Temple of Poseidon Facts
The ancient Temple of Poseidon was built in 440 B.C. on the southern most tip of the Attica peninsula called Cape Sounion in Greece. The classical architecture is mostly Doric style. One reason why so many people are drawn to see the famous temple today is because of its unbelievable cliff side sunsets. In Greek mythology, Poseidon was a god who controlled the sea and carried a trident. He is said to have fathered many kids with several women other than his wife, Amphitrite. The temple is no longer fully intact but when it was, it resembled the Temple of Hephaestus, close to where the Acropolis stands. What remains of the temple today are just 18 of 36 original columns and the foot of a Poseidon statue that was once 16 feet (5 meters) high. More interesting information and facts about the history of the temple are listed below.Temple of Poseidon Location Facts
- Because of its location, the Temple of Poseidon was heavily protected by the Athenians during the Peloponnesian War with fortification walls and towers. The miles of ocean views of the Aegean Sea, from this point, made the location the first line of defense against any unwelcome ships and a welcome sight for weary sailors.
- The Temple of Poseidon is about 656 feet (200 meters) above sea level.
- Today, Cape Sounion, is a summer community filled with upper-class homes and wealthy vacationers.
Temple of Poseidon General Facts
- Large groups of tourists gather at the Temple of Poseidon each night at sunset to view the amazing colors as the sun fades into the horizon.
- The Temple of Poseidon was a religious structure, complete with a hall of worship. Gifts and animal sacrifices were often left at the temple as a way to appease the gods.
- It is believed that the temple was filled with statues at one time, almost all of which have since been wrongfully removed.
- The Temple of Poseidon has been vandalized with markings, initials and graffiti of countless visitors throughout the years. In 1810, Lord Byron set this precedent by carving his initials in one of the columns.
- The Sanctuary of Poseidon, the Temple of Poseidon, the Sanctuary of Athena, the Temple of Athena, and a smaller temple are all located on the tip of Cape Sounion.
Temple of Poseidon Architecture Facts
- Like the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon was built on top of ruins from a previous structure that was destroyed by the Persians during the Greek Archaic period in 480 B.C.
- The Temple of Poseidon's slender columns were made of local white marble.
- The Temple had a front covered porch, or portico which was supported by six columns.
- It is thought that the Hephaesteion in Athens and the Temple of Poseidon were likely designed by the same architect who was from the Greek mainland.
- Ancient Greek temples were generally square structures with columns along the outside. Greek architecture changed in shape and style throughout the years. The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian were the three architectural styles. The Temple of Poseidon was mostly built in Doric style but Ionic characteristics were also present.
ANCIENT GREECE FACTS