The birthplace of democracy. Explore our nearly 200,000 excavated artifacts online.

GO TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

Athenian Agora

Located in the heart of modern Athens and attracting more than half a million  international visitors annually, the Agora was in ancient times the business, political, and legal center of Athens, bringing together citizens and foreigners, litigants and jurors, and merchants and philosophers. The School has been excavating at the Agora since 1931, and has brought to light a rich and splendid history of continuous habitation that extends over more than 5,000 years. The major public buildings of ancient Athens are now displayed in a thoughtfully landscaped archaeological park with all of the excavated artifacts and excavation records housed in the restored Stoa of Attalos. These finds have significantly expanded our knowledge of ancient Athenian life and culture, notably the origins and practice of democracy. Each summer, the Agora trains more than 60 students from American colleges and universities in modern archaeological techniques.

John Camp: A Life at the Athenian Agora

Agora News

View All

February 22, 2023

American School Releases 141st Annual Report Highlighting Major Accomplishments and Work

The American School is pleased to announce the release of its annual report covering the 2021-2022 academic year.

Read More

December 31, 2022

Our Year In Review

Watch the year in review and see how your financial support touches the lives of so many people!

Read More

December 23, 2022

Hesperia 91.4 Now Online!

Hesperia 91.4 is now available online! Topics in this issue include an overview of Bronze Age panel cups from the Greek mainland, the presentation of a new ritual inscription from the Athenian Agora, and a reexamination of the Kephalari blockhouse assemblage.

Read More