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
European Route of Historic Theatres European Route of Historic Theatres The European Route of Historic Theatres is a holiday route and European Cultural Route, that runs through many European countries. It links cities with important historic theatres from the 16th to 19th centuries. This cultural route was initiated by the members of the organisation, "Perspectiv – Association of Historic Theatres in Europe", which was founded in October 2003 with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of historic theatres in Europe. The head offices of this charitable association are in the Goethe town of Bad Lauchstädt and city of Berlin. The project is supported by