Menu
Athens is one of the most historic cities in the world and thankfully, many great events have been documented. From the first Greek speaking tribes to the many battles, invasions, and tyrannies, there is a lot to learn about the history of Athens. The following timeline will give you a brief overview of some of the important events and interesting facts that shaped Athens as we know it today.
The first traces of habitation around the Acropolis and the Agora.
The Mycenaean civilization thrived and dominated the area.
Little is known about the Dark Ages due to the lack of documentation. What we know is the fall of Mycenaean civilization, settlements had been abandoned and the population dropped dramatically.
The now famous sites of the Acropolis were erected during this time. Including the Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
The first known democracy in the world was found in Athens.
The Battle of Marathon takes place during the first Persian invasion of Greece. It is also one of the earliest recorded battles in history.
A second attack is planned after the Athenian victory from the first invasion.
A group of Greek city states led by Athens to fight and protect any threat towards the Greeks.
Socrates is a Greek philosopher who is credited as the founder of western philosophy.
A devastating epidemic that hits Athens – the disease is believed to have been either Typhus or Typhoid.
King Attalos || of Pergamon built the Stoa of Attalos as a gift to the Athenians in appreciation of the time he spent in Athens.
The Roman general Sulla besieged Athens, killing many and causing mass destruction.
Hadrian’s Arch was erected in honour of emperor Hadrian for his many public works in Athens.
The magnificent stone Roman theatre on the southwest slope of the Acropolis opens.
The Heruli (early Germanic people) destroyed many temples and public buildings during an invasion. Including the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Parthenon.
The first king of the Visigoths, Alaric |, moves forces south and invades Athens.
The Parthenon was converted to a Christian Church.
The establishment of the Duchy – the first duke of Athens was Otto de la Roche.
Greece is under Ottoman rule.
The greatest damage inflicted to the Parthenon during the siege of the citadel of the acropolis from Venetian general Francesco Morosini.
British ambassador to Constantinople, Lord Elgin, removed a large portion of the Parthenon sculptures. Which are now in the British Museum, London.
The National Archaeological Museum is established.
Athens becomes the capital of Greece.
The Athens Stock Exchange is established.
The first international summer olympics were held at the Panathenaic Stadium.
The Athens metro and the railway station open.
The National Theatre of Greece and the Benaki Museum are established.
The Ellinikon International Airport is built.
The occupation of German forces in Athens (WWII 1939-1945)
Immediately after World War II, The Greek Civil War resulted from the polarizing struggle of left and right ideologies.
The Athens Festival of Arts begins.
Athens becomes a sister city with the city of Los Angeles, USA.
An earthquake causes widespread structural damage, resulting in 143 killed and over 1000 injured.
Ellinikon airport is replaced by the new international airport, Eleftherios Venezelos (ATH).
The 2004 summer olympics and paralympics are hosted in Athens.
The Acropolis Museum & Art Foundation open.
Add your name to our list for the latest updates and best recommends!
