Athens—the name brings to mind buildings with tall, white columns2 and statues3 of Greek gods and goddesses. Museums take visitors back to the time of ancient Greece. When visiting the city, visitors feel like they're in the middle of a history lesson.
　　Athens gave birth to Western culture. This is where the West's ideas of government, law, justice and liberty all began. Architecture4, science, drama and poetry also flourished here.
　　The history of Athens is tied to mythology5. The god that came up with the most valuable legacy6 for humans was to give the city its name. Poseidon and Athena7 each wanted the honor. Athena produced an olive8 tree—the symbol of peace and wealth. Poseidon offered a strong horse needed for war. The gods decided Athena's gift would better serve the people, and the city became known as Athens.
　　The Acropolis9, or “high city,” stands on a hill overlooking the city. Western civilization's most important ancient monument10 was built by Pericles, the leader of Athens from 461-429 B.C. He spared no expense11 when he constructed the buildings of the Acropolis. He used only the best materials, architects and artists. His artists created huge statues of marble12 and covered them with gold and jewels. Sadly, only ruins remain of this “high city” of temples.
　　More treasure of ancient Greece lies in the National Archaeological13 Museum. Opened in 1874, the museum contains the best collection of Greek art in the world. It is crammed14 with treasures—more than visitors can see in a single visit. Visitors can view treasures from all the ancient civilizations that controlled the city throughout history. The vases, statues, carvings and other art objects show the life of those who lived in ages past.
　　But a visit to Athens is more than a lesson in ancient history. Modern Athens hums with activity. The city offers every modern convenience.
　　One thing that hasn't changed since ancient times, though, is Greek hospitality15. Ancient Greeks believed that a stranger might be a god in disguise16. Therefore, they always treated strangers kindly. Nowhere else in Europe will you find people who invite complete strangers to their homes for coffee or dinner.
　　If you do go to a Greek home for dinner, do your best to eat everything on your plate. Uneaten food insults the cook. Taking second helpings is the best way to show how much you enjoy the meal.

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雅典，这个名字会令人想到拥有高大的、白色罗马柱的建筑物和希腊诸神的雕像。博物馆将游客带回古希腊时代。当游客造访此城时，会觉得仿佛置身于历史课堂上。
　　雅典是西方文明的摇篮，西方的政府、法律、公正和自由这些理念，都起源于此。建筑、科学、戏剧和诗歌也曾在这里盛极一时。
　　雅典的历史与神话密不可分。哪一个神带给人类最宝贵的遗产，就可以用他的名字为此城命名。海神波塞冬和雅典娜女神都想得到这份殊荣。雅典娜造了一棵橄榄树，象征和平与财富。波塞冬则献出一匹骁勇善战的马。后来诸神裁定雅典娜的礼物对人类更有意义，于是此城就被命名为“雅典”。
　　阿克罗波利斯，或称“高城”，耸立在一座山上俯瞰全城。它是西方文明最重要的古老遗迹，由公元前461至429年间的雅典统治者——伯里克利所建。他不惜成本建造阿克罗波利斯。他只用最好的材料、建筑师和艺术家。他的艺术家雕刻了巨大的大理石雕像，外镶以黄金和宝石。可惜的是，这个由神殿组成的“高城”如今只剩下一片废墟。
　　 “国家考古博物馆”中收藏着更多的古希腊珍品。这个博物馆于1874年开放，里面收藏有全世界最珍贵的希腊艺术品。馆中满是宝物，访客无法一次看完所有收藏品。在这里游客可以见到历史上每一个统治此城的文明所留下的珍宝。花瓶、雕像、雕刻品和其他艺术品展现出历朝历代人们的生活。
　　但是，到雅典一游不只是去上一堂古代历史课。现代的雅典十分繁荣。这个城市各种现代化设施应有尽有。
　　可有一件事自古至今仍未改变，那就是希腊人的好客。古希腊人相信，陌生人可能就是神的化身，所以他们总是善待陌生人。全欧洲只有这个地方的人，会邀请一个完全陌生的人到家里喝咖啡或吃晚饭。
　　如果你真的到希腊人家里吃晚饭，一定要尽量把你盘中的食物吃光。东西没吃完对厨师是一种侮辱。吃完再要第二份，最能表示出你吃得多尽兴。

1． Athens  n． 希腊首都雅典
2． column  n． 圆柱
3． statue  n． 雕像
4． architecture  n． 建筑学
5． mythology  n． 神话
6． legacy  n． 遗产
7． Poseidon  波塞冬，希腊海神 Athena  雅典娜
8． olive  n． 橄榄树
9． Acropolis  n． 阿克罗波利斯，雅典卫城
10． monument  n． 纪念碑
11． spare no expense 不惜成本
12． marble  n． 大理石
13． archaeological  adj． 考古学的
14． cram  v． 填满
15． hospitality  n． 好客
16． disguise  n． 伪装