Athens: The birth of democracy self-guided mobile tour

The Agora was the administrative, political, judicial, financial, social and religious center of the city. Since the time of the tyrant Peisistratus it was located to the north of the Acropolis. Peisistratus used his wealth and popularity to gain the support of the Athenian populace and instituted the city’s most important religious festivals (Great Panathenaea and Great Dionysia). When Athens became a democracy, the Agora was endowed with the quintessential buildings of the new constitution: the Boule of the 500, and the circular Tholos, where the 50 prytaneis were always ready to deal with emergencies. Close by was the Monument of the Eponymous Heroes with the bronze statues of the ten heroes whose names had been given to the ten tribes of Athens. The base also served as a notice board for public announcements.
Τhis is a majestic tour-de-force, richly endowed with classic stories about the heroes of democratic Athens: Pericles, whose mother dreamed of giving birth to a lion just before he was born; Aristides, who was considered the most just of the Athenians and who did not hesitate to assist in his own banishment from Athens; Themistocles, who rose to fame after defeating the Persians at the Battle of Salamis only to find himself an exile a few years later; and of course Solon, a merchant and poet who reformed the constitution of Athens and then exiled himself, believing that his institutions would function better if the reformer himself was no longer present.
The tour is perfect for those who wish to see every classical site of Athens at one fell swoop. In addition to the Agora and its magnificent museum, you get to enjoy the Acropolis, the Theater of Dionysus where tragedy and comedy was born, and Aristotle’s Lyceum where the great philosopher taught his students while walking.
To take this self-guided tour you will need the app on your iOS or Android device.
HIGHLIGHTS
• See the stone of hubris (outrage) or the stone of anaideia (ruthlessness) on the summit of the Hill of Ares where once murder trials took place;
• Visit the Pnyx, justly considered the hill of democracy since it was the site where the citizens of Athens would meet to ratify or reject new laws.
• Discover the so-called Prison of Socrates on the hill of Philopappos. It is believed that Socrates was imprisoned and executed here by drinking poison.