Importance of the Agora

Explain the main features and importance of the Agora in Athenian society in the 5th century BC.

Include in your essay: The layout of the Agora and the use and function of important buildings.

The Agora was one of the most important places for ancient Greek society. The word Agora translates to “a gathering place” which is one of the main functions the Agora served. It was a site where citizens gathered to discuss politics, business, current events and philosophy or to listen to campaigns and others opinions. The Agora was the center of economic, political, social, religious and commercial activities; many merchants also sold their goods here. Various buildings in the Agora were important to the functioning of the Athenian society, which they were proud of. A selection of buildings that were important in the Agora include; the Council House, The Alter of 12 Gods and The Precinct of the Eponymous Heroes.

The Panathenaic Way cut through the agora diagonally, starting in the city of Eleusis and ending at the Parthenon. The Agora was centered around this road as many festival processions took place here, such as the Panathenaic festival, in honor of Athena.

The council house, or Bouleuterion was an important building to Greek democracy. It was the meeting room for the Boule, which was the council of 500, 50 men from each of the 10 tribes, who were elected by the citizens and had legislative and administrative responsibilities in Athenian democracy. The Bouleuterion also served as accommodation for the council members for the duration of their service. There was an old and a new Bouleuterion, both located on the western side of the agora. The new one is smaller than the original but had a capacity of over 500 people. The old Bouleuterion was later used to store the state archives and other records. This makes it an important building for both political and administrative