The Friends of the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens are sponsoring a walking tour of HADRIAN’S ARCH, THE TEMPLE OF OLYMPIAN ZEUS and THE PANATHENAIC STADIUM on Sunday March 13, 2011 at 12:00 (noon). Dr. Stavros Paspalas tour leader.
In the heart of present-day Athens the area of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch was, for a great part of Antiquity, on the edge of the city. Nonetheless, the area was of utmost importance in the lives of the ancient Athenians, as is indicated by the siting of a number of very important sanctuaries within its confines. The most spectacular of these is the temple of Zeus, which we shall visit; we shall also examine the remains of the Roman period in this city sector, and also consider the impact of the Roman emperors, particularly Hadrian. We shall then move on to the Panathenaic Stadium, which not only has a fascinating ancient history, but a modern one as well. Why did the great Athenian benefactor of the Roman period Herodes Atticus encase the whole structure in marble? And why did Georgios Averoff follow his lead in the 1880’s?
Meet at Hadrian’s Arch, Vasilissis Amalias Street at noon Sunday March 13, 2011.
Cost: Members Euros 10.00 Guests Euros 15.00
You may pay on the day but PLEASE CALL the Office of the AAIA on 210 924 3256 to BOOK.