Journey through Ancient Ruins in Athens

I recently toured the ancient ruins of Athens. The first stop was the Acropolis. The Parthenon, standing tall on the hill, is a magnificent structure from the 5th century BC. The moment I saw it, I was overwhelmed by its grandeur. The marble columns and intricate sculptures speak volumes about the glory of ancient Greece. From the hill of Acropolis, you can get a panoramic view of the city of Athens. Looking down from the Acropolis hill, you can see the Theatre of Dionysus. This theater is said to be the birthplace of Western drama, and imagining how ancient audiences enjoyed plays there made me feel the weight of history. Next, I headed to the Agora. This place was once the political, commercial, and social center of Athens, and it housed the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos. The Temple of Hephaestus, in particular, is very well-preserved, comparable to the Parthenon, and it made me appreciate the high level of ancient Greek architectural techniques. I also visited the ancient cemetery of Kerameikos. Here, many tombstones and monuments stand, offering a glimpse into the lives and views on death of the people of ancient Athens. The cemetery, standing in silence, is a place that makes you forget the passage of time. Lastly, I toured the Panathenaic Stadium. This stadium hosted the first modern Olympic Games, and it allowed me to experience ancient sports culture. The grand stadium made of marble symbolizes the passion of ancient Greece for sports. This journey through the ancient ruins of Athens felt like a time travel experience and was an incredibly enjoyable day. However, be aware that Athens is hot and there are many slopes to climb when visiting the ruins.