Laurium or Lavrio (Modern Greek: Λαύριο; Ancient Greek: Λαύριον; before early 11th century BC: Θορικός Thorikos; from Middle Ages until 19th century: Εργαστήρι Ergastiri) is a town in southeastern part of Attica, Greece. It is the seat of the municipality of Lavreotiki. Laurium was famous in Classical antiquity for silver mining, which was one of the chief sources of revenue of the Athenian state. The metallic silver was mainly used for coinage. It is a sea port of much less importance than nearby Piraeus.
It is located about 60 km SE of Athens, SE of Keratea and N of Cape Sounio. Laurium is situated on a bay overlooking the island of Makronisos (ancient times: Helena) in the east. The port is in the middle and gridded streets cover the residential area of Lavrio. GR-89 runs through Lavrio and ends south in Sounio.
In the 6th century BC, under Peisistratus, systematic exploitation of mineral resources began.
After the battle of Marathon, Themistocles persuaded the Athenians to devote the anticipated revenue derived from a major silver vein strike in the mines of Laurion circa 483 BC to expanding the Athenian fleet to 200 triremes, and thus laid the foundation of the Athenian naval power. 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. As many as 20,000 slaves were employed at the height of the mining. A silver mint (Argyrocopeum) was at Laurion.
written by Lee Aaron, John Albani & David Roberts
running time - 3:45
©1987 Canadiana Music/David Roberts Music/Abovewater/Pondwater
Aw you can be what you wanna be, (fine by me)
An' you can believe what you wanna believe it's your (rivalry)
But if it's war you're askin' for just wait an' see
If I were you I'd watch my step
Cuz what you give is what you get
It's an (eye for an eye), no love lost here
(Eye for an eye), an exchange of tears
(Eye for an eye), you'd best stand clear
It's (do or die), ya'd better believe it's an eye for an eye
Well ya think you're hot wanna call the shots you won't (shoot me down)
Seen your kind too many times won't (push me 'round)
Two can play rough if you're gonna get tough you're on dangerous ground
This could be your last mistake..
'Cause there ain't no time for give an' take
It's an (eye for an eye), no love lost here
(Eye for an eye), an exchange of tears
(Eye for an eye), you'd best stand clear
It's (do or die), ya'd better believe it's an eye for an eye
Don't push me too far...
Oh don't take it so hard..
If we can't walk away
We can't keep hurting, each other this way..
(Eye for an eye)
(Do or die)
(Eye for an eye), no love lost here
(Eye for an eye), an exchange of tears..
(Eye for an eye), you'd best stand clear
It's (do or die), (better believe it's an) (eye for an eye)
Long lost tears baby oh...
(Eye for an eye)
Exchange of tears
(Eye for an eye)
You'd best stand clear