This digital project aims to create an online platform for exploring the changes in the landscape of Attica from the 19th century to the present. It utilizes the ‘Karten von Attika’ maps from the Heidelberg University Library's website, alongside a contemporary map from OpenStreetMap, the free, collaborative world map.

The ‘Karten von Attika’ is a collection of maps of Attica, created by the German archaeologists Ernst Curtius and Johann August Kaupert. The maps were produced shortly after the founding of the German Archaeological Institute in Athens in 1872. In the 19th century, Germany sought to assert its dominance in classical studies, particularly over France and Britain. One of the Institute’s early projects was to map the cultural sites of the Attica region. Curtius and Kaupert collaborated on this project, producing a series of topographic maps that provided detailed insights into the landscape of 19th-century Attica. These maps included information about cultural sites, road networks, ports, forests, ancient mines, and more.

For the Acropolis site a separated map was used: the ‘Acropolis in Athens, 1908', drawn by Wagner & Debes
The cartographic publishing house Wagner & Debes was founded in 1841. Wagner, a lithographer, collaborated with the Baedeker publishing house, renowned for its series of travel guides. Wagner's firm produced maps for Baedeker's publications. In 1872, Debes became Wagner's partner, further strengthening the firm’s expertise in cartography.

Ancient monuments in Greece were built in honor of the gods. In Greek mythology, there were many gods and goddesses, each representing different aspects of life, nature, and the universe. When phenomena or emotions were difficult to explain, they were often attributed to a deity. Additionally, each occupation had its own patron god.

e.g , Hephaestus was the patron god of metalworking and craftsmanship. The Temple of Hephaestus is a well-preserved Greek temple; ]Hephaestus was the patron god of metalworking, craftsmanship, and fire. There were numerous workshops of potters and metal-working shops in the vicinity of the temple.

Athena Goddess, god of wisdom, handicraft, and warfare. Her symbols: the owl and the olive tree. The Parthenon is a main temple on the Acropolis site, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patroness.

Asklepios God, god of Medicine. The Asclepieion sanctuary, in honor of the god Asclepius and his daughter Hygeias, is located west of the Dionysian Theater.

Artemis Goddess, goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, virginity, the Moon, archery, childbirth, protection and plague. Τhe Temple Artemis of Vravronia, located on Vravrona.

Information

Karten von Attika Maps are available at Digitale Bibliothek of Heidelberg university.

The old map of Acropolis in Athens in Greece by Wagner & Debes, Leipzig is available at discusmedia website.

The report of this project is available here

2025 © Maria Dimitrakarakou