Just to the east of Athens are silver mines known as the Mines of Laurion. These mines, while abandoned today, were a critical component to the ancient Athenian empire. However, their biggest contribution came in 483 BC, with the discovery of a rich vein, which gave the city a choice: Distribute the profits to the entire city or build a navy. And their choice saved the Athenian Republic. This is the story of the silver mines of Athens.

Sources

https://sites.google.com/email.wm.edu/tour-of-attika/laurion-silver-mines

https://ancient-greece.org/archaeology/lavrion-ancient-silver-mines/

Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SNGCop_039.jpg - Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com

Sponsor

Go to factormeals.com/dispatchespod50off to get 50 percent off and free daily greens per box. New subscribers only. While supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details).

History Dispatches is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com

Interested in advertising on History Dispatches? Email us at [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices