Issue H992 of 24 October 1999

The Birth of a European Megalopolis: Athens 1833

A very interesting and valuable document was brought to light in October 1999. It may be called the birth certificate of Athens, Greece in the early 19th c. The document must have been written and signed by 236 prominent Athenian families in August 1833. The families give to the newly born Modern Greek State "buildings and land needed for the opening of roads, squares, the erection of public buildings as well as for the archaeological excavation on the northeastern slope of the Acropolis" for free. The document was sent to the young King of Greece Otto (king, 1833-1862) on behalf of the community (Koinoteta) of Athens. Most probably the delivered areas were included in the first city-planning of Athens, now a European megalopolis.


Back to Cover