from ZeroHedge: The official death toll from Russian authorities in the wake of Friday’s terror attack on a Moscow concert hall has reached 133 killed‚ with some unofficial reports saying there could be as many as 140 or more. As the scene continues to be processed and investigated‚ and given some of the hospitalized are in critical condition‚ […]

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  Known for its countless archaeological sites‚ busy nightlife‚ and quirky architecture‚ Athens welcomes millions of tourists every year. Although open-air sites are the most popular Athenian landmarks‚ there are more than 70 indoor museums and galleries to choose from. Whether you are a history buff or an art aficionado‚ you will find at least one place you can add to your list of favorite museums. All Athenian cultural institutions offer insights into Greece’s ancient and modern history and culture but‚ for most visitors‚ seeing them all is an impossible task.   From the National Gallery to the Numismatic Museum‚ here are seven museums you should visit in Athens‚ capital of the Hellenic Republic.   1. National Archaeological Museum The exterior of the National Archaeological Museum Source: National Archaeological Museum   Situated in close proximity to Omonia square‚ the National Archaeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Greece. It was established in the 19th century to protect and exhibit the ancient Greek artifacts that were recovered during the numerous archaeological excavations of that time. What few people know is that its initial location was the island of Aegina. In 1858‚ however‚ a new neoclassical building was being constructed at the heart of Athens. A few years later‚ all artifacts were relocated to Patission Street in Athens‚ where they remain to this day.   Part of the sculpture collection at the National Archaeological Museum Source   The National Archaeological Museum not only contains the largest collection of ancient Greek artifacts in the world‚ but it stands as an architectural wonder at the heart of Athens. It was initially designed by the German architect Ludwig Lange and was later modified by Panagis Kalkos‚ Armodios Vlachos‚ and Ernst Ziller. Its façade with its characteristic row of Ionic columns makes the building easily recognizable from a distance.   The National and Archaeological Museum’s admission fees vary between 6€-12€‚ depending on the season. The opening hours are between 08:30-20:00‚ except Tuesdays‚ when the museum remains closed until 13:00. Due to the large size of the museum and the number of artifacts‚ it is not recommended to combine other museum visits on the same day.   2. Benaki Museum of Greek Culture  Benaki Museum‚ Source: Museum of Greek Culture   The Benaki Museum was founded in 1930 in memory of Emmanuel Benakis‚ a Greek merchant and national benefactor who served as mayor of Athens in the early 20th century. The main museum‚ the Museum of Greek Culture‚ is housed in the beautiful neoclassical house of the Benaki family. It was donated to the Greek nation by Emmanuel’s children: Antonis‚ Alexandra‚ Penelope‚ and Argine.   Its permanent collections include historic heirlooms‚ ancient Greek and prehistoric artifacts‚ and Byzantine iconography‚ among other exhibits. In its post-Byzantine collection‚ visitors will have the opportunity to see many traditional clothing items from different parts of Greece. It is one of the few Athenian museums that shed light on the historical period between the 15th and 19th centuries‚ during the Frankish and Ottoman occupations of Greece.   The Benaki Museum also has a number of satellite museums in different parts of Greece‚ including Pireos 138‚ the Museum of Islamic Art‚ the Ghika Gallery‚ the Yannis Pappas Studio‚ the Toy Museum‚ and the Leigh Fermor House.   The main museum‚ the Museum of Greek Culture‚ is open every day except for Tuesdays and admission fees vary from 1€-9€. It is located within walking distance from Syntagma Square or Evangelismos subway station.   3. National Gallery (Alexandros Soutsos Museum) National Gallery‚ Athens‚ Source: Travel.gr   One of the most important art museums in Athens is the National Gallery‚ located on Vasilissis Sophias avenue‚ about 10 minutes on foot from Benaki Museum. The jurist Alexandros Soutzos helped establish the museum in 1900 CE‚ by donating his estate and art collection to the Greek government.   Contrary to other local museums that exhibit ancient Greek and Byzantine art‚ the National Gallery displays Greek and international paintings from the 14th century till today. Its collections comprise more than 20‚000 artworks‚ including historical paintings depicting scenes from the Greek War of Independence.   The National Gallery also includes the National Glyptotheque which is located at the Army Park in Goudi‚ Athens. Various annexes can be found across Greece‚ including Corfu and Aegina. The main building is open every day except for Tuesday and tickets cost between 5€-10€. Contrary to other Athenian museums‚ the current building of the National Gallery follows the Greek modernist movement‚ rather than Neoclassicism.   4. Byzantine and Christian Museum Byzantine and Christian Museum‚ Source: This is Athens   Situated between the National Gallery and Benaki Museum‚ the Byzantine and Christian Museum houses more than 25‚000 Byzantine artifacts‚ including religious icons and manuscripts. Moreover‚ it includes a collection that showcases the progression from the ancient world to Byzantium and Byzantium to the modern era.   The museum is housed in one of the most beautiful historical buildings of Athens. Known as Villa Ilissia‚ the museum’s building used to belong to Sophie de Marbois-Lebrun‚ Duchess of Plaisance. Designed by the architect Stamatis Kleanthis in the 19th century‚ it combines elements from both Classicism and Romanticism. Due to the unconventional lifestyle of the Duchess of Plaisance‚ who had an interest in occultism‚ Villa Ilissia is one of the most mysterious Athenian buildings. More precisely‚ it has been the epicenter of countless urban legends involving secret séances and ghost sightings; a common interest among the members of the high society of the late 19th century.   The Byzantine and Christian Museum is open every day between 08:00-20:00‚ except for Tuesdays‚ when it remains closed till 13:00. Admission fees vary between 4€-8€.   5. Acropolis Museum Acropolis Museum‚ Luna Zhang‚ Source: Unsplash   One of the most recent additions to the Athenian cultural scene is no other than the Acropolis Museum. It houses more than 4‚250 ancient artifacts from the archaeological site of the Acropolis Hill‚ including the Caryatids. These were the marble maidens that carried the roof of the Erechtheion Temple on their heads. Although there were six in total‚ one Caryatid was taken by Thomas Bruce‚ also known as “Lord Elgin‚” during the Ottoman occupation of Greece. The missing Caryatid is displayed at the British Museum.   The Acropolis Museum was founded in 2009 to restart the negotiations for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the United Kingdom. It has replaced the first museum that was built in 1874 on the Acropolis Hill to safeguard the artifacts found on the site. One of the reasons the British Museum initially denied the return of the sculptures was the alleged “bad conditions” of the old building. The main motivation behind the completion of the new building was the elimination of such complaints.   Exterior view of the new Acropolis Museum‚ Zsófia Fehér‚ Source: Pexels   Located in close proximity to the Acropolis Hill‚ the new museum can be recognized from a distance thanks to its unique modern design. The architect behind it was no other than the French-Swiss Bernard Tschumi‚ commonly associated with deconstructivism.   The Acropolis Museum is open every day of the week and the ticket prices vary between 5€-15€‚ depending on the season. The entrance is located right next to the Acropolis subway station.   6. Museum of Cycladic Art Museum of Cycladic Art‚ Source: Athina Guide   Recognized for its minimalism and sophisticated simplicity‚ Cycladic art has been one of the main influences of modern art. The ancient Greek art movement‚ which flourished in the Aegean islands during the Bronze Age‚ has its own dedicated museum in Athens. The Nicholas P. Goulandris Foundation‚ also known as the Museum of Cycladic Art‚ is located two blocks away from Benaki Museum. Housing more than 3‚000 items from the private collection of Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris‚ it is one of the most popular museums in Athens. The collection of Goulandris has since been donated to the Greek state and the museum is a non-profit legal entity.   The Museum of Cycladic Art is based at the Stathatos Mansion‚ another beautiful neoclassical building with a rich history. Designed in 1895 by Ernst Ziller‚ the villa has a rich history‚ as most of the buildings on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue do.   It can be reached easily from Syntagma Square and Evangelismos subway station‚ while it remains open every day of the week except for Tuesdays. Ticket prices vary from 6€-12€.   7. Numismatic Museum  Numismatic Museum‚ Mathias Volzke‚ Source: Documenta14   An important Athenian museum with one of the most impressive façades in the city is the Numismatic Museum. It houses a collection of over 500‚000 of coins‚ medals‚ and other related artifacts that often date back to 1400 BCE. Its permanent collections consist of a large number of ancient Greek and Byzantine coins‚ including a golden (Y)perpiron.   Established in 1834‚ it was initially considered a branch of the National Library of Greece. It took many years until it found its permanent location at Iliou Melathron‚ the former residence of the Schliemann family. The beautiful building is another work of Ernst Ziller‚ this time combining elements of the Neoclassical‚ Exotic‚ and Renaissance movements.   The Numismatic Museum of Athens is open every day except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays‚ while ticket prices vary from 3€ to 15€. The building is located in close proximity to Syntagma Square‚ towards the Academy of Athens.   All Athenian museums remain closed during national holidays‚ such as Christmas day‚ with the exception of “Ohi Day” on the 28th of October. On that day‚ many museums are not only open but also offer free entrance to all visitors.

  There is a rumor circulating around flight crews that the most beautiful city from above is no other than Athens. Its hilly landscape features vast olive groves‚ palm tree-lined coastal avenues‚ and urban neighborhoods sprawling across the Attican peninsula. The sight is breathtaking. Upon landing‚ however‚ visitors are met with a surprising realization: this European capital is profoundly different from the slow-paced‚ traditional Greek countryside.   There are so many things to see and countless more events to attend. The quirky architecture and urban planning‚ the growing population that exceeds three million people‚ and the wide list of “must-sees” can be overwhelming. To save you some time‚ here is a curated list of the top ten places to visit in Athens (also read this article for our list of Athens’ must-visit museums).   1. The Acropolis Hill Monastiraki square and the Acropolis Hill‚ Athens‚ Jimmy Teoh‚ Source: Pexels   Although Athens has at least seven hills of historical significance‚ the most prominent is the Acropolis — the acro (high) of the polis (city). The limestone rock is more than a citadel. Since antiquity‚ it has been a major religious site and the epicenter of the infamous Periclean building program.   Taking place during Greece’s classical era‚ the program involved the construction of marvelous temples made of Pentelic marble. The temples were dedicated to ancient Greek deities‚ with the most prominent one‚ the Parthenon‚ being associated with the goddess Athena‚ the patroness of the city. Other temples include but are not limited to the Erechtheion‚ the Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus‚ and the Temple of Athena Nike.   The Acropolis: the Propylaea and the temple of Athena Nike. Athens‚ circa 1930‚ Nelly’s‚ Source: Benaki Museum   Today‚ the Acropolis Hill is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Greece. Although it is no longer an active site for religious ceremonies‚ it stands as a symbol of Greece’s Classical Era. After all‚ Athens is known as the “cradle of Western civilization”‚ and its main landmark‚ the Parthenon‚ stands as a universal symbol of the ideas and values of the West.   Thesion and Acropolis‚ Gallinas Angelos‚ 1895‚ Source: Greek National Gallery   Situated at the heart of the city‚ the Acropolis Hill can be reached by following the iconic Dionysiou Areopagitou Street‚ near the Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis metro station. Children under five and young European citizens can enter the site for free‚ whereas regular tickets cost around 20€‚ depending on the season. On certain Sundays and selected dates‚ all visitors can enter the sight for free.   2. Plaka and Anafiotika  Athenian coffee-house during the 1956 parliamentary election. Athens‚ 1956 Dimitris A. Harissiadis‚ Source: Benaki Museum   Surrounding the Acropolis Hill‚ visitors can find two of the most picturesque neighborhoods of Athens. The streets and low-rise houses of Plaka and Anafiotika are commonly found on postcards from Athens. Thanks to the limited car access to the area‚ both neighborhoods offer a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Although their names are often used interchangeably to describe the northeastern area surrounding Acropolis Hill‚ the two neighborhoods have their own distinct character and charm.   Plaka is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Athens‚ recognized for its neoclassical buildings‚ iconic art cafes‚ outdoor cinemas‚ and numerous souvenir shops. Visitors are encouraged to walk around its narrow pathways and explore what the neighborhood has to offer. Through doing this they can discover various galleries and lesser-known museums‚ such as the Frissiras Museum.   Due to the large number of tourists that gather around Acropolis Hill‚ it is not uncommon to come across various tourist traps in Plaka. However‚ exploring the neighborhood is a must when visiting Athens for the first time.   Anafiotika is a distinct neighborhood within Plaka that can be reached via Prytaneiou Street‚ right behind the Byzantine Church of St. Nikolaos Ragavas. Contrary to the elegant neoclassical buildings of Plaka‚ with their distinct ornate pediments and symmetrical facades‚ the houses of Anafiotika exude a rural ambiance. After a long walk up and down the alleyways leading to the neighborhood‚ visitors often feel as if they entered a portal to the Cyclades.   Anafiotika‚ 1899‚ Xydias Nikolaos‚ Source: Greek National Gallery   Constructed in the late 19th century by the builders of the Royal Palace of Athens (currently known as the Hellenic Parliament)‚ Anafiotika is an islanding enclave within Athens. Locals and visitors distinguish it from its white-washed cube houses‚ outlined flagstone alleyways‚ and vibrant bougainvillea planters‚ all characteristics of the Cycladic architecture. That is because its first residents originated from the island of Anafi — hence the name “Anafiotika.”   3. Syntagma and 4. The National Gardens  The Royal Garden with the Acropolis and the Filopappou Hill‚ 1901‚ Iakovidis Georgios‚ | Source: Greek National Gallery   After visiting the Acropolis Hill‚ Plaka‚ and Anafiotika‚ travelers often find themselves in the less touristy parts of Athens. Just one subway stop away from Akropoli‚ there is Syntagma Square‚ one of the most common meeting places for Athenians. Right there‚ visitors can admire the Hellenic Parliament and the former Royal Palace of Athens. They can also witness the change of the guards in front of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier that stands nearby.   A few steps away from Syntagma Square‚ a green oasis awaits those who seek a break from the concrete jungle that is the center of Athens. You will recognize it by the tall palm trees that invite the visitor to enter its green iron gates. The National Gardens of Athens were designed by the German agronomist Friedrich Schmidt in 1840‚ following the request of the first queen of Greece‚ Amalia of Oldenburg. Known initially as the “Royal Gardens‚” the park includes ponds‚ a zoo with small animals‚ and a great variety of plants from all around the world. Those who are lucky can witness non-endemic birds‚ such as exotic green parrots‚ flying from tree to tree. It is not clear whether those birds were released there by Schmidt himself or if they somehow found their way to the Gardens by other means. The sighting‚ however‚ is truly remarkable.   The park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset and entry is free of charge. Since the area is guarded by security‚ the National Gardens are considered a very safe place for locals and tourists alike.   5. Zappeion View of Zappeion in Athens‚ Spyros Vassiliou‚ 1982‚ Source: Bonhams   Right next to the National Gardens‚ visitors can see one of the oldest conferences and exhibition centers of Greece. Zappeion (Megaro) is a palatial building following the neoclassical architectural movement. It was used as the main fencing hall during the 1896 Summer Olympics and as an Olympic Village in 1906.   Apart from the palatial buildings‚ visitors can admire the beautiful Zappeion Gardens that surround the area. The park includes a playground for children and 2400 square meters of atriums and patios. Contrary to the National Gardens‚ the Gardens of Zappeion are less dense and people can freely enter and exit at any time of the day. For this exact reason‚ it is advised to avoid visiting the area late at night.   6. Temple of Olympian Zeus   View of the Temple of Olympian Zeus‚ 1853-1854‚ James Robertson‚ Source: Benaki Museum   Another important landmark of the city of Athens is the Temple of Olympian Zeus‚ or simply‚ Olympieion. Situated right next to the southwestern part of Zappeion‚ its remains stand as a reminder of the city’s rich past. The temple was laid by the Athenian tyrants in the 6th century BCE on the site of an older outdoor sanctuary of Zeus. More than 600 years later‚ the Roman emperor Hadrian extended the structure by adding 104 colossal columns. Today‚ visitors can see 16 of them‚ since the original structure was hit by barbarian invasions and natural disasters.   7. Panathenaic Stadium  The Panathenaic Stadium Under Blue Sky‚ Ali Menoufi‚ Source: Pexels   Less than ten minutes on foot from Zappeion and the Olympieion‚ there is another important Athenian landmark. The Panathenaic Stadium‚ or Kallimarmaro‚ is an open-air U-shaped stadium that has been hosting several athletic competitions and cultural events for centuries. Made entirely out of marble‚ it is distinguished for its impressive design. Initially‚ it was made out of limestone and was later reconstructed by Herodes Atticus in 144 CE‚ who envisioned it as a marble structure. In modern times‚ the stadium held the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1896 Olympic Games‚ as well as several more athletic competitions.   8. The Ancient Agora of Athens North facade of the Odeion‚ drawing by John Travlos‚ 1948‚ Source: American School of Classical Studies   Moving away from the Panathenaic Stadium towards the northwestern part of central Athens‚ visitors can enter the ancient market (agora) of the city. The Agora was in fact more than a business area. Athenians would discuss politics‚ and many great ideas were born in this exact location. The Agora was also the meeting point of sculptors and marble workers‚ such as Phidias‚ Alcamenes‚ and Praxiteles.   Today‚ visitors can enter the Agora and its Museum from 8 AM to 6 PM from Adrianou Street‚ just a few minutes away from Monastiraki Square. The temple of Hephaestus and other important landmarks are enclosed within the archaeological site of the Agora. Ticket prices vary from 5€ to 10€‚ while there are many free admission days during the year.   9. Kerameikos Cemetery  Stele from the Kerameikos Cemetery‚ Athens‚ Photo by William James Stillman‚ Source: The Met Museum   Within a short walking distance from the Ancient Agora‚ there is the archaeological site of Kerameikos and the homonymous Museum. Dating back to the early bronze age‚ it showcases part of the ancient necropolis of Athens‚ bringing forgotten rituals to light. At first glance‚ the site resembles a regular park. Upon paying close attention‚ visitors will notice monumental graves‚ statues‚ and wall ruins.   Moreover‚ the Museum of Kerameikos sheds more light on the religious beliefs of ancient Athenians. For example‚ recent archaeological findings from the area stand as proof that the local population would use the dead in occult practices even during the Classical Era. Curse tablets would be buried in freshly dug tombs with the hope that the deceased would carry them to Hades‚ where the goddess of witchcraft‚ Hecate‚ resided.   The entrance to Kerameikos is in close proximity to Thision metro station‚ right at the pedestrian part of Ermou Street. Ticket prices vary from 4€ to 8€‚ while there are many free admission days during the year‚ including the 28th of October.   10. The Pnyx A view of the Pnyx and the Acropolis of Athens‚ Markus Winkler‚ Source: Pexels   Although Athens has many historical hills‚ most travelers are unable to visit all of them during their trip. Apart from the Acropolis‚ another important Athenian Hill is the Pnyx. Since 507 BC‚ ancient Athenians would gather on this rocky hill to attend the ekklesia (assembly) and discuss politics. Important figures such as Pericles and Demosthenes have delivered historical orations on that site‚ which visitors can freely access by following different alleyways in the historical center.   Visiting the site does not only offer a breathtaking view of Athens and the Acropolis‚ but it also allows travelers to see the first bema (speaker’s platform) to have ever existed at the birthplace of Democracy. The hill is open to the public at all hours of the day and night and there are no admission fees. The easiest and fastest way to get there is by following the alleyway that starts from the Doridis Observatory all the way up to the Nymphs Hill. The exact spot of the bema can be reached within 15 minutes from the train station of Thisio.

  Theseus is the ancient Greek mythical hero known for destroying the Minotaur‚ the monster that devoured young Athenians on the island of Crete. Before embarking on his Cretan quest‚ however‚ he had to face his fears by encountering the six gates of Hades and their terrifying guards. “The Six Labors of Theseus‚” as these encounters are known‚ is a tale of a brave young man on his way to adulthood.   The story begins with Theseus as a boy‚ still being cared for by his mother. To face his father and be accepted as an equal and a capable heir of the throne of Athens‚ he has to go on a quest‚ a common trope in ancient Greek mythology. Through this story‚ we understand that leadership is founded upon bravery and hard work; a problem-solving mindset is more than necessary to navigate a world full of dangers. The journey to adulthood requires stepping out of your comfort zone and facing several challenges.   Theseus’ Labors Theseus recovering his father’s sword‚ Jean Lemaire‚ 1638. Source: Statens Museum for Kunst.   Theseus was born by Princess Aethra of Troezen‚ who raised him alone at her father’s palace in Troezen of the Peloponnese. Theseus’ father was King Aegeus of Athens‚ who impregnated Aethra after an alcohol-filled night in Troezen. The event was connected to a prophecy from the Oracle of Delphi‚ which had warned Aegeus to: “(…) not loosen the bulging mouth of the wineskin until you have reached the height of Athens‚ lest you die of grief.”   Theseus had a mortal father; however‚ he also had divine blood running through his veins. According to some variations of the myth‚ on that same fateful night‚ Aethra was guided by goddess Athena into the seaside‚ where she laid with god Poseidon. As a result‚ the hero had two fathers: one mortal‚ one divine. In essence‚ he possessed numerous qualities that distinguished him from the rest‚ while he remained flawed and vulnerable in the face of death. Just like other semi-gods‚ including the hero Heracles‚ he has to do great deeds in order to gain immortality through posthumous fame.   Despite having two fathers‚ Theseus grew up in a fatherless home. King Aegeus did not raise him‚ as he returned to Athens after his short stay in Troezen. However‚ he made sure his son would find him once he grew up. He buried his sandals and sword under a heavy rock and instructed Aethra to bring Theseus to that same spot once he was of age. If his son were strong and heroic enough‚ he would be able to lift the rock and retrieve the hidden items.   Theseus finding the sword and shoes of his father with the help of his mother‚ Aethra‚ Laurent de La Hyre. Source: Museum of Fine Arts‚ Budapest.   The years passed and it was time for Aethra to fulfill her promise. Theseus‚ a strong young man‚ was able to complete the task successfully. With his estranged father’s sandals and sword as his sole possessions‚ Theseus embarked on an adventure to claim his birthright. Instead of traveling to Athens by boat‚ which would be a safe choice for such a small distance‚ he chose the land route. He would have to walk across the shore of the Saronic Gulf‚ encountering six entrances to Hades (the Underworld)‚ which were guarded by deadly criminals. His decision was two-fold. On the one hand‚ he would follow the steps of Heracles‚ who chose the difficult path of virtue over vice. On the other hand‚ he would clear up the path to Athens from those who terrorized travelers for years.   1. Periphetes of Epidaurus Kylix showing the deeds of Theseus. Source: British Museum   The first stop of Theseus’ quest was none other than Epidaurus‚ a sacred site of god Apollo and healer Asclepius. In Epidaurus‚ the ancient Greek hero came face to face with Periphetes‚ also known as Corynetes (meaning club-bearer). The latter was a dangerous bandit who terrorized travelers for years. He was a son of god Hephaestus and‚ just like his father‚ he walked with a limp. His disability‚ however‚ did not stop him from harming others. The bronze club he used as a crutch would turn into a powerful weapon as soon as a potential victim appeared in his vicinity. Theseus was able to steal Periphetes’ club‚ which he then used to destroy him. Once the bandit was out of his way‚ he continued walking towards Athens‚ dragging the heavy club along the way.   2. Sinis the “Pityokamptes” Theseus and Sinis. Source: Staatliche Antikensammlungen München.   Theseus’ next stop was the Isthmus of Corinth‚ which connects the Peloponnese with Attica. It didn’t take long till he located a man standing next to two pine trees. He was Sinis‚ the “Pityokamptes” (meaning “pine bender”)‚ a dangerous criminal who killed his victims in a torturous way. Sinis would tie them on pine trees‚ bent down to the ground using weighted objects. He would then release the pines‚ tearing his victims apart. Theseus was not scared of Sinis. He captured and tied him to the pine trees‚ killing him with the very torturous method he was using.   3. The Crommyonian Sow The Crommyonian Sow on a kylix. Source: The British Museum   Near the Isthmus‚ at a place called Crommyon‚ Theseus encountered a monstrous wild pig known as the Crommyonian Sow. According to the Bibliotheca of Pseudo-Apollodorus‚ the pig was the daughter of two monsters‚ Echidna and Typhon‚ but it was raised by an old mortal woman named Phaea. Theseus was able to slay the pig‚ which terrorized the locals for years. According to another variation of the myth‚ the Sow was not an animal‚ but rather Phaea herself. The deadly woman was supposedly compared to a pig due to her repulsive appearance and unruly manners.   4. Sciron of Megara Cup showing Theseus‚ Sciron‚ and the turtle. Source: The British Museum   Theseus’ next stop was the town of Megara and specifically the Sceironian Rocks over the Saronic gulf. There‚ a robber named Sciron would approach his victims by asking them to help him wash his feet. Those who assisted him would immediately regret their decision. Sciron would throw them off the cliff and into the sea. To make things worse‚ the victims would then be devoured by a monstrous sea turtle that lurked beneath the rocks‚ waiting for Sciron’s feeding. Theseus managed to eliminate the criminal by throwing him off the Screironian Rocks and into the sea‚ where he was devoured by that very same beast.   5. Cercyon of Eleusis Theseus fights Cercyon. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The fifth labor of Theseus was a fight with Cercyon‚ king of Eleusis. Cercyon was a cruel royal who had his daughter buried alive for birthing a child out of wedlock. He was known for being aggressive towards strangers‚ as he would challenge travelers to a deadly wrestling match. Theseus was no exception. The hero was able to win the fight against Cercyon‚ which resulted in the killing of the Eleusinian king.   6. Procrustes the “Stretcher” Theseus attacking Prokroustes‚ amphora. Source: Staatliche Antikensammlungen.   In close proximity to the city of Eleusis‚ Theseus encountered the father of Sinis‚ a serial killer known as Damastes or Procrustes (the Stretcher).   He was a smith who robbed and killed his victims in a torturous way. Procrustes had constructed two iron beds; one was too long‚ the other too short. He would tie his victims to one of the beds and change the anatomy of their bodies accordingly. If the victims were too short‚ he would choose the long bed and stretch their legs to forcefully tie them to the footboard. If the victims were too tall‚ he would make them lay on the smaller bed to cut their legs off. According to Plutarch‚ Theseus captured Procrustes and forced him to fit into one of his own iron beds. Since the killer was too tall‚ Theseus severed his legs and his head with an ax‚ ending his reign of terror.   Theseus in Athens Medea offering the poisoned cup to Theseus‚ painting by William Russel Flint. Source: Swann Galleries   After defeating the six bandits‚ Theseus arrived safely in Athens to claim his birthright. He had come face to face with deadly individuals who roamed the vicinity of six entrances to the Underworld. It was now time to be rewarded for his great deeds and gain the respect of his father. As soon as he arrived in Athens‚ he visited the king’s palace‚ seeking refuge.   Wearing his inherited sandals‚ Theseus did not reveal his true identity but rather waited for his father‚ King Aegeus‚ to recognize him. The king was now married to Medea‚ the ex-wife of Jason. Medea was a cunning and devious woman. In the past‚ she had not hesitated to kill the children from her previous marriage to take revenge on Jason. Once she met Theseus‚ she quickly realized he was the king’s first-born son and rightful heir to the throne. This was a problem as all these years‚ she hoped that her son Medus‚ prince of Athens‚ was destined to be the next king.   To secure her son’s reign‚ she tried to convince her husband to poison Theseus. Aegeus‚ however‚ recognized his sandals on the young man’s feet and declared Theseus his heir to the throne. The two men reunited and Medea fled to Asia.   The adventures of Theseus‚ however‚ did not end there. It did not take long until he had to face Pallantides‚ the sons of his uncle Pallas‚ who envied the throne. The hero surprised the Pallantides as they tried to set a trap for him. According to Plutarch‚ he fell suddenly upon them and slew them all. Moreover‚ Theseus proceeded to commit a list of heroic deeds‚ including the capture of the Marathonian Bull‚ which was brought to Attica by Heracles. The hero also managed to destroy the Minotaur‚ the bull-like monster that devoured young Athenians in the labyrinth of King Minos of Crete.   The Minotaur‚ black-figure pottery‚ 515 BCE. Source: Alliance for Networking Visual Culture   Theseus’ bravery and strength helped him win the respect of his father‚ enabling him to gain great power as the heir to his throne. His sole possessions were his father’s shoes and sword. These were the only items he needed to follow in his ancestors’ footsteps and become a great king himself. Although Aegeus was absent from Theseus’ childhood‚ their bond strengthened when the hero reached manhood. Aegeus’ love and admiration for his son was so strong that he ended his own life after mistakenly assuming Theseus was dead. In this way‚ the prophecy of the Oracle of Delphi was fulfilled‚ with the king’s drunken night ending in tragedy years later: “Do not loosen the bulging mouth of the wineskin until you have reached the height of Athens‚ lest you die of grief.”