iraeus has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The settlement of Mounichia (the present Kastella) was created then. Themistocles, a political genius, later thought of utilizing this large natural harbor. He correctly noted the advantageous position of the three bays, existing in the area and convinced the Athenians to transfer their port from Phaliron to Piraeus.
Foreseeing a new attack by the Persians -after the Battle of Marathon- he built in 487 - 486 BC large fortification works and turned Piraeus into a military harbor. The shipyards that were created then, built the mighty Athenian fleet, which distinguished itself at the Battle of Salamis.
The fortification of the harbor were completed by Kimon and Pericles with the construction of the Long Wall, by which Athens and Piraeus were joined. Its construction was completed in 456 BC. During its peak period the harbor of Piraeus contained 372 "neosoikoi" (sheds near the sea where ships were kept out of the water), "skevothikes" (the yards for the rigging of warships) and shipyards for the building of ships.

		he particular importance that Piraeus had for the city-state of Athens was appreciated by Athenians. To Hippodamos, the town planner and architect, is owed the layout, the buildings and the sacred theaters that were built. The main agora was named aftre him, as an honor. Piraeus, as a port, would follow the fate of Athens. After the end of the Peloponnesian Wars, when Athens came under Spartan occupation, Piraeus was to bear the brunt of the victors' rage. The walls would be torn down, the triremes found in the harbor surrendered to the Spartans or burned, while the renowned neosoikoi would be pulled down and indeed in an almost festive manner-with music, dancing and songs.
After the reinstatement of democracy, Konon rebuild the walls (393 BC), fund the temples of Aphrodite Euploia, the sanctuary of Zeus Sotiros and Athena and build the famous Skevothiki of Philon the ruins of which have been discovered at Zea.

his revival of the town was quashed by the Roman Sylla who destroyed Piraeus. His work was completed in 395 AD by the Goths under Alaric. During the Byzantine period the harbor of Piraeus was used at various intervals, but it was very far from the capital, Constantinopole. During the Turkish occupation, Piraeus was deserted. There was only the Customs house and the monastery of St.Spyridonas. With the liberation of the Greek state and the proclamation of Athens as the capital, the port again acquired a reason for existence and growth and developed into a great commercial and industrial center. The town flourished and lovely buildings were constructed. One of them, which continues to ornament the present town, is the Municipal Theater, an excellent example of neoclassical architecture.

Back to Piraeus - Salamis - the outskirts of Athens

Previous highlight North of Athens	Next highlight The Piraeus center

Photos and informations taken from "Athens - Attica" (Toubis Editions) (C)Copyright for the Web: Greekislands.com