCE, Athenian statesman Pericles delivered a powerful funeral oration honoring soldiers fallen in the first year of the Peloponnesian War. The speech, preserved by Thucydides, became one of history's most influential addresses, celebrating Athenian democracy and values.

August 15, 406 BC

Battle of Aegospotami

The Battle of Aegospotami was a crucial naval battle fought in 405 BCE between Athenian and Spartan fleets near the Hellespont. The Spartan victory, led by Admiral Lysander, effectively ended Athens' naval supremacy and led to the conclusion of the Peloponnesian War.

May 15, 400 BC

Death of Socrates

Socrates, the renowned Greek philosopher, was executed by drinking hemlock poison in Athens prison after being convicted of corrupting youth and disregarding city gods. Despite having opportunities to escape, he accepted his fate, demonstrating unwavering commitment to his principles.

January 1, 388 BC

Founding of Plato's Academy

Plato established the Academy in Athens in 387 BCE, creating the first organized institution of higher learning in the Western world. Located in a sacred grove of olive trees, it operated continuously for over 900 years until its closure in 529 CE.