The Roman Agora
The Roman Agora comprises of collonades with 110 columns and a patio. The shops of the Agora of the classical era were later transferred here.
Modern and Contemporary era (1821 - )
Over the last two centuries systematic excavations have been taking place.
1931 Refugee shanties were demolished in order to proceed with excavations.
Ottoman era (1453- 1821)
Byzantine era (331 AC- 1453)
Roman era (30 BC- 330 AC)
19 BC Built between 19 and 11 BC, it was a donation of Caesar and Emperor Augustus, according to an inscription on the architrave of the portal.
Hellenistic era (322- 31 BC)
Classical era (478-323 BC)
Archaic era (800-479 BC)
Geometric era (-1100- 800 BC)
Prehistory (-1100 BC)
What I can see
The Roman Agora or Forum is 111 metres long and 98 metres wide. It comprises of collonades with 110 columns and a patio. It used to have two entrances. The main entrance, to the west (propylon of Athena Archigetis [Leader]), had four doric columns and was nicknamed “Pazaroporta” because it was used to enter the grain market during the Ottoman period. Some of the main buildings of the Roman Agora are the Agoranomeion (market police headquarters), the Kyrristos’ Clock (the Tower of the Winds), the Vespasians (luxurious latrines built during Emperor Vespasian’s Rule) and the subsequent Fetihe Mosque.
What I can't see
The shops of the Agora of the classical era were later transferred to the Roman Agora and took up most of the building. Today, engraved inscriptions have been found on the columns and on the pillar of the southern peristyle, which show the places used by certain merchants to sell their products or to demarcate their shops. During the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, the Agora contained, in addition to Fetihe Mosque, houses, Christian churches, workshops and a bath (Ula Bey), which was later demolished to make space for excavations.
Info
- Address: Dioskouron and Epameinonda St.
Bibliography
http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/gh351.jsp?obj_id=2402
Last visit 1/9/2013
Yohalas T., Kafetzaki Τ., (2013), Αθήνα, Ιχνηλατώντας την πόλη με οδηγό την ιστορία και τη λογοτεχνία [Athens, Tracing the city guided by history and literature], ESTIA Bookstore
Foka Ι., Valavanis P., (1994), Περίπατοι στην Αθήνα και την Αττική, τόποι, θεοί, μνημεία [Strolls in Athens and Attica, places, gods, monuments], Kedros
Unsigned (2014), Roman Agora, in Navigating the routes of Art and Culture, Part 1, Athens, Ministry of Culture and Sports
