How was Athens founded and how did it get its name?
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How was Athens founded and how did it get its name?
The name of Athens, connected to the name of its patron goddess Athena, originates from an earlier Pre-Greek language. The origin myth explaining how Athens acquired this name through the legendary contest between Poseidon and Athena was described by Herodotus, Apollodorus, Ovid, Plutarch, Pausanias and others.
Who created Athens Greece?
According to Greek mythology, the first city of Athens was Phoenician and Cecrops was the king who founded it. The city of Athens was officially created the day the Gods decided to have a contest: the growing city would be named after the deity who would offer to mortals the most useful gift.
When did the Athens begin and end?
Classical Athens
| Athens Ἀθῆναι | |
|---|---|
| 508 BC–322 BC | |
| Owl of Athena, patron of Athens | |
| Delian League (“Athenian Empire”) shown in yellow, Athenian territory shown in red, situation in 431 BC, before the Peloponnesian War. | |
| Capital | Athens |
When was Athens first inhabited?
The site of Athens has been inhabited since the Neolithic Period (before 3000 bce). Evidence for this has come from pottery finds on and around the Acropolis but particularly from a group of about 20 shallow wells, or pits, on the northwest slope of the Acropolis, just below the Klepsydra spring.
When was Sparta founded?
Reputedly founded in the 9th century bce with a rigid oligarchic constitution, the state of Sparta for centuries retained as lifetime corulers two kings who arbitrated in time of war.
Who founded Sparta?
Sparta was unique among the Greek city-states because of the rigid program of military indoctrination it instilled in its citizens. Legend dates the founding of the city to Mycenean times, when the legendary King Menelaus, who helped defeat Troy, supposedly ruled the city.
What created Athens?
The Athenians invented democracy, a new type of government where every citizen could vote on important issues, such as whether or not to declare war. All public officials and even generals commanding the army were elected or chosen through a lottery.