The Temple of Aphaia is on Aegina island in Greece (July 2007)
The Sanctuary of Aphaia on the island of Aegina aka
The Temple of Aphaia is an ancient Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Aphaia, located on a pine-covered hill on the island of Aegina in the Saronic Gulf. Built around 500 BCE, this significant architectural site is part of a sanctuary complex and is celebrated for its elegant proportions and pioneering use of construction technologies like the pulley system. The pediments once held elaborate sculptures depicting mythological scenes, with many of these now displayed in the Glyptothek museum in Munich.
Key Aspects of the Temple of Aphaia
Dedication:
The temple is dedicated to Aphaia, a local mother-goddess and a revered figure on the island.
Location:
It stands atop a hill at about 160 meters high on the eastern side of Aegina, offering commanding views of the Saronic Gulf.
Architectural Style:
The temple is a quintessential example of the Doric order, a fundamental style of Ancient Greek architecture, and demonstrates advancements in construction techniques of the Archaic period.
Construction:
Built from porous limestone around 500 BCE, the temple features six columns along the short ends and twelve along the sides.
Sculptural Decoration:
The pediments of the temple were adorned with marble sculptures depicting mythological scenes, including stories from the Trojan War.
Historical Significance
Early Worship:
.
The site was a place of worship as early as the Prehistoric Period (around 1300 BCE), with the sanctuary flourishing during the Archaic Period.
Architectural Innovation:
.
The construction of the temple incorporated new technologies like the use of the pulley, which allowed for the hoisting of smaller stone blocks to build the columns from drums.
Lost Sculptures:
.
The intricate sculptures from the pediments were excavated in 1811 and transported to the Glyptothek of Munich, where they remain on display today.
Modern Recognition
Tourist Attraction:
The Temple of Aphaia is a major highlight on Aegina, attracting visitors for its beauty, historical importance, and picturesque setting.
Symbolic Connection:
The temple is part of a famous trio of significant ancient Greek temples, alongside the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, forming an important geographical and religious triangle.
The Temple of Aphaia is an ancient Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Aphaia, located on a pine-covered hill on the island of Aegina in the Saronic Gulf. Built around 500 BCE, this significant architectural site is part of a sanctuary complex and is celebrated for its elegant proportions and pioneering use of construction technologies like the pulley system. The pediments once held elaborate sculptures depicting mythological scenes, with many of these now displayed in the Glyptothek museum in Munich.
Key Aspects of the Temple of Aphaia
Dedication:
The temple is dedicated to Aphaia, a local mother-goddess and a revered figure on the island.
Location:
It stands atop a hill at about 160 meters high on the eastern side of Aegina, offering commanding views of the Saronic Gulf.
Architectural Style:
The temple is a quintessential example of the Doric order, a fundamental style of Ancient Greek architecture, and demonstrates advancements in construction techniques of the Archaic period.
Construction:
Built from porous limestone around 500 BCE, the temple features six columns along the short ends and twelve along the sides.
Sculptural Decoration:
The pediments of the temple were adorned with marble sculptures depicting mythological scenes, including stories from the Trojan War.
Historical Significance
Early Worship:
.
The site was a place of worship as early as the Prehistoric Period (around 1300 BCE), with the sanctuary flourishing during the Archaic Period.
Architectural Innovation:
.
The construction of the temple incorporated new technologies like the use of the pulley, which allowed for the hoisting of smaller stone blocks to build the columns from drums.
Lost Sculptures:
.
The intricate sculptures from the pediments were excavated in 1811 and transported to the Glyptothek of Munich, where they remain on display today.
Modern Recognition
Tourist Attraction:
The Temple of Aphaia is a major highlight on Aegina, attracting visitors for its beauty, historical importance, and picturesque setting.
Symbolic Connection:
The temple is part of a famous trio of significant ancient Greek temples, alongside the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, forming an important geographical and religious triangle.