Ardittos: where the stadium resonates with Nature and History
Ardittos Hill, deeply intertwined with Athens’ ancient justice system, takes its name from the legendary hero Ardittis. According to myth, Ardittis resolved the internal disputes among Athens’ ten tribes, uniting the city’s people. Each year, the chosen representatives of these tribes swore an oath on Ardittos Hill to uphold justice according to the laws and resolutions, as members of the supreme court, the Eliaea.
Ardittos Hill has shaped the identity and legacy of the Panathenaic Stadium from antiquity to today. Alongside Agra Hill, Ardittos formed the natural landscape that provided the foundation for the stadium, constructed under the statesman Lycurgus in 339 BC. This close connection has given Ardittos an enduring influence over the stadium’s location, form, and history, leaving an imprint visible through the Roman archaeological remains that can still be seen on the hill today.
In modern Athens, Ardittos Hill serves as a vital green space, offering natural refuge in the heart of a densely populated city. Its rich flora and fauna, combined with its layered history and monuments, make it one of Athens’ most enchanting sites. Visitors find a harmonious blend of nature, history, and recreation here, as the hill provides a scenic environment for exercise and relaxation.
The inseparable bond between Ardittos Hill and the Panathenaic Stadium creates a living landscape, where ancient history and modern life converge, echoing the legacy of Athens across the ages.
