Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Europe
A Historic and Geographical Marvel
Athens, the capital of Greece, is extolled as the birthplace of Western civilization and a center of classical antiquity. The city lies in an inland basin surrounded by the slopes of four mountains, Parnis, Pentelicus, Hymettos, and Aigaleon, its port, Piraeus, lies on the Bay of Phaleron, an inlet of the Aegean Sea, some five miles southwest.
The city is enormous, with 165 square miles, and the Kifisos and Ilisos Rivers contribute to its geographical character, although in the summer they are usually dry. Despite the arid environment of this great city, it has heavily influenced world culture and created the very basics of democracy, philosophy, and classical art. Its intellectual and artistic legacy continues to shape the modern world.
A Unique Blend of East and West
Athens is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. Its modern skyline, with high rise buildings and neon lit shops, contrasts with the lively Eastern cultural influences that fill its music, street life, and food. These Eastern elements reflect the city's time under Ottoman rule, a period that left an indelible mark on its character.
This is a blend that many visitors often find amazing and that makes Athens different from any other European capital. Yet, the city's identity remains resolutely Greek, deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. Athens was not only the cradle of democracy but also the incubator of ideas that shaped modern governance and human rights worldwide.
Climate and Architectural Influence
Athens has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters, where frost and snow are rare, the summer is hot and dry with temperatures up to 99°F. The refreshing northeasterly wind many times brings relief during the day, while cooler evenings invite people to spend more time outdoors. This favorable climate has greatly influenced Athenian architecture and encouraged building open spaces, courtyards, and public meeting areas.
Ancient monuments such as the Parthenon and the Acropolis remain as timeless symbols of this ingenuity in architecture. The particular environment of the city has shaped its political and social life, too, allowing outdoor gatherings that encouraged debate and innovation, vital for its historic role as a center of learning and governance.
Preserving Ancient Wonders
Athens boasts an array of ancient landmarks that speak volumes about its glorious past. At the bottom of the Acropolis lies the Herodes Atticus Odeum, a Roman theater built in 161 CE, which still holds music and drama festivals today. The Theatre of Dionysus, built into the south slope of the Acropolis in the 5th century BCE, was a centerpiece for dramatic arts and a venue for festivals like the Dionysia. This 13,000-seat theater serves as an example of the city's function as a cultural center during ancient times.
Other monuments, like the Street of Tripods and Lysicrates Monument, are testaments to the innovative architectural expression of the city and its respect for achievements in the arts. And its rich history is kept not only in its monuments but also in its streets, like Monastiráki Square, where old world charm and modern vibrancy meet to ensure that Athens is a living museum of human achievement.
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