Author Description

In 2006 it will be 75 years since excavations by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens started in the ancient Agora. Almost every year since 1931 new areas of the ancient civic center have been cleared and exciting discoveries made, and this book presents the latest, detailed, account of the monuments and artifacts that can be seen on a visit to the site. After a short introduction to the history of the Agora, each monument is described in turn. Famous buildings like the Tholos or Stoa of Attalos are discussed in detail, but also lesser-known areas, passed over by other books, are revealed. Plans and color illustrations help locate the reader, while a large fold-out map at the back of the book distinguishes the different chronological phases of the Agora. For the first time this map also shows discoveries made in the last few years at the northern edge of the site. A final section presents a guide to the museum, substantially reorganized in preparation for the 2004 Olympic Games. Written by the director of the Agora excavations for over a decade, this book presents the most detailed and up-to-date coverage available of the birthplace of democracy. It will be invaluable for any visitor to or student of the site.