What I can see

We can only see a few things from this area’s antiquities, nonetheless, of great importance. During an excavation, the ancient theatre of the demos (city) of Acharnes was discovered. Specifically, the cavea with a whole tier (rows of seats) and part of the theatre’s orchestra have been found. The theatre is temporarily buried for its better protection. In another area of the modern district is the Archaeological Collection of Acharnes, which consists of findings from the wider area, such as the districts of Kifissia, Metamorfosi and Agii Anargyri. These findings came mainly from excavations on private plots and public works. In this museum, all the building phases of the wider area are exhibited, from the late Neolithic era (4600 BC) to the late Byzantine years (12th century AD).

What I can't see

The discovery of the theatre is a major scientific event, as the ancient city of Acharnes could be identified thanks to this discovery. Until quite recently, the ancient city had been sought by Greek and foreign archaeologists. Until then, only a few ruins had been discovered in small churches in the area, an inscription with a teenage oath and an oath for the Battle of Plataea (479 BC) and another inscription relevant to the sanctuary of Ares and Athena Areia. During the classical period, a large temple of Ares had been built, which -during the Roman period- was dismantled, moved and rebuilt in the Ancient Agora of Athens, in honour of Roman emperors. The city of Acharnes was one of the most populous in Attica and its population during the classical period corresponded to 4% of the population of all the cities in Attica. Indicative of its size is the fact that the Acharnian demos sent 22 representatives to the parliament, while the number of hoplites serving in the Athenian army was correspondingly large, 3000 according to Thucydides. The inhabitants were mainly farmers, charcoal makers and loggers and were famous for their rough attitude and their activities. For these reasons, Aristophanes satirized them in the comedy Acharnian. During the Peloponnesian War and the first Spartan invasion, this city was the first to be completely destroyed.

Info

• Address: 21 Salaminos St.

Bibliography