What is the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion?:
The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is a peripteral temple with 6 columns on the front and 13 columns along the side, measuring 31.12m x 13.47m with 6.12m high columns. The temple ruins visible today have been restored by archaeologists. Also known as Sounion Hiron (Sactuary of Sounion), references to the site can be found as early as Homer's Odyssey.
Why is the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion important?:
The Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion is one of the most spectacular ancient Greek temples around. Built in 444 BCE, it replaced an earlier, unfinished temple that had been damaged by Persians in 480 BCE. The design is attributed to the anonymous architect who also designed the Hephaisteion (Theseion) in nearby Athens.
Where is Sounion?:
Located on the southeastern tip of Attica, Sounion juts out in a manner that would have assured Athenian sailors a grand view of the Temple of Poseidon as the last evidence of their civilization while sailing away and the first sight that greeted them when they returned. It certainly would have been a magnificent thing to see in the dawn light. Artifacts uncovered here can be found in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
Is there anything else at Sounion?:
Near the Temple of Poseidon are the remains of another structure, a sanctuary dedicated to Athena. The Temple of Poseidon in Sounion itself has remained very popular with tourists. The columns are covered with graffiti dating back centuries. Lord Byron is supposed to have left his name here, making the graffiti a sort of historical artifact itself.
