The ancient Agora in Athens was the center of political, social, religious and commercial activities. In Greek, the word “agora” means “a gathering place” or “market place”. As the name says, it had actually been for centuries a place where merchants and sellers sold goods to those who gathered in this place. Not only did the ancient Agora serve as a gathering place where people traded goods, it was also used as a site in which people exchanged news, gossips, discussed the latest political matters, and even criticized the government. This was also the place where prominent Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato exchanged thoughts and ideas. The area of the ancient Agora includes some of the most important monuments of Athens such as the Temple of Hephaistos, the Altar of The Twelve Gods, the Apollon Patroos, the Church of the Holy Apostles and more.