The Greeks
Spotlight on Ancient Greeks
The Mycenaeans and Homer
Greek Settlements
The Land of Greece
Democracy
The City at War
Naval Warfare
Religion and the Gods
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The Family Home
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The City-state -- Athens
From the 8th century BC Greeks began to build cities. They were often built around a large rock to make them easier to defend. Greeks were proud of their cities, which had many fine buildings.
Athens was surrounded by the plains of Attica, which provided food and silver mines and gave the city wealth to trade and to build warships. By 480 BC, when the Persians invaded Greece, it was the richest and most powerful Mediterranean city and was able to lead the fight against the Persians.

(A) HOUSING
Athenian houses were not grand. The walls were of unbaked brick or timber, roofed with clay tiles. Athenian women normally stayed inside the home.

(B) PARTHENON
The Parthenon was the largest building on the Acropolis, which was a rocky hill overlooking the city. It was built to honour Athena, the goddess of Athens.

(C) ENTRANCE
The Acropolis was the religious and ceremonial centre of Athens and had a fine marble entrance.
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Book:
The Greeks
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Spotlight on Ancient Greeks
Chapter:
The City-State, Athens