Fun Facts about Ancient Athens

 

Athens is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, who defeated Poseidon to become the patroness of the city.

It is believed that the city has experienced every form of government to date: democracy, capitalism, socialism, communism.

During the period of democratic government, Athens had 500 jurors to decide whether the culprit was to be punished or not. The offender was not allowed to hire a lawyer and therefore he himself spoke in defence. Speeches were timed by a water-clock and punishment included both death and penalty.