Archaeological Society of Athens in Athens

The Archaeological Society of Athens, a subdivision of the Hellenic Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was founded in 1837, less than two decades after the Greek State was established. Following efforts to continue the archaeological excavations on the sites, the preserverance of ancient objects, and the maintenance of the various displays of antiquities throughout the country, the state funded the archaeological society and presented it with a permanent building.

As the Greek State was established in 1830, the first government was to first fix the economic and administrative state of the country, and in this short period, a large portion of the ancient monuments were looted or demolished by neglect. The Antiquities Service, thus, had to be enlarged and receiving the name Archaeological Society of Athens, it was initiated by wealthy Constantinos Belios, a circuit of scholars and several political figures. The Society commenced several giant projects, including the unearthing of the Acropolis, the renovation of the Parthenon, works on the Theatre of Dionysos, the Odeion and the Tower of the Winds.

Name: Archaeological Society of Athens
Address: 9 Ploutarchou Street
Phone: +30 01 3646 043
Email: archet@otenet.gr.
Website: http://www.archetai.gr/site/
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