Time and wars: The only ancient temple that has been preserved virtually intact (photo)

The Hephaestus Temple is decorated with complex sculptures that illustrate mythological themes and talk about the lives of the gods. These sculptures remained mysterious and majestic even after centuries, and the temple itself survived various changes throughout its history. In Greece, at the top of Agorayos Hill, there is a wonderful ancient building that has withstood the test of time - Hephaestus Temple, also known as Hephastteon.

This temple, dedicated to Hephaestus, god of fire and metalworking, and Athena Erhan, patron saint of households and potters, remains one of the best preserved ancient temples, writes Greekreporter. In focus, technology appeared its Telegram channel. Subscribe not to miss the latest and most intrusive news from the world of science! Its definition as a Hephaestus temple was confirmed by excavations, during which metallurgical workshops were discovered on a larger hill.

This refutes the previous assumptions that the deities that were worshiped in the temple were Teseus, Hercules or Ares. Built between 460 and 420 BC. BC, the temple demonstrates a special architectural style characteristic of temples in Attica of that era. It consists of a pronaos (from the Greek "before the dwelling of God") and the opistoodomos, which is surrounded by a Doric colonnade with six columns on the narrow sides and thirteen on long.

The whole building, from the floor to the roof, is laid out from Pentelivsky marble, and architectural sculptures - from parisal marble. At the bottom of the colonnade was a pedestal, which stood bronze cult statues of Hephaestus and Athens. One of the most striking features of the temple is its rich sculptural decoration. The methods that adorned the appearance of the east side depict the feats of Hercules, and the north and south sides decorate the scenes of four feats of Teseus.

Not only do these sculptures add grandeur, but also give an idea of ​​ancient mythological subjects. In the back, throughout the width of the nave, there is a battle with centaur. Wonderful sculptural works also decorated the gables of the temple. The event depicts the battle of centaurs, and in the east - a meeting of Hercules at Olympus or the birth of Athens. Throughout its history, the temple has undergone different transformations.

During the Hellenism (323-31 BC), bushes and trees were planted around him, which gave him aesthetic attractiveness. In the VII century AD, the temple replaced the church of Agios Georgios Akamas, and later, during the eighteenth century, he served as a place of burial of prominent Protestants who died in Athens. In modern times, the temple was the place of important events, such as the greetings of King Otton in 1834.

Today it is an archeological treasure, inviting visitors to look at ancient Greek religious practices and architectural achievements. Not only does Hephaestus temple testify to ancient skills and architectural ingenuity, it also gives a valuable idea of ​​religious beliefs and cultural practices of that time. Earlier, Focus wrote how the Persians called on the revenge of the Macedonian.