Attica is the peninsula, stretching out into the Aegean Sea, which makes up the southeastern part of mainland Greece. It eventually came to form the Athenian city-state. It had several fine ports along its coast, including Piraeus, the main port near Athens. Thus the Athenians were inclined to seafaring and had more communication with other peoples than their more landlocked neighbors.

Legend says that the first four Attic tribes were founded by Ion. Legend also says that the area was originally divided into twelve states that were later unified by Theseus, the king of Athens. Cleisthenes reclassified the people into ten tribes. The area was initially inhabited by the Ionians and came under Athenian rule by 700 B.C., and Athens became dominant over the region by the 5th century B.C.

Some of the main places you will wish to visit in Attica are: Athens, Piraeus, Eleusis, and Marathon.

Attica was named the best 'hood in Hellas in December 2004. Click on the medal to visit other Best Places in Ancient Worlds.

---

- Hood write-up by Louisa Agis
- Main image by Nikolaos Cleomenes
- Clickable map by Alerissa Nestor