CULTI E STRUTTURA URBANA: GLI SPAZI DELLA POLITICA NELL’ATENE ARCAICA E CLASSICA

Abstract

The paper aims at examining the relationship between the religious topography and the urban structure of
the polis with reference to Archaic and Classical Athens and its political spaces. Analysis of the formation
and definition of the Athenian urban form reveals a specific cultic characterization of certain central sites of
political and civic life. The cults anchored in the area of the Prytaneum and the primitive seats of the archons,
as well as the Theseion, are first examined. These spaces had great relevance for political life from the High
Archaic period onward and should also be read in connection to the definition of the poliadic sanctuary on
the Acropolis and the oldest cults in the Ilissus area. A different characterization is shown by the analysis of
the Athenian Agora in the Ceramicus quarter. This space was connected to the Academy and the Acropolis,
was crossed by the Panathenaic Way and already from Archaic times housed religious activities and festivals.
The dedication of the Altar of the twelve gods greatly enhanced the religious significance of the place. After
becoming, with the Pnyx, the center of political life of democratic Athens, the Agora the Agora would soon
become the most crowded space of the asty, not only of men, but also of gods and heroes. The festivals and
parades that took place in the Agora in honor of the gods find a visual connection with the Parthenon frieze.
The analysis of religious stratigraphy in urban topography is a promising research path, which may result in
a deeper understanding of the relationship between cults, city spaces and their functions.