This peaceful hill close to Athens’ bustling centre is famous as the birthplace of modern democracy.
The world’s first democratic assembly met on Pnyx Hill in the 5th century. It was here that legendary orators such as Aristides, Demosthenes and Pericles held their countrymen enraptured with their rhetoric, and you can still see the remains of the stone platform, or “bema”, on which they stood to address the crowds. For the first time in history, male citizens were able to participate in making political decisions about their home city, gathering on Pnyx Hill to listen to the debates and vote on their outcomes.
The earliest assemblies took place in a natural space with a single retaining wall. A second semi-circular retaining wall was added at a later stage, with two sets of stairs leading to the bema. A further renovation extended the original capacity, creating space for upwards of 13,000 citizens and seats for 500 elected council men. Meetings were held every nine days to discuss a variety of political and social issues, with a requirement for at least 6,000 citizens to be present for every debate, pioneering the modern-day concept of quorums.
For today’s Athenians, Pnyx Hill is also a popular place to take a walk or a picnic away from the oppressive heat of the city streets. Situated close to the Acropolis on the west side, it’s easily accessed from all the major monuments and museums and makes a pleasant diversion to a sightseeing trip. There is no admission fee and the site is open from dawn until dusk. Take a few minutes to absorb the atmosphere of this special place which changed the face of popular politics for ever more.
