Athens is the capital of Greece, packed with historical sites, people and culture. The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple. Here are some facts of the city:
1: Athens are pronounced “Ath-enz” and those who live there are known as greeks.
2: The city is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom.
3: Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and has been continuously inhabited for around 7,000 years! Some date it back to 3000 BC.
4: The first Olympic games were held in Athens in 776 BC. Winners were given the olive wreaths as prizes for their achievement. The first games were held here in 1896 and hosted again in 2004. Greeks who were suppose to participate and did not were fined with cowardice.
5: It is known as the ‘Cradle of Western Civilisation’ as it is the birthplace of democracy, western literature and theatre.