Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents the process of creation of a neo-classical capital after the Greek Independence, in the place of a pre-existing multi-layered town, comprising the remains of a long history, going much beyond ancient times. It also presents the treatment of the pre-revolutionary town after the Greek Independence, the connection of it with the new neo-classical city, the position of Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches in this antiquity-centred new city. The book discusses the factors that influenced the implementation of the projects for the new capital: land availability, functional requirements, and the results of all of these factors in the city's evolution. It explains the image of Athens and offers to modern visitors a complete knowledge of the city's evolution. The book provides a dual character of a pre-modern Eastern town and a modern Western capital.