Athens

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Athens (Athínai) Capital and largest city of Greece, situated on the Saronic Gulf. The ancient city was built around the Acropolis, a fortified citadel, and was the greatest artistic and cultural centre in ancient Greece, gaining importance after the Persian Wars (500–449 bc). Athens prospered under Cimon and Pericles during the 5th century bc and provided a climate in which the great classical works of philosophy and drama were created. The most noted artistic treasures are the Parthenon (438 bc), Athena Parthenos (a Doric statue), the Erechtheum (406 bc), and the Theatre of Dionysus (c.500 bc, the oldest of the Greek theatres). Modern Athens and its port of Piraeus form a major Mediterranean transport and economic centre. Overcrowding and severe air pollution are damaging the ancient sites and the tourist industry. Other industries: shipbuilding, paper, steel machinery, textiles, pottery, brewing, chemicals and glass. Pop. (2002 est.) 757,400.

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