The Entire History of Athens

#athens #history #documentary

According to legend, Athens was named after the goddess Athena, who won a contest against Poseidon by gifting the city an olive tree. Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in the area as early as 5000 BCE. By the Bronze Age (circa 1600–1100 BCE), Athens was a Mycenaean stronghold, ruled by kings such as Theseus, the mythical unifier of Attica. Unlike other Mycenaean cities, Athens survived the Late Bronze Age collapse and continued as a cultural center during the Greek Dark Ages (1100–800 BCE).

During the Archaic period, Athens transitioned from monarchy to aristocracy and, ultimately, democracy. Draco’s harsh legal code (circa 621 BCE) and Solon’s economic and political reforms (circa 594 BCE) laid the groundwork for political stability. In 508 BCE, Cleisthenes, often called the “Father of Democracy,” restructured Athens into a system based on civic participation rather than aristocratic rule.

Athens played a pivotal role in repelling the Persian invasions at Marathon (490 BCE) and Salamis (480 BCE). Under Pericles (495–429 BCE), the city entered its Golden Age, characterized by the construction of the Parthenon, the flourishing of drama (Sophocles, Euripides), philosophy (Socrates), and the expansion of the Athenian-led Delian League into an empire. However, its dominance led to conflict with Sparta, culminating in the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE), which ended in Athenian defeat and the brief rule of the pro-Spartan Thirty Tyrants.

Despite its loss of power, Athens remained a center of learning. Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum shaped Western philosophy. However, Athens fell under Macedonian rule after Philip II’s victory at Chaeronea (338 BCE) and later became part of the Roman Republic. The Romans admired Athens, with Emperor Hadrian (117–138 CE) funding new architecture. Christianity gradually replaced pagan traditions, and Emperor Theodosius I closed Athens’ philosophical schools in 529 CE.

Under the Byzantine Empire, Athens declined into a provincial town. The Parthenon was converted into a Christian church. In 1204, after the Fourth Crusade, the Franks took control, followed by the Ottoman Turks in 1458. The Ottomans transformed the Parthenon into a mosque, and Athens remained a small town until the Greek War of Independence (1821–1830), during which it suffered extensive damage.

Athens was declared the capital of the newly independent Greek state in 1834. Under King Otto, neoclassical buildings were constructed. The 20th century saw occupation during World War II, political turbulence, and economic struggles. However, the city modernized rapidly, hosting the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and again in 2004. Today, Athens remains a vibrant metropolis, blending ancient history with contemporary culture.

[tiusernamenabalw]

I am amazed at how the golden age of Athens was such a small period of a few decades, yet its impact is so big till this day.

[HistoryBeyondBordersTV]

Athens’ democracy was groundbreaking for its time! Even though it wasn’t perfect by modern standards, it laid the foundation for political systems we still use today!

[Ben-]

Only 7.5k views? This video is really underrated.

[NewSonicLight]

Nice work and an interesting if tumultuous history. Having been to Greece 3 times 1964 (age 9), 1967 and 68 (due to my father having been an international journalist), I've always had an affection for Greece - and pre 1974 Cyprus. My first name is also Greek - Philip (lover of horses). :)

[LoudHistory]

Your enthusiasm is contagious and makes the video so enjoyable!

[Wesleyr]

22:57 so sad that one small object destroyed a building that had stood there for thousands of years

[CharbelBouyounes-uuzw]

Thanks for the video, amazing work indeed!
I would like you to do a video about the history of phoenicians!

[jamesshone]

24:05 so it’s pretty clear that the ottomans couldn’t look after the artefacts properly, yes i know they blew it up with their incompetence 120 years early. But better late than never, knowing how they then acted in the next 120 years after Elgin taking the statues

[RoryReynoldss]

London, Rome, Athens. 3 pillars of the modern world. Industrialisation, democracy and philosophy

[mikelambsworld]

Very fascinating stuff, for sure! Thank you!

[ertyuiopos]

This battle of igas potamoi that Athens lost to Sparta its really very interesting if you study it. It just give you an idea of who bad politics can destroy everything in a moment. There was no fight, sparta catch athenians into sleep because the athenian generals where very bad and they didnt listen other generals like alviviadis that they should leave this place. They thought they know better. The thing is that Athens was expected to win the war despites Sparta reputation.

[eurtunwagens]

Hello, up to now your narrative is accurate. You’ve made an error now. You’ve designed an arrow, before the battle of Marathon, encompassing North and Central Greece, for the coming of the Persians. Actually the came from the east, this time, on ships.

[thomasm]

Bullcrap Athens history can be traced back to the ice age.... Settlements, shelters everywhere

[MorganFleurDeLys]

Except for food, Athens sucks so bad. Nearly every fucking building in that city is covered in graffiti. Land at the airport, head straight to the port and hop on a ferry to the islands. Sadly, might be best to skip Santorini because Instagram ruined it with too many tourists. Also, the internet on all of those islands is dog shit. Personally, I love Naxos.

[Paulentertainment]

Athens thrived through democracy, philosophy, and culture—but let’s not overlook other influential cities like Rome or Beijing. What made Athens stand out?

[bobsmith]

Democracy existed milenia before Greece was a thing. As soon as a tribe grew large enough to require a formal leader one was elected. When the gods no longer favored the leader another was chosen.

[sr_Illyrian.]

the joke of history Athens isn’t democracy invent on these days 🌈🌈🌈