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 hear speeches, discuss politics, administer justice, and socialize. Architectural features commonly found in agoras included stoae for shade and shelter, bouleuteria or council houses for political assemblies, law courts, altars or temples, and inscriptions recording decrees and treaties.

City-states varied in size and arrangement. Some had a single main agora; others maintained several market squares. The best-known example is the Athenian Agora, which flourished from the 6th century BCE into late antiquity and contains remains such as the Stoa of Attalos, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Bouleuterion, and numerous inscriptions. Other notable agoras were in Corinth, Delphi, Ephesus, and Miletus.

The agora likewise influenced urban planning beyond Greece, shaping the layout of later Roman forums and medieval public squares. In modern usage, agora can denote any central public space used for assembly and civic life.