Athens


 * **Athens Geography**
 * located in the Attica basin, in the center of Greece
 * Peninsula and also many islands surrounded by the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Cretan Sea
 * Also it is run with underground rivers, such as Iridanos, Kifissos and Ilissus.
 * Surrounded by many hills and mountains (Aigaleo to the west, Parnes to the north, Pentelikon to the northeast, and Hymettus to the east) Most are of limestone or marble, from which the ancient buildings of the city were constructed (ex: the Parthenon)




 * **Athens Climate & Weather**
 * Athens has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters and little rainfall.
 * Over the past decades, Athens suffers from air pollution and smog caused by the lack of forests and the excessive traffic of vehicles


 * **About Athens**
 * The capital of Greece took its name from the goddess Athena, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge.


 * **Anient Times**
 * Language
 * The Ancient Greeks were the first Europeans to read and write with an Alphabet, which eventually led to all modern European languages.
 * Soial Struture
 * Greek Society was mainly broken up between free people and slaves. Slaves were used as servants and laborers without any legal rights. Other slaves were prisoners of war or bought from foreign slave traders. Few slaves were skilled craftsmen and fewer were paid for their services. Unlike slaves in America, slaves in Greece got paid and if they saved their money they might be able to buy their own freedom.
 * As the Athenian society evolved, free men were divided into citizens and metics. A citizen was born with Athenian parents and were the most powerful group. They could take part in the government of the polis. After years of service in the army they were expected to be government officials and take part in Jury Service. A metic was of foreign birth that had migrated to Athens, to either trade or practice a craft. A metic had to pay taxes and was sometimes required to serve in the army. However, they could never achieve full rights of a citizen, nor could they own houses or land. They also were not allowed to speak in law courts.*The social classes applied to men only. All women took their social and legal status from their husband or their male partner. Women in ancient Greece were not permitted to take part in public life.


 * **Government**
 * Early Rulers
 * Actaeus was said to be the first king of Athens, father of Agraulus and father-in-law of Cecrops, the second king of Athens. Actaeus had no sons therefore was succeeded by Cecrops. Actaeus reign ended in 1556 B.C.
 * Cecrops, the second king of Athens, had three daughters named Pandrosus, Agraulus II and Herse. Cecrops also had a son named Erysichthon, but he probably outlived his son, because Craunus, son of river god Nile and Alkippe, succeeded him.
 * Cranaus the third king, during his reign the flood of the Deucalion story was thought to have occurred. In some accounts, Deucalion is said to have fled to Athens with his sons Hellen and Amphictyon. Deucalion died shortly thereafter and was said to have been buried near Athens. Amphictyon is said to have married one of the daughters of Cranuas.
 * Athen's Democracy
 * The first democracy was put in place in Athens. Athenian democracy was an elaborate system that had an assembly, a council, and courts. All citizens could vote but only a free adult male born in Athens of two Athenian parents was considered a citizen. One of the best examples of direct democracy today comes in the form of U.S. town meetings. All citizens of the town are welcome to come and speak and vote on town decisions.
 * Assembly
 * The assembly has the sovereign authority to declare war, make peace, create commercial alliances, grant citizenship, allocate public funds for construction and other projects, and decide foreign policy.


 * Economy
 * Athens is the economical and financial center of Greece and headquarters for Greeces major corporations.