Athens and Attica: History and Archaeology

The book presents the prehistory of Attica (Neolithic and Bronze Age) first and then focuses mainly on the topography of the city-state of Athens over the centuries from 1050 BC, the beginning of historical times, to the 3rd/4th century AD, which is considered the end of Antiquity. The narration combines a discussion of the topographical, epigraphical and archaeological data, as well as of the great works of ancient Greek art created in Athens during this period. Apart from the city (asty), the book presents the archaeological evidence from the demoi in Attica, the vitally important rural territory (chora) of the city-state, integral to the functioning of the political system. Particular emphasis is placed on the demos of Piraeus, main port of Athens, which played a significant role in Athenian economy and history in general. The extensive appendix presents plans, architectural drawings, and graphic restorations of monuments with explanatory texts by Panos Valavanis and Lydia Palaiokrassa-Kopitsa, and enriches the illustrations.