The Majestic Temple of Hephaestus
In a city full of amazing ancient Greek structures, there are few things in Athens as breathtaking as the Temple of Hephaestus. One of the many ancient Greek architectural masterpieces on display in the city, the Temple of Hephaestus has stood the test of time for a variety of reasons over it’s 2000+ year history.
We were amazed to see the condition of the temple versus the Parthenon, overlooking us from the top of the Acropolis. As you approach the temple, the sight of the imposing columns against the clear blue Athenian sky, evokes a sense of wonder. Walking aside the temple’s colonnade, one can’t help but be awed by the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the ancient Greeks.
Historical Significance
The Temple of Hephaestus, also known as the Hephaisteion, was built between 449 and 415 BCE on top of the Agoraios Kolonos Hill, within the ancient Agora of Athens. We actually learned a lot about the temple while touring the Acropolis museum, as they are inextricably linked together. The temple was designed by the renowned Greek architect Ictinus, who also contributed to the construction of the Parthenon. During the time of their construction, Pericles, a Greek politician and general during the golden age of Athens, redirected funds and raw material from the building of the temple, which was already in progress, to complete the Parthenon. Taking decades to complete, the temple was fittingly dedicated to Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire, metalworking, and craftsmanship, as well as to Athena Ergane, the goddess of artisans.
Preservation and Restoration
Unlike many ancient Greek structures in Athens and surrounding regions, the Temple of Hephaestus has survived remarkably intact. It owes part of its excellent preservation to being converted into a Christian church during the Byzantine era, which helped protect it from being dismantled or modified. Later, in the 19th century, the temple underwent significant restoration work to preserve its original glory.
The temple is in similar condition to Concordia, in the Valley of the Temples, in Agrigento. The main difference being the Temple of Hephaestus, along with the Parthenon, is made of marble. The temples built in the Magna Graecia regions of Sicily were built of Sandstone.
Architectural Marvel
It should be mandatory to have an architect accompanying anyone who visits Athens. Thankfully for me, my wife is an architect. She pointed out to me that the the temple exemplifies the Doric order of ancient Greek architecture, known for its simplicity, strength, and harmonious proportions. It is a Peripteral temple, meaning it is surrounded by a colonnade of imposing Doric columns.
The Temple of Hephaestus features six columns on each end, and thirteen columns on each side, totaling thirty-four in all. These columns, along with the carefully crafted entablature, create a sense of grandeur and stability.
The frieze of the temple depicts scenes from the labors of Hercules, offering a visual narrative of Greek mythology. The metopes, placed above the columns, portray various legendary battles and mythical creatures.
The architectural details showcase the remarkable skill of the craftsmen who worked on the temple, as they managed to capture intricate designs in marble with remarkable precision.
Additionally, from the temple’s elevated position, we were treated to panoramic views of the surrounding Agora, and the city of Athens.