Gazing upon this unassuming spot, could you imagine it once housed a marvel of the ancient world? This is the site of the Arsenal of Philon, a structure so grand it was counted among the wonders of its time. The Arsenal of Philon wasn’t a place of war, but a testament to Athenian naval power. Built between 347 and 323 BCE, it served as a massive storehouse for the Athenian fleet. Imagine rows upon rows of oars, sails, ropes, and masts, meticulously organized and ready for deployment. Named after its architect, Philon of Exikestidis, the Arsenal of Philon was a symbol of Athenian dominance at sea. Its sheer size, 138 meters long and 18 meters wide, was a deliberate statement of power. The design was intricate. Two colonnades divided the interior into three aisles, each further compartmentalized for specific equipment. Thirty-six windows on each side illuminated the space, while massive copper doors guarded the entrances. The Arsenal of Philon stood as a beacon of Athenian ingenuity, a testament to their maritime prowess. Sadly, it was destroyed by the Roman General Sulla in 86 BC. Today, only fragments remain, hidden beneath the modern city. But standing here, we can almost hear the echo of ancient shipwrights and the creak of ropes, a reminder of the Arsenal of Philon’s glorious past.
Municipality of Zografos
Seven thousand inhabitants. That’s how many people called Zografou home a century ago. Can you imagine the quiet hills then?