Two ancient buildings dominate the Athenian Agora, the important archaeological site below the Acropolis of Athens, Greece:

The virtually intact Temple of Hephaistos dates from the 5^th century BC, and the elegantly reconstructed Stoa of Attalos, from the 2^nd century BC.

These impressive structures command the site, draw your gaze, and, of course, invite your prompt exploration.

Yet Paul and I invite you to take a slow stroll through the grounds and observe the landscape around you.

Notice the shade from laurel, poplar, and olive trees. The hues of vines, pomegranates, and oleanders. The paths outlined with tidy hedges.

Doesn’t the Agora landscape seem somewhat like a garden? Why yes. Yes, it does. Because it was.

Once upon a time in misty antiquity, this area was indeed the garden of mythological Hephaistos.

In today’s modern era, this ancient garden blooms again due to a real-life legendary woman.

Dorothy Burr Thompson, PhD (1900-2001), the pre-eminent archaeologist, was the first-ever female Director of Agora Excavations.

In 1936, while leading the Agora excavations, Dorothy uncovered row upon row of pot shards, potting holes, tool fragments, and carbonized roots.

Working with horticultural historians and original sources, she and her team then meticulously researched, reconstructed, and replanted the garden.

Reader, here’s to blooming anew in every season of travel and life.

Until next time,

Travel on, sparkle on, meaningfully✨

Marilee + Paul
​Spotlight Sojourns® | Slow Travel
with the Hidden Gemologists®

PS: If you’d like to learn important Greek landmarks like the Agora, click HERE to read our article “Landmarks in Greece.

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