Athens is an extremely dense city. As you look from the top of the Acropolis, the city expands in all directions in a carpet of settlement. It seems as if there is no organization when looking from above but that is not the case. The way Athens dealt with their historic ruins is much different than in Rome. In Rome the ruins are still the city. The city grows with them and in them. In Athens the ruins are used as the orientation points within the city. The new city evolves around them but they are distinctly separate. They remind us of the past while they organize and structure the future. Of course the main landmark is the Acropolis, it can be seen from almost all points within the city. Other historic points are scattered throughout the city. It is interesting when you come across them unexpectedly, a constant reminder of where you are and the magnitude of this place in western civilization.