June 25th - Day 15

The Erekhtheion

This morning we hiked up the Athenian Acropolis for the last time to see the Erekhtheion and the south slope of the acropolis. We started up a the top, across from the Parthenon, with the Erekhtheion. The Erekhtheion is a temple located on the north side of the Acropolis and was built between 421 and 405 BC. It is an ionic temple and its most striking architectural feature is the Porch of the Maidens. The maidens that are on the Erekhtheion now are reproductions. We got to see the originals in the Acropolis Museum. The temple has an interesting design, as it was built so as not to disturb the remains of older shrines which surround it. The temple was part of a separate building plan than  the Parthenon and because of that has some interesting design elements. It has a different orientation and has ionic columns, rather than doric. The temple is dedicated to Athena Polias and Poseidon Erechtheus and was the site for several ancient and holy relics of the Athenians.

The Thinker

After that we headed down the south slope of the Acropolis and saw quite a few things, including the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, which as been largely restored and is still used for outdoor concerts and theater productions. We also saw the Stoa of Eumenes, the Sanctuary of Asklepios and Hygieia, and the Sanctuary and Theatre of Dionysos Eleuthereus. When we finished our tour, most of us walked back to Loring Hall for lunch and a quick rest.

Badger Bowel

We then headed back out to the National Archaeological Museum (my favorite museum in Athens) where we were guided around the Prehistoric and Thera galleries. We saw a lot more Minoan pottery and our guide, who was a Prehistorian from Turkey pointed out some really interesting pieces. My favorites were "The Thinker" and a little badger shaped bowel. After our tour it was back to Loring Hall for a shower and dinner! Walking around ancient ruins and museums all day really works up an appetite :)