Definition

Proper noun 1. The capital and largest city of Greece: A major historical and modern city in southern Europe, named after the goddess Athena, its patron deity in mythology. 2. A center of classical civilization: Specifically refers to the ancient city-state (polis) of Athens, which in the 5th century BC was a dominant power and a renowned center for arts, learning, and philosophy. 3. The name of various cities and towns: Used for places in other countries, often named after the original Greek city.

Usage Examples

• As the capital of Greece:
  • We flew into Athens before taking a ferry to the islands.
  • The Acropolis is a famous landmark in Athens.
• Referring to its historical significance:
  • Classical Athens is often called the cradle of democracy.
  • Many ideas from ancient Athens influenced Western thought.
• Referring to other locations:
  • He attended the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.

Advanced Usage

• "Athens of the North": A historical epithet for Edinburgh, Scotland, due to its intellectual and architectural prominence during the Enlightenment.
• "Athens of the South": A nickname sometimes given to Nashville, Tennessee, USA, for its focus on higher education and culture.

Variants and Related Words

• Athenian (noun): A citizen or inhabitant of Athens, ancient or modern.
  • Socrates was an Athenian philosopher.
• Athenian (adjective): Of or relating to Athens.
  • The Athenian fleet was powerful.

Synonyms

• The Classical City (when referring specifically to its ancient history).
• The Cradle of Western Civilization (a common metaphorical reference to ancient Athens).

Related Phrases

• Golden Age of Athens: Refers to the period in the 5th century BC when Athens reached its peak of power and cultural achievement.
  • Pericles led Athens during its Golden Age.

Noun

1. a university town in northeast Georgia
2. a town in southeast Ohio
3. the capital and largest city of Greece; named after Athena (its patron goddess)
   • in the 5th century BC ancient Athens was the world's most powerful and civilized city