Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
Classical (444–440 BCE)·Athenian (Periklean)·🇬🇷 Attica, Greece
About
About Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion in Attica, Greece is a Classical (444–440 BCE) temple-complex attributed to Athenian (Periklean). Doric temple 13 × 6 columns on 60 m cape, 12 standing columns, Byron's graffiti, within fortified deme. Built of Agrileza marble with 16 flutes, perched on headland 60 m above Aegean, fortress walls 413 BCE during Peloponnesian War.
Why it mattersType-site for Athenian (Periklean) temple-complex studies
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Phasing sequence
- 02Function and cult identity
Theories
- 01Panhellenic competition centre
- 02Colonial foundation model
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 444 BCE
- Period
- Classical (444–440 BCE)
- Culture
- Athenian (Periklean)
- Purpose
- Doric temple 13 × 6 columns on 60 m cape, 12 standing columns, Byron's graffiti, within fortified deme
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 444 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1880 CE
Systematic excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
37.6500° N · 24.0240° E · 60 m · 3 mapped features
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion — Principal Temple
templeMain peripteral temple
37.6502° N · 24.0241° ETemple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion — Stoa / Sanctuary Enclosure
stoaPortico enclosure
37.6498° N · 24.0242° ETemple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion — Theatre/Stadium Annex
theatreAnnexed games or assembly building
37.6505° N · 24.0238° E