Athens Constituted the Cradle of Western Civilisation
GREECE thens, having been inhabited since the Neolithic age, is considered Europe’s historical capital. During its long, Aeverlasting and fascinating history the city reached its zenith in the 5th century B.C (the “Golden Age of Pericles”), when its values and civilisation acquired a universal significance and glory. Political thought, theatre, the arts, philosophy, science, architecture, among other forms of intellectual thought, reached an epic acme, in a period of intellectual consummation unique in world history. Therefore, Athens constituted the cradle of western civilisation. A host of Greek words and ideas, such as democracy, harmony, music, mathematics, art, gastronomy, architecture, logic, Eros, eu- phoria and many others, enriched a multitude of lan- guages, and inspired civilisations. Over the years, a multitude of conque - rors occupied the city and erected splendid monuments of great signifi- cance, thus creating a rare historical palimpsest. Driven by the echo of its classical past, in 1834 the city became the capital of the modern Greek state. During the two centuries that elapsed however, it developed into an attractive, modern metropolis with unrivalled charm and great interest. Today, it offers visitors a unique experience. A “journey” in its 6,000-year history, including the chance to see renowned monu- ments and masterpieces of art of the antiquity and the Middle Ages, and the architectural heritage of the 19th and 20th cen- turies. You get an uplifting, embracing feeling in the brilliant light of the attic sky, surveying the charming landscape in the environs of the city (the indented coastline, beaches and mountains), and enjoying the modern infrastructure of the city and unique verve of the Athenians.
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