Democracy Experiential Workshop on Pnyx hill, Athens
• Learn about Athens at a landmark of democratic history.
• Interactive workshop explores the real story of democracy.
• Put yourself in the shoes of a voting Athenian.
• See the historic location that hosted Athenian Public Assemblies.
• Use unique replicas of ancient Greek objects.
Head to the historic site of Pnyx for an interactive session, featuring dialogues and role-play. Become yourself a citizen of classical Athens, through a journey 2500 years back in time, at the inspired location which hosted the Athenian Public Assemblies, the earliest and most important site in the creation of democracy. Learn why democracy was born at that particular period and place, reviewing the historical facts of the past centuries. Discuss on the bright but also the dark side of the political system, with direct view of the Acropolis, next to the carved steps of the speaker's platform. Small groups guarantee the highest interaction level. Hellas Revival expert facilitator will provide the guidance and stimulation during the whole session, via interplay joyful activities.
Suitable for adults and teenagers over 12 years old.
For larger groups, or different dates/hours please contact us by email at info@hellasrevival.com
Small groups of up to 10 pax, or private.
Extra Bonus! Our workshop takes place inside the archeological site of Pnyx (free 24hour admission) located on the Filopappos hill, a quite place full of olive and pine trees, having the best view of the Acropolis rock and the Ancient agora, the perfect location to take pictures with the Parthenon Temple on the background! On the same hill also located the Observatory, the Doras Stratos Theater, the Philopappou Monument, the Church of St. Demetrius, the Socrates prison, ruins of the ancient wall of Athens, as well as the traces of a major ancient road linking Athens with the port of Piraeus, right through the ruins of the ancient municipality of Meliti. A great opportunity to make a SELF-discovering walk through history, BEFORE or AFTER our workshop.
Our experience will begin right after we meet and get our ancient Greek names that we will use during the workshop. Then we will walk uphill for about 300m until we arrive at the archeological site of Pnyx (free entrance). We will take our position right next to the carved steps where the Athenians spoke and voted during the Assembly.
Our professional expert facilitator will take you through the history of Athens from 20th to 5th ce BC. You will discuss the facts that led to the birth of Democracy at that particular place and time. You will learn how democracy was performed during the Golden Century. Then, you will discuss its advantages and disadvantages and compare it with today. Finally, you will practice it yourself by speaking and voting, using our unique replicas of ancient objects (The Clepsydra/Waterthief and the Ostracon). A productive and joyful way to learn all about the Athenian government, and develop your critical thought and self-reflection.
Our professional expert will guide you through the whole process, reassuring that everyone is equally involved.
Outside Thision Open Air Cinema, Apostolou Pavlou 7, Athina 118 51
No formal drop-off point. At the end of the workshop you’ll be free to explore the grounds and nearby landmarks at your leisure.
- Your ID or passport
- Your booking confirmation voucher (printed or as a photo)
- Casual clothes and shoes, a hat and fresh water, since the location is outdoors, on the side of a hill.
- Above ALL: your curiosity, experience and ideas!
- Expert facilitator
- Ostrakon 1 per person (Ceramic voting disc, unique replica of the ancient object). Use it and take it as commemorative.
- Usage of the WaterThief (a ceramic water-timer, unique replica of the ancient object)
- Liability Insurance
- Local Taxes
- No Guided tour (this activity is an interactive educational workshop)
The word "democracy" combines the greek words dêmos "people" and krátos "force" or "power", meaning literally "peoples’ power". Athens was not the only city in ancient Greece that instituted a democratic regime. However Athens is the only city-state that offers sufficient records for historians to be able to identify in detail how the government worked. In this early democratic state, Athenian citizens are obliged to serve a large part of their lives in political, administrative and military duties (either by lottery or by vote), regardless of their origin, property, education or profession. A citizen is often becoming a judge or a congressman in his lifetime, while in the meanwhile he actively participates via his opinion and his vote at daily meetings related either to the city management issues, or to conflicts between his fellow citizens.
Democracy was mainly performed through the peoples’ assembly (ekklesia) which was open to all Athenian adult men with political rights. Pnyx in antiquity was the place where the ekklesia (the main Athenian Assembly) met and it is considered to be the earliest and most important place in regards to democracy. Although the area layout changed three times throughout the years, the function remained the same for about 200 years. From the speakers’ step of this sacred space, great politicians, generals and orators spoke, such as Themistocles, Aristides, Pericles, Demosthenes, Aischenes, and the hero of the Greek Revolution of 1821, Theodoros Kolokotronis. Even nowadays, several governors have expressed their wish to speak from the Pnyx footsteps. Besides its political significance, Pnyx was also a sacred site, dedicated to the god Zeus, who was considered the great protector of the Athenian republic. The great Altar of Agoraios Zeus was founded at the place for this reason.
Today, the most important monument of Pnyx is the speakers’ platform with steps carved on its slope. Visitor may also see the remainings of the following buildings: two large stoas, the Altar of Zeus Agoraios, the Sanctuary of Zeus Hypsistos, and Meton's heliotropion, the oldest known astronomical observatory. The area is under the supervision of the Greek Ministry of Culture, but it remains open to the public, free of charge, all year long. The hill offers great view of the Acropolis, perhaps the best in the city.
The official website of the archeological site here:
100% refund, if cancellation is requested up to 2 days before the start of the Service
All full or partial cancellations should be made only by the Charged Customer by contacting Hellas Revival at bookings@hellasrevival.com. If your cancellation/alternation is accepted, you will receive a confirmation email, otherwise after 3 working days since your request, please contact us at bookings@hellasrevival.com
Moreover, this workshop is highly interactive, therefore requires at least 2 people to participate. Furthermore, this is an outdoor experience therefore it also requires good weather. In case it is canceled due to poor weather, or due to fewer than 2 participants, you will be notified at least 3 hours ahead, and will be offered the option to choose between a different date, a similar workshop, or a full refund.
For more information regarding our Cancellation policy, please check our genaral Terms and Conditions https://hellasrevival.rezgo.com/terms
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Language is simple English. There will be no difficult words or terminology.
- Suitable for adults and teenagers over 12years old. Underage participants should be supervised by at least one designated adult.
- There will be a 300m uphill walk in order for us to arrive at the Pnyx speaker’s platform, which could be physically demanding. Please ensure that you are suitably fit to allow full participation.
- As this workshop takes place at a Historical site, involving Heritage and Cultural aspects, all participants are required to respect ethic, law and respectful conduct etiquette (soberness, cleanliness, photo/video shooting, dress-code, loudness etc) and be respectful and polite during the entire session. Our facilitator has the right to terminate your participation without any refund in case your behavior is disrespectful in regards to the place or the people.
- There are no toilets or canteens. Near Pnyx, in the area of Thissio, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops.
- Our facilitators are First Aid trained and certified, however, by law, they are not allowed to provide medication, so please make sure you have your medication with you (especially for allergies).