Temple of Hephaestus in Athens

Travelers who have visited many countries, recommend to beginners in this matter to begin acquaintance with the history and study of ancient architectural masterpieces from visiting Greece. The temple of Hephaistus is very well preserved, there are few analogues in terms of the degree of preservation in the world. He has his own columns, pediments and almost the whole roof. The most affected jewelry and frescoes.

Economy and monuments

Only in Greece, which is experiencing difficulties in the economic sphere, you can see many historical monuments and other interesting places created by our distant ancestors long before the birth of Jesus Christ. In ancient times, the country experienced both flourishing and periods of stagnation, but, unfortunately, mostly on this earth there were fierce wars between strangers who dreamed of taking control of this country. Temple of Hephaestus in Athens still attracts tourists.

All these facts influenced the safety of a large number of temples and sanctuaries, some of them were dug out at the beginning of the 20th century. Among a small number of surviving buildings to date, the world-famous Temple of Hephaestus. A large number of surviving written sources speak of the Athenian agora, but the meaning of this word is problematic. To understand the meaning of the structure it is necessary to tell what the inhabitants of Greece of that time had this agora. The Athens Agora was in the center of Athens and served as a venue for gatherings, rituals, competitions and fairs. We can say that it was analogous to the forum of the Romans, erected before the birth of Jesus Christ.

At this place and near it were built only significant for the population temples, theaters and other structures. The Temple of Hephaestus on the Agora was one of them. Now it can be considered by tourists who will visit Athens. It is interesting that the temple survived to this day, not because of the love of the Greeks for paganism, but because of Orthodoxy.

Hephaestus

Myths of Ancient Greece say that Hephaestus was the son of Zeus and Hera. According to legend, during another quarrel between Zeus and the Hero of Hephaestus, they were thrown onto a volcanic island. The divine origin did not save him from injuries - he got a broken leg and began to limp. The temple of Hephaestus is a building populated with myths and different stories.

With a detailed examination of all the mosaics and images, legends and myths that tell of the life of the gods, one can come to the conclusion that all the gods were constantly feasting. And only as an entertainment they descended to the people. And only Hephaestus worked without a break, because he was a blacksmith and had power over fire and volcanoes. He produced the best weapons and equipment for the ancient Greek warrior Achilles, who became famous for his vulnerable place - the Achilles' heel. The life of the blacksmith was difficult and took place at the insanely hot fiery furnace. Lovers of mythology are eager to visit the temple of Hephaestus. Photos of the monument can be found in many guidebooks.

History of the temple

According to scientists, researchers who studied different written sources and legends, this temple was erected during the reign of Pericles. He had the ability to convince citizens with speeches, and the talented management of the troops helped with minimal losses to defend themselves from attacks by the enemies. It is believed that the reign of Pericles is the golden age of Athens. By his order, this famous building was erected.

It was built for 35 years, starting from 450 BC. It is not difficult to see that during this time there was the possibility of building several such facilities. But sources tell us that many of the people involved were sent to erect a huge Parthenon. The temple of Hephaestus was magnificent. Athens is more famous for them.

Magnificent gardens

Despite the historian's records of the traveler Pausanias, who described even the ancient Corinth, the name of the architect who developed the plan of this church is for certain unknown. Part of the old written sources says that in the adjoining territory of the Temple of Hephaestus there was a magnificent garden. At this point the philosophers thought about life under the shade of trees.

The pagan temple was converted into the Church of St. George in the 7th century AD. This happened because the former greatness of Athens had already passed: there were no money and workers in the city. By the way, Christians often turned ancient churches into temples. Take, for example, the world-famous "Tower of the Winds", which is one of the oldest stations to monitor the weather. King Otto forced Christians to leave this building and made a museum out of it. Such a story survived the temple of Hephaestus. Greece is a country of myths and legends.

Temple architecture

The temple of Hephaestus is one of the few structures that have survived to this day in excellent condition, and this is its awesomeness. It is located on the hill Agoraios, the size of the building is 31.7 x 13.7 m. The thirty four columns and the roof of the building were miraculously preserved. It is necessary to note the ionic style of the frieze of the temple where Hephaestus was revered. Eighteen of the sixty-eight marks are made in the form of sculptures. The methods tell the travelers about the exploits of Hercules and the adventures of Theseus.

Sculptures that do not exist

The well-known thinker Pausanias, who described what he saw during wandering around the world, in his notes tells us that in the middle of the temple there were 2 large bronze sculptures:

• The master of fire, Hephaestus;
• Patroness of the Greek capital Athens Pallas.

Unfortunately, these statues, like many frescoes and mosaics, are destroyed and stolen by enemies and robbers.

Temple of workers

Famous architects think that the Temple of Hephaestus is created in the image of the Parthenon, as well as many other smaller temples that used to be in Athens. Their opinion is not unfounded, because at that time most of the sanctuaries for worshiping the gods were erected in the Doric style. By the way, archaeologists have found in the area of the Temple of Hephaestus many remnants of workshops of blacksmiths and potters. This fact testifies to the desire of the masters of that time to perform work near the lord of fire and his temple.

It is worth adding to what has been said that most Greeks are still convinced today that this building was erected in honor of Theseus, who won in the complex and intricate tunnels of the terrible Minotaur. In support of this strange version indicate a statue of Theseus, who competes with Hercules. Earlier there was an opinion that under the structure the body of the brave hero Theseus was buried. But the excavations conducted did not reveal any graves under him and near him. However, the researchers made another discovery: a modest shrine, which existed much earlier than the temple itself. His destiny and other details are almost impossible to learn, as only the remains of stone walls remained from him.

The appearance of the temple attracts a large number of travelers and is rightfully considered the most popular object of the capital of Greece. You can enter the Temple of Hephaestus for a small fee. And children can see this landmark live with their own roof alive without any payment. The sight of this temple fascinates with its greatness and helps to represent Ancient Greece in all its glory and power. The Temple of Hephaestus (Athens) is a place worth noting.