In the modern city, there are the ruins of a once-important citadel from ancient Greece, a civilization known for its lasting influence on Western culture in areas like politics, science, and philosophy. One of its most notable figures was Plato, a philosopher who wrote over 20 significant philosophical texts, known as "dialogues," in the fourth century BCE. Plato's works are considered serious reflections on major philosophical questions and have had a profound impact on Western thought, making him a key figure in both philosophy and history.