Athina in Kentrikos Tomeas Athinon, Attica, Greece — Ελλάδα (Southeastern Europe, Balkan Peninsula)
The Statue of Athena Promachos
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015
1. The Statue of Athena Promachos Marker
Inscription.
The Statue of Athena Promachos. . English Text:, The colossal bronze statue of Athena, known as Athena Promachos, dominated in the area between the Propylaia and the Erechtheion, to the left of the visitor walking along the processional way of the Acropolis. It was made by the renowned sculptor Pheidias probably at the bronze foundry situated at the southwest slope of the Acropolis. The Athenians dedicated the statue to Athena, to express their gratitude for her contribution to the victories in the Persian Wars. Later sources refer that its construction was financed from the Persian spoils. However, according to the inscription with the expense accounts, the construction of the statue is dated to 475 - 450 B.C., The exact form of the statue is not known, but later copies and coins of the Roman Period present the goddess standing, in a calm pose, wearing a belted peplos (robe). According to another version, the outstretched right hand held a Nike (Victory) or an owl. Pausanias, the 2nd century A.D. traveler, mentions that her shield was decorated with scenes from the Centauromachy (battle between Centaurs and Lapiths), executed by the famous bronze sculptor Mys, following drawings by the painter Parrhasios. The total height of the statue with the pedestal is estimated around 9.00 meters. According to ancient tradition, the point of her spear and the crest of her helmet were visible to sailors at sea off cape Sounion. Athena's pedestal, measuring 5x5 meters, was repaired in the Roman Period, probably in the Time of Augustus (31 B.C. - 14 A.D.). Fragments of its crowning with relief mouldings have been preserved to the present day., Pheidias' masterpiece was carried to Constantinople, and was placed at the hippodrome, probably in the 5th century A.D. There, it was destroyed by the crowd during the siege of the city by the Franks in 1204, because it was considered that the outstretched hand of the goddess beckoned the enemy.
English Text:
The colossal bronze statue of Athena, known as Athena Promachos, dominated in the area between the Propylaia and the Erechtheion, to the left of the visitor walking along the processional way of the Acropolis. It was made by the renowned sculptor Pheidias probably at the bronze foundry situated at the southwest slope of the Acropolis. The Athenians dedicated the statue to Athena, to express their gratitude for her contribution to the victories in the Persian Wars. Later sources refer that its construction was financed from the Persian spoils. However, according to the inscription with the expense accounts, the construction of the statue is dated to 475 - 450 B.C.
The exact form of the statue is not known, but later copies and coins of the Roman Period present the goddess standing, in a calm pose, wearing a belted peplos (robe). According to another version, the outstretched right hand held a Nike (Victory) or an owl. Pausanias, the 2nd century A.D. traveler, mentions that her shield was decorated with scenes from the Centauromachy (battle between Centaurs and Lapiths), executed by the famous bronze sculptor Mys, following drawings by the painter Parrhasios. The total height of the statue with the pedestal is estimated around 9.00 meters. According to ancient tradition, the point
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of her spear and the crest of her helmet were visible to sailors at sea off cape Sounion. Athena's pedestal, measuring 5x5 meters, was repaired in the Roman Period, probably in the Time of Augustus (31 B.C. - 14 A.D.). Fragments of its crowning with relief mouldings have been preserved to the present day.
Pheidias' masterpiece was carried to Constantinople, and was placed at the hippodrome, probably in the 5th century A.D. There, it was destroyed by the crowd during the siege of the city by the Franks in 1204, because it was considered that the outstretched hand of the goddess beckoned the enemy.
Location. 37° 58.306′ N, 23° 43.533′ E. Marker is in Athina, Attica, in Kentrikos Tomeas Athinon. Marker can be reached from Theorias 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 is one of the very first markers that visitors encounter upon arriving at the top of the Acropolis. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Theorias 21, Athina, Attica 105 58, Greece. Touch for directions.
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing the plan of the foundation of the base of the Athena Promachos.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015
4. The Statue of Athena Promachos Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a photo, showing the remains of the base of the statue of Athena Promachos.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015
5. The Statue of Athena Promachos Marker
View of the marker, with the site of the Statue of Athena Promachos in the background (see in front of the Erechtheion the fragments of the crowning with relief moldings).
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015
6. The Statue of Athena Promachos Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing a reconstruction of the statue of Athena Promachas and other votive offerings located at the area between the Propylaia and the Erechtheion.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015
7. The Statue of Athena Promachos 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
8. The Statue of Athena Promachos Marker
View of the marker in relation to the entrance to the Propylaia.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 22, 2015
9. The Statue of Athena Promachos Marker
View showing where the marker is situated in relation to the Acropolis ruins.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,330 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on July 8, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.