The Forge of Athens

We sailed into the grand and ancient port of Piraeus at dawn: the growing light revealed an enormous billboard celebrating the 2500th anniversary of the Battle of Salamis, which by saving the city state of Athens also saved the future of world civilization: the founding of democracy, the invention of philosophy, the creation of the art of drama, to name just some of the accomplishments of the ancient Greeks. We crafted our own excursion in Athens, taking the Viking shuttle bus to Hadrian’s Arch , then walking to the foot of the Acropolis hill, up the crooked streets through Anafiotika, down to the Roman Agora and Monastiraki Square to our main destination: the Ancient Agora park and Temple of Hephaestus, the famously lame god of fire, metallurgy, and craftsmen. (According to Homer, it was Hephaestus who created new armor and a magnificent shield for Achilles after Patroclus died in battle dressed as his beloved friend) The stoa, which is an ancient word for shopping mall, was built by King Attalos and beautifully restored in the 50s and is a great respite from the heat (more of that later). The Temple is monumental magic and the best preserved in Greece. Dedicated also to Athena Ergane, goddess of craft and weaving, after it was completed in 415 BC, it came to be surrounded by forges and workshops, mortals laboring in its shadow to soak up the inspiration of the gods. The day’s less happy note was that it was at least 83 degrees in Athens, and we’re told in August temps are now reaching 120. It may be time for a new temple and lots of sacrifices to Gaia.- who actually had cults here before the disfunctional Olympians and their quenchless thirst for bling took over.Read more