Piraeus form the greater Piraeus area, with a total population of 448,997. Piraeus has a long recorded history, dating to ancient Greece. The city was largely developed in the early 5th century BC, when it was selected to serve as the port city of classical Athens and was transformed into a prototype harbour, concentrating all the import and transit trade of Athens. During the Golden Age of Athens the Long Walls were constructed to fortify Athens and its port (Piraeus). Consequently, it became the chief harbour of ancient Greece, but declined gradually after the 4th century AD, growing once more in
Piraeus derby Piraeus derby The Piraeus derby, is an association football rivalry between Ethnikos Piraeus and Olympiacos, the 2 teams representing the city of Piraeus. Once a major derby, since Olympiakos' dominance the derby has lost importance over the years, however the rivalry still exists as the poaching of players and the ownership of the stadium still remain a point of contention. Although the importance of the derby has declined in football, the rivalry is still very much alive in other sports, especially water polo. Since the two clubs were established in the mid-1920s, Ethnikos' traditional local rival has been Olympiacos CFP,