Athens (Greece) 

Jesus, as part of his Mediterranean tour with Gonod and his son Ganid, headed to Athens after Rome, stopping at cities between. They arrived at Athens, the olden center of Greek science and learning. Ganid was excited to be in Greece, the cultural center of the onetime expansive Alexandrian empire that reached as far as the border of his homeland of India. Since Gonod had little business to transact, most of the time, the father and son could enjoy the many points of interest, and Gonod listened to the fascinating discussions between Jesus and Ganid.

They walked on ancient footprints everywhere they went. Here lived many great philosophers, playwrights, historians, and others. Jesus and Ganid both read Plato and discussed his work when they attended lectures in the museum in Alexandria. Athens is where Plato was born and wrote his works. There were many reminders of the Greek golden era, and they viewed all the grand structures and statues, many in honor of the Greek gods of mythology. As the three walked through the city, they enjoyed the art of Greece, which could be seen on every corner and every street. The trio made frequent visits to a great university that still thrived, and they listened to several lectures.

One evening at the inn, they listened to a Greek philosopher who spoke about the physical world for almost three hours. In response, Jesus gave an enlightening discourse on science and mathematics.

Although many with keen minds still existed, the people of Athens had declined since their glory days. Many were intellectually proud of their former reputations. Sadly, the scenery tended to be more uplifting than speaking to many of the people.

Jesus had Greek followers from Alexandria, Athens, and Rome who came to meet him in Jerusalem during his final week. They kept guard at Gethsemane and were present when Jesus appeared after his resurrection.

After Pentecost, the Apostle Paul stood before the council of the Areopagus in Athens and spoke about "the Unknown God." Paul also preached "Christ and Him Crucified" in Athens. The timing was perfect as the Greeks were then seeking spiritual truth.

Athens is the capital of Greece and the largest city, with its urban area’s population numbering over three million. It is one of the biggest economic centers in southeastern Europe. Athens’ recorded history spans over 3,400 years, making it one of the world’s oldest cities. During the Classical period, during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, Athens was a center for the arts, learning, and philosophy. It is widely called the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. It became a model city throughout Europe, particularly influencing ancient Rome.

Athens is the birthplace of the philosophers Socrates and Plato. Playwrights Aeschylus, Aristophanes, Euripides, and Sophocles flourished in Athens, as did the historians Herodotus, Thucydides, and the physician Hippocrates. The statesman Pericles promoted the arts and fostered democracy.

Athens was the home of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum. Many ancient monuments from the Classical era, the Parthenon being the most famous, are located in the city. Two others are the Acropolis and the medieval Daphni Monastery. Athens is also home to several museums, and masterpieces of art and architecture can be seen throughout the city.