Athens, the capital of Greece, was the epicenter of Ancient Greece, a formidable civilization and empire. The city remains defined by landmarks from the 5th century BC, notably the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel crowned with historic edifices such as the Parthenon temple with its iconic columns. The Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum house a treasure trove of Ancient Greek artifacts, including sculptures, vases, jewelry, and more.