<P> The agora (/ ˈæɡərə /; Ancient Greek: ἀγορά agorá) was a central public space in ancient Greek city - states . The literal meaning of the word is "gathering place" or "assembly". The agora was the center of the athletic, artistic, spiritual and political life of the city . The Ancient Agora of Athens was the best - known example . </P> <P> Early in Greek history (18th century--8th century BC), free - born citizens would gather in the agora for military duty or to hear statements of the ruling king or council . Later, the Agora also served as a marketplace where merchants kept stalls or shops to sell their goods amid colonnades . This attracted artisans who built workshops nearby . </P> <P> From this twin function of the agora as a political and commercial space came the two Greek verbs ἀγοράζω, agorázō, "I shop", and ἀγορεύω, agoreúō, "I speak in public". </P>

What were the central market places in ancient greece called