In the study of suburban areas of the ancient world, Athens represents an exceptional case. This city consisted of numerous proasteia (Kerameikos, Ilissos Valley, Ardettos, Academy, Lyceum, Cynosarges, neighbourhoods North of Athens, etc.). In addition to necropolises, these included sanctuaries, gymnasia, philosophical schools, public baths, a stadium and residential buildings. An overview of these heterogeneous contexts offers the opportunity to accrue some considerations on the topography and organisation of suburban lived spaces in Athens between the Hellenistic and Imperial periods. In this paper, in particular, some interventions of the Roman period will be analyzed (the creation of new quarters, the destruction of the classical walls and the construction of new fortifications) which radically changed the functions of the suburban lived spaces of Athens.