Piraeus

After Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire, the port of Piraeus was recognized as the official port of Athens. The city began to grow rapidly due to its strategic location and importance as a trade hub. Infrastructure improvements were made throughout the 19th century, setting the stage for Piraeus to become a central component of the Greek economy.

During World War II, Piraeus was heavily bombed by German forces as part of their invasion of Greece. The bombardment caused significant damage to the port facilities, civilian infrastructure, and resulted in many casualties. This event highlighted the strategic importance of Piraeus and the broader impact of the war on Greece's economy and society.

The Battle of Piraeus was part of the larger Dekemvriana clashes between wartime resistance factions EAM-ELAS and the British-supported Greek government forces in Athens and its port area. The conflict arose from political tensions and led to intense fighting in Piraeus, symbolizing the divisions within Greek society and the complexities of post-war recovery in the country.

The Port of Piraeus Authority was established to oversee and manage activities in the port of Piraeus. This move was part of efforts to modernize and improve the efficiency of Greece's main port, which plays a crucial role in the country's economy and its connections with global maritime trade routes. The authority has since played a major role in developing Piraeus into a major hub.

The Battle of Marathon was a pivotal event in the Greco-Persian Wars. The Athenians and their Plataean allies defeated the first Persian invasion of Greece. After their victory, the Athenians hurried back to Athens to defend the city against the Persian fleet. This event is significant as it marked the rise of Athens as a major power in Greece, and Piraeus would later become the main port of the powerful Athenian navy.

Themistocles, an influential Athenian politician and general, persuaded Athens to build up its navy using the newfound wealth from the discovery of silver mines at Laurium. He emphasized the strategic importance of maritime strength and prepared Athens for future conflicts with Persia. The development of Piraeus as a fortified naval base played a crucial role in the eventual Greek victories in later battles such as Salamis.

Under the leadership of Themistocles and later Pericles, the construction of harbors and fortifications at Piraeus was completed. This made Piraeus the most important port in the Athenian Empire, connecting Athens to its vast trade networks across the Aegean and beyond. The fortifications were significant in ensuring Athens' military and economic strength during the Golden Age of Athens.

The Roman general Lucius Cornelius Sulla besieged and captured Piraeus during the First Mithridatic War. The siege lasted several months, and Sulla's forces destroyed much of the city. Despite the destruction, Piraeus was later rebuilt, but its significance as a major port was never fully restored until modern times.

The Peloponnesian War ended with the defeat of Athens by Sparta. Following the loss, Athens was stripped of its walls and its fleet. The fortifications at Piraeus were demolished. This marked the end of the Athenian Empire and significantly reduced the strategic importance of Piraeus in the region, highlighting a time of turmoil and change in ancient Greece.

The Chinese shipping company COSCO Shipping acquired a majority stake in the Port of Piraeus. This acquisition was part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing the strategic importance of Piraeus as a gateway to Europe for Chinese exports. It marked a new era in the development of the port with significant investment leading to modernization and increased operational capacity.