[Agora Webpage] Overview: The Archaeological Site

http://agathe.gr/overview/the_archaeological_site.html

The Athenian Agora The Agora of Athens was the center of the ancient city: a large, open square where the citizens could assemble for a wide variety of purposes. On any given day the space might be used ... Here administrative, political, judicial, commercial, social, cultural, and religious activities all found a place together in the heart of Athens, and the square was surrounded by the public buildings necessary to run the Athenian government. These buildings, along with monuments and small objects, illustrate the important role it played in all aspects of public life. ... Following the total destruction of Athens at the hands of the Persians in 480 B.C., the city was rebuilt and public buildings were added to the Agora one by one throughout the 5th and 4th centuries, when Athens contended for the hegemony of Greece.

[Agora Webpage] Birth of Democracy: Democracy

http://agathe.gr/democracy/democracy.html

Introduction Classical Athens saw the rise of an achievement unparalleled in history. Perikles, Aischylos, Sophokles, Plato, Demosthenes, and Praxiteles represent just a few of the statesmen and philosophers, ... In 500 B.C., soon after the Kleisthenic reforms, new buildings were added. ... The model of the Agora in 400 B.C. shows the civic center at a time when Athens had provided herself with all the public buildings necessary for the functioning of the fully developed democratic system. The buildings shown on the model served in one form or another for the next several generations.

[Agora Webpage] AgoraPicBk 4 2004: The Agora and Pnyx

http://agathe.gr/democracy/the_agora_and_pnyx.html

The Agora and Pnyx Center of public activity, the Agora was a large open square where all the citizens could assemble (2, 3). It was used for a variety of functions: markets, religious processions, athletic ... The Agora and Pnyx Center of public activity, the Agora was a large open square where all the citizens could assemble (2, 3). ... Around its edges stood the buildings needed to run the democracy: the Council House (Bouleuterion), magistrates’ headquarters, archives, mint, lawcourts, and civic offices. ... It was on the Pnyx (5) that policies initiated by magistrates and committees in the offices of the Agora were submitted to the Athenian citizens.

[Agora Webpage] Birth of Democracy: Sources and Documents

http://agathe.gr/democracy/sources_and_documents.html

Sources and Documents Our understanding of the workings and history of Athenian democracy comes from a variety of sources. Most useful, perhaps, are the ancient literary texts that survive, many of which ... The democracy, with average citizens holding public offices which changed hands every year, required elaborate and accurate record-keeping. ... It stood in a central location among the public buildings of the city, next to the Bouleuterion.