[4][5][6] Laurium was famous in Classical antiquity for its silver mines, which was one of the chief sources of revenue of the Athenian state.

Laurium is situated on a bay overlooking the island of Makronisos (ancient times: Helena) in the east.

The modern town of Lavrio is at the site of the ancient village of Thoricus; its name is taken from that of the entire region of the Mines of Laurium.

The mines, which were the property of the state, were usually farmed out for a certain fixed sum and a percentage on the working; slave labour was exclusively employed.

There were well engineered tanks and reservoirs to collect rainwater for washing the ore since abundant supplies from streams or rivers was impossible at the site.

The mines were reworked in the late 19th century by French and Greek companies, but mainly for lead, manganese and cadmium.

In 1896 a strike from the miners was violently confronted by the mining company's guards resulting in the death of two workers.

The strike ended violently with most of the strikers' demands not being fulfilled and with a military force being permanently established to patrol the miners.

Drive from Lavrio to Koropi Train Station and there take the suburban railway or metro that goes straight to Athens center.