In Greek City-State Democracy, the "agora" was more than a marketplace; it was the nucleus of civic life. This vibrant space brought together people of all backgrounds to deliberate and solve issues, serving as a social, cultural, administrative, and economic hub that epitomized the democratic ideal. During the 5th century, the Ancient Agora was adorned with temples, altars, and public buildings. Notable structures included the Temple of Hephaestus, Vasileos Stoa, and the Stoa of Attalus, which now serves as a museum for Agora excavations. It reached its final form in the 2nd century AD. The Agora endured periods of destruction and looting by the Persians (480 BC), Romans (86 AD), and Heruli (267 AD). After lying dormant following the Slavic invasion in 580 AD, it was resettled around 1000 AD, culminating in the construction of the Church of the Holy Apostles. In 1204, it again faced desolation after an invasion by Leo Sgouros. Rediscovered by the German Archaeological Society in the late 19th century, the Agora's systematic excavation has been led by the American School of Classical Studies since 1931. Since 1957, the Hellenic Archaeological Society has overseen the site, preserving this historic treasure.