Agoras
Agoras are public open spaces in ancient Greek city-states that functioned as marketplaces, civic centers, and social hubs. The term derives from Greek agora, meaning assembly or gathering place, reflecting their roles as sites for commerce, politics, religion, and public debate. Agoras were usually located near the city center and accessible from multiple streets; many included a central square or open area flanked by covered walkways (stoai) and surrounded by important civic and religious buildings.
In daily life, the agora housed markets where goods were bought and sold, while residents gathered to
City-states varied in size and arrangement. Some had a single main agora; others maintained several market squares.
The agora likewise influenced urban planning beyond Greece, shaping the layout of later Roman forums and medieval