History Since Ancient Times

The Slavic migrations into Greece that began in the sixth century did not reach Athens. When the armies of the Fourth Crusade sacked Constantinople in 1204 and set up the Latin Empire of Constantinople, Athens became a principality within this empire, and for the next 250 years the city was ruled by a succession of Burgundian, Catalan, Sicilian, and Florentine nobles. Athens was an independent duchy from 1270 until 1456, when it was conquered and annexed by the Ottoman Empire. Defenders on the Acropolis held out until 1458.

Athens was admired by the Turks and was allowed some degree of self-government during the 400 years of Ottoman rule. The Venetians in 1687 captured the city and held it for six months. During the initial siege the Parthenon was severely damaged. The city itself was devastated during the conflict.

During the Greek War of Independence (1821-27), Athens changed hands several times. In 1834 it became capital of the independent kingdom of Greece. Since then a continuous program of archeological research and restoration has been conducted by Greek and foreign organizations.

Construction began on a subway system in the 1990's to help reduce automobile traffic and pollution, a major problem in the city. In 2004 Athens was the site of the Summer Olympic Games.

Population: the city, 784,110; Greater Athens, 3,096,775.