The Acropolis in roman times (86 BC - 267 AD)
Only a few changes took place on the Acropolis during the Roman period. The only new monument was the Temple of Rome and Augustus. This circular temple was erected (after 19 BC) in order to honour Rome and the emperor Augustus. It was located 20 metres east of the Parthenon. It consisted of 9 ionic columns (copies of the ones found in the Erechtheion) and did not have a cella (Monopteros), probably housing a statue of Augustus.Later on, a big inscription composed of metallic letters was added on the eastern entablature of the Parthenon to honour emperor Nero during his visit in the city. Soon after the letters were removed, only to leave behind a series of holes which are still visible. Finally, a small repair took place in the western wall of the Erechtheion, which had suffered damage from fire.
Top view of the Acropolis and the south slope. The following buildings are noted: 1. the Parthenon, 2. Propylaea, 3. Erechtheion, 4. Herodeion, 5. Stoa of Eumenes, 6. Theatre of Dionysus, 7. Odeion of Pericles, 8. Bath, 9. Asclepieion, 10. Temple of Rome and Augustus
General view of the Acropolis and the south slope.
The temple of Rome and Augustus from the east
The temple of Rome and Augustus with the emperor's statue, from the south
The inscription on the temple’s entablature
On the contrary, in southern slope of the Acropolis, many new buildings were added. The theatre of Dionysos acquired a new, elegant stage building by Nero who during his visit in Athens gave a musical concert there. The Odeion of Pericles, that had been destroyed by the Athenians during the siege of Sylla, was rebuilt. In the west, Herod Atticus built a luxury Odeion, the Herodeion which was, according to Pausanias, the most beautiful in Greece. Many other renovation work also took place in most of the south slope’s buildings.
The Herodeion (AD 161). Herod the Atticus built it to honour his wife Regilla. It was a vaulted building that could accommodate up to 5.000 spectators.
The roof of the Herodeion was a architectural achievement as it was not supported on any columns but was constituted by cedar trunks.
The new stage of the Theatre of Dionyssos.
The Roman Stage.
