Fear of the Ancient Greek Social Scene?

Agoraphobia, according to Merriam-Websters Dictionary is an "abnormal fear of being helpless in an embarrassing or  unescapable  situation that is characterized especially by the avoidance of open or public places."  Yesterday I saw first hand why that phrase exists.

As part of my trip to Greece we spent the day in Athens where we climbed to the top of the Acropolis.  Along with the Acropolis being being amazingly beautiful and impressive, the view of Athens from the Acropolis was breathtaking.

One of the ruins I could see below the Acropolis was a long temple.  Our tour guide informed us that the ruins were of the Agora.  The Agora, back in the centuries leading up to the shift from AD to BC, was the market where people would congregate to purchase food and other goods.  It was also the site where athletic contests were held and where friends came to gossip or discuss politics.  It was the place to see and be seen in Athens.

Because of all of this activity, people packed in the the Agora on a daily basis.  On any given day there could be thousands and thousands of people packed into the Agora working and socializing together.  People who were uncomfortable being trapped any type of social setting would have been extremely afraid of the Agora - hence the term agoraphobia.