Acropolis, Athens

It was easy to find the Acropolis. Athenians are very proud of this incredible creation of their ancestors, thousands of years past. Everyone I asked directions of gave them happily smiling, glad that I was too  going to participate in this wonder of humanity. As a sailor I loved to see the sea from the promontory. All the shipping that came to Athens could be seen from here. Even today I could see large vessels anchored in the harbour. For the Phoenicians 3000 years ago, that great sea faring people whose king Kekrops built the Royal Palance on Acropolis, this would have been a gift of the Gods. In this case, Athena, Goddess of Wisdom was the one who would win over Posiedon as the patron of the city. The city of Athens  developed in the 10th century BC when Theseus united the warring tribes of Greece. You can see the hills and modern city of Athens filling the valleys in every direction. I enjoyed the walk up, finally seeing the Parthenon and Erectheon. The Odeon of Herodes Attticus was an experience imagining the oratories and plays that were performed here. Mostly I liked walking around the Parthenon where Socrates and Plato taught. It was there too that St. Paul preached on the unknown God. The ancient Agora of Athens too was an elegant expression of the higher culture the Athenians embraced. Everywhere the architecture was inspiring. Already I long to return having just spent several hours walking about these ancient ruins. I loved the sacred Olive tree. Dogs and cats roamed about here ad there as if they were guarding the ruins.


 


















 



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