What is Agora?
The word agora has an Ancient Greek origin. Meaning of this word itself defines the purpose for which it was used. Agora means a place where all the people of city gathered for social or political reasons. This large place was used for holding meetings. Location of agora’s were large open places surrounded by temples and other buildings. In Greeks agora’s were located either in center of city or at the river side. This place was beautifully decorated with essence of nature like trees, water bodies at on side etc.
Agoras played a very important role in life of people of Ancient Greeks. This place was a part of their daily life. Some people visited it for religious purpose, some for political purpose while some for social purpose. May what so ever the purpose was, agoras were part of people’s lifestyle.
Agoras were broadly classified into two types: Archaic and Iconic. Archaic agoras were those in which arcades were not included. These agoras looked somewhat disorganized. Examples of archaic agoras are The Agora of Elis. Another type of agora is Iconic agoras. Iconic agoras were those in which arcades were included. They looked more organized. Arcades were arranged in a way that formed symmetrical shapes.
What is Acropolis?
Acropolis is called ‘highest point in city’. In Ancient Greeks a beautiful and astonishing structure was created with great craftsmanship depicting the excellence of architect of that time known as Acropolis of Athens, Greece.
The importance and value of Acropolis is from centuries back. It was considered as a holy place were god’s lived, a great attraction for tourist from around the world and also a place of religious beliefs. The way of construction is so sophisticated that even after so many climatic changes and so many natural disaster that place remained the same. It is believed that construction of Acropolis took thousands of years and lots of hard work. Various magnificent temples were build around the Acropolis of Athens. It is also believed that long back this place was home to local rulers of that time.
Later at the boundaries of Acropolis of Athens, various structures were built to protect and adorn the place. A monument called The Propylaea was the gateway of Acropolis. Also, a temple was built in the east of gateway of Acropolis. These temple was built in traditional style. Each and every building and structure around the Acropolis of Athens was built with equal passion and skill of craftsmanship.
Difference Between Agora and Acropolis
- Agora was a place used by the people of Ancient Greeks to socialize. While Acropolis were a place were meetings were held.
- Agora was a place of informal setting. While Acropolis was a place of formal setting.
- Agora was used for organizing fairs, marketplace and get together. While Acropolis was a important place for activities like formal meetings, taking political decision and residence of local ruler.
- Agora was situated mostly at center of city and also beside the water bodies. Acropolis was situated at high points in city.
- Agoras was important from social aspect. While Acropolis was important from political aspect.
Comparison Between Agora and Acropolis
| Parameters of Comparison | Agora | Acropolis |
| Meaning | A large space where people gathered | A place built on the high point within the city |
| Purpose | It was a place for get together and interact | It was a place where important decisions were made |
| Nature of setting | Informal | Formal |
| Activities | Religious activities, marketing, get-together, etc. | Forts, castles, home to local rulers, etc. |
| Importance | It was the center of the city where all socializing took place | It was an important place from the political aspect |