And so on to the second day! This morning we had an orientation session, mostly dealing with the way things work in the American school, at the Blegen Library and in Loring Hall. Then this afternoon we took our first Athens trip and saw three big things.
The Areopagus:

Which is where, supposedly, open air homicide trials were held. It's mostly a big hunk of rock, that has now been worn to glassiness by the number of people who have been on it. In this picture you can see the original steps carved into the stone (now also like glass).
Then the Pynx:

This shows the second phase steps of the Pynx and the third phase cyclopean retaining wall which was built atop them.

This was where general gatherings of the Ecclesia were held, and the second photo shows the Bema, or speakers platform, where the person talking could stand to address the gathering of people. On the wall behind it you may be able to make out niches, which are remnants of a later cult to Zeus Hipsystos which was established after the pynx fell out of use.
Then to Philopappos Hill:

 This is the monument which sits atop the hill, commemorating Philopappos, who was not even an Athenian citizen, and may also have held his sarcophagus. Today the monument - which was once a perfect square - has been robbed of much of its stone, particularly on the backside.
And that is probably it for today, more tomorrow! ^^