Archaic Temple of Athena Polias (525-500 BC.)
The Archaic (or "Old") Temple dedicated to Athena Polias (protector of the city) was built between 525-500 BC, that is, during the transition from tyranny to democracy. It is not yet certain whether it was built by the sons of the tyrant Peisistratus or if it was one of the first works of the newly formed democracy. The temple was known to the Athenians of later years as the "Ancient Temple", due to its age compared to the temples of the classical period. It was built on the site of a much older and smaller temple. It housed the ancient xoanon (wooden statue) of the goddess Athena.
General view of the Acropolis monuments in 480 BC, shortly before the Persian invasion.
| Special thanks to the professor of archeology Chrysanthos Kanellopoulos for his help for the following reconstructions. The statues were based on the 3d models by Scan the World. |
View of the temple from the northwest.
View of the Old Temple of Athena from the northeast. The pediment sculptures with the depiction of the Gigantomachy are visible. Next to the temple are the smaller temples dedicated to other gods and heroes.
View of the Old Temple of Athena from the east. On the left is the altar of Athena for animal sacrifices. On the right is one of the smaller temples dedicated to other deities.
View of the temple from the southeast. The pediment with the Battle of the Giants (Gigantomachy) statues is visible.
View of the temple from the west. The pediment would contain sculptures depicting lions (not included in this reconstruction). The area in front of the temple would be full of colorful statues, mostly depicting female deities, known as "korai".
A north view. The archaic temple with the ionic column (probably a trophy or dedication). The smaller temples were probably dedicated to lesser deities or mythical heroes and kings, which during the classical period were worshiped in the Erechtheion, build on the same spot.
The area around the Ancient Temple of Athena was full of sculptures, votive offerings to the goddess. Most of them depicted female figures, known as "korai". The exact position where they stood is unknown.
The sacred olive tree of Athens was, according to the tradition, a gift to the city by the goddess Athena. Today another olive tree is planted on the same spot next to the Erechtheion.
The temple was destroyed by the Persians during their invasion in Athens, in September 480 BC. After the Persian Wars the damaged architectural members were extensively used in the northern wall of the Acropolis, where part of them is still visible today. These members were visible from the city to remind of the sufferings of war. The western part of the cella, which probably survived in better condition, was repaired and continued to be used for the worship of Athena Polias.
In the times of Pericles, in the middle 5th century BC, it was decided to rebuild the sanctuaries of the Acropolis. The cella of the Ancient Temple was to be replaced by a new temple, the Erechtheion. The Erechtheion's construction began in 421 BC, just north of the Ancient Temple. Due to the Peloponnesian War, its completion was delayed until 406 BC. All this time the two temples coexisted. Xenophon mentions that in 405 BC, "The old Athena temple, in Athens, was set in fire". Most likely, after the completion of the Erechtheion and the transfer of the worship to the new temple, the old one was demolished with some kind of ritual fire. The foundations of the Ancient Temple are now visible between the Erechtheion and the Parthenon.
The Ancient Temple and the Acropolis on fire, during the Persian invasion in September 480 BC.
