Athina in Kentrikos Tomeas Athinon, Attica, Greece — Ελλάδα (Southeastern Europe, Balkan Peninsula)

The "Old Temple" of Athena

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015

1. The "Old Temple" of Athena Marker

Inscription. The large Archaic temple to the south of the Erechtheion, which today preserves only its foundations, was called the "Old Temple" according to epigraphic evidence. Dedicated to Athena Polias, the patron deity of the city, it housed the xoanon, the wooden cult statue of the goddess to which the Athenians offered a peplos during the Panathenaic festival. The western section of the temple, consisting of three smaller parts, housed the cults of other divinities, possibly Hephaistus, Poseidon-Erechtheus and the hero Boutes.

Built at the site once occupied by the palace of the Mycenaean ruler of Attica, the temple replaced a smaller Geometric one (8th century B.C.) also dedicated to Athena Polias. The only remains of this early temple are two stone column bases as well as a bronze disc with an image of Gorgo, which adorned the pediment or the tip of the roof in the 7th century B.C.

The "Old Temple" of Athena, a Doric peripteral building with 6 columns at the front and rear end and 12 at the sides, measured 43.44 x 21.43 meters. It was built of poros, while Parian marble was used for some upper parts, such as the metopes,

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pedimental sculptures and tiles. One pediment was adorned with a sculpted group illustrating the Gigantomachy (the battle between the Olympian gods and the rebellious Giants), while the other featured a partially preserved group of lions devouring a bull. The altar, which is no longer preserved, was located to the east of the temple, as is indicated by some cuttings on the rock.

The temple was built in 525-500 B.C. and is associated with the sons of the tyrant Peisistratos or the Athenian people at the time of the establishment of Democracy by Kleisthenes. It was destroyed in 480 B.C., during the Persian invasion. Many of its architectural members were later incorporated in the north wall of the Acropolis.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places.

Location. 37° 58.306′ N, 23° 43.587′ E. Marker is in Athina, Attica, in Kentrikos Tomeas Athinon. It can be reached from Anafiotika north of Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, on the right when traveling north. This marker is part of the archaeological park that is located at the Acropolis of Athens, and

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015

2. The "Old Temple" of Athena Marker

Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing the foundations of the "Old Temple."

is situated vey near the Parthenon. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Anafiotika 11, Athina, Attica 105 58, Greece. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Europe,

the European Union,

the Balkans,

the Schengen Area,

a coastal Mediterranean country,

and the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire,

the Ottoman Empire,

and specifically the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Erechtheion (within shouting distance of this marker); The Parthenon (within shouting distance of this marker); A. The Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia, B. The Chalkotheke (within shouting distance of this marker); The Statue of Athena Promachos (within shouting distance of this marker); A. The Propylaia, B. The Shrine of Athena Hygieia and Hygieia (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Area South of the Ancient Agora (about 180 meters away); The House on Panos Street (about 180 meters away); Areopagus Hill (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athina.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015

3. The "Old Temple" of Athena Marker

Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a photo, showing the architectural members of the temple, incorporated in the north wall of the Acropolis.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015

4. The "Old Temple" of Athena Marker

Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing the restoration of the upper part of the "Old Temple."

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015

5. The "Old Temple" of Athena Marker

Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a photo showing the Gigantomachy pediment that is displayed in the Acropolis Museum.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015

6. The "Old Temple" of Athena Marker

Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an Orthophotomosaic, showing where the Acropolis visitor is in relation to the ruins of the archaeological park, while standing in front of the marker.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015

7. The "Old Temple" of Athena Marker

View of the marker looking east along the processional way of the Acropolis (the Parthenon is on the other side of the processional way from the marker).

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015

8. The "Old Temple" of Athena Marker

View of the marker looking east along the processional way of the Acropolis, with a view of the Erechtheion to the left of the marker.

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015

9. The "Old Temple" of Athena Marker

View of the marker, looking north in the direction of the site of the "Old Temple" and towards the Erechtheion.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,382 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on July 10, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.