In the early Byzantine period, many of the Classical monuments of Athens were converted into Christian churches. New churches were built, too, mostly in the basilica type. However, it was in the Middle Byzantine period (843-1204) that building activity was at its height/ the most notable features of the Byzantine churches of Athens are the so0called Athenian cupola with its elongated but elegant drum, the plainness of the external surfaces, and the use of brick courses in the masonry. Almost all these building are of the cross-in-square type.

The area around Delphi was inhabited in Mycenean times, and by the eighth century BC had become a place of importance because of the reputation of the oracle. In the seventh century BC, the Delphic Amphictyony was formed: this was a religious federation whose purpose was to protect the interests of the sanctuary and the surrounding cities. In 600 BC, the Amphictyony declared the First Sacred War on the city of Crisa, which controlled access from the coast of the Corintian Gulf and had been taxing pilgrims. In 582 BC, to celebrate their victory in this war, the p...| more info

When Constantinople fell to the Crusaders (Franks) in 1204, Athens was seized by Otto de la Roche of Burgundy, passing during the fourteenth century through the successive hands of the Catalana, the Florentine family of the Acciajuoli, the Venetians and the Byzantines. In 1458, the city was taken by the Turks, and the Acropolis became a Turkish settlement. In 1687, during the Turkish-Venetian wars, the Acropolis was bombarded and captured by the Venetian admiral Francesco Morosini. In 1690, Athens was back in Turkish hands, where it stayed until final liberation...| more info

The human habitation of Athens began to take on organized form as far back as the Neolithic Age, around 4000-3000 BC, when settlements were established on the rock of the Acropolis (near the north slopes), in the vicinity of the Ilissus River (where the temple of Olympian Zeus now stands), and in the area later occupied by the Agora. The human presence was uninterrupted throughout the Bronze Age, and in Mycenean times (1550-1050 BC) there was an important town on the Acropolis. Excavations have shown that early in the thirteenth century BC the palace of the Myce...| more info

Theseus must actually have taken olace quite a long time after the Mycenean period, in the eighth century BC, and it did much to boost the development of Athens. In the seventh century, the power that had previously been held by the kings passed into the hands of the aristocrats. In 624 BC, the laws of the city were codified for the first time, by Draco, and in 594 BC the Athenians commissioned Solon, one of the Seven Sages of antiquity, to compose a new code of laws. His innovations gave the system of government a democratic tone, in the sense that the offices ...| more info