Piraeus (Greek: Πειραιεύς): main port of ancient Athens.
Piraeus' Origins
Piraeus and Athens
Originally a rocky island, losely connected to the mainland; the muddy flats that connect the rock to the shore of Attica gradually become more accessible
The part known as Munichia was fortified in the late sixth century BCE by the tyrant (sole ruler) Hippias, who needed a garrison to back up his position
Classical Age
The new peninsula offered three excellent ports: Kantharos, Zea, and Munichia; in the course of the fifth century, they replaced Phaleron, which had been the main port of Athens in the sixth century. The city is designed on a Hippodamian plan.
Piraeus, Funerary stela of Damasistrate
In 483, Themistocles initiated the ship building project that would make Athens great; he was also responsible for chosing Piraeus as main naval base. It was connected to Athens with Long Walls.
During the Decelean War (413-404), the Spartan admiral Lysander blocked the Athenian ports and starved the city into surrender. The Long Walls were destroyed.note[Xenophon, Hellenica 2.2.20.]
In 393, Conon restored Piraeus; as trade center, it had remained important anyhow.
Most archaeological finds on display in the museum, are from the fourth century.
Hellenististic Age
The theater of Piraeus
In the Hellenistic age, Munichia was often garrisoned by the Macedonians to keep Athens in check.
Production center of Neo-Archaic and Neo-Classical sculpture
Piraeus, the second settlement in Attica after Athens, was sacked by the Roman general Sulla in 88 BCEnote[Appian, Mithridatic Wars 30-41.] but remained important in the Roman period.
Piraeus, Statue of a woman or Demeter
Piraeus, Theater, Head of Dionysus (classicizing)
Piraeus, Head of a bearded god
Piraeus, Portrait of an unidentified Hellenistic ruler
Piraeus, Statue of Artemis
Piraeus, Statue of Apollo
Piraeus, Statue of Artemis
Piraeus, Statue of Athena
Piraeus, Relief of Cybele, Hecate, and Hermes
Piraeus, Relief of Cybele (small figures of Hermes and Hecate)
