Athens’ Arch of Hadrian and the Temple of Zeus …

 

Although there were several attempts over the years to finish the Temple of Zeus (the father of the Gods), it was not completed until l 132 A.D. DSC_0020during Emperor Hadrian’s reign. During the Roman period, this was the largest temple in Greece –even exceeding the Parthenon in size. In its day, the temple included over 100 columns and stood over 50 feet high. Fifteen columns remain standing today. One of its columns was toppled by an earthquake and its pieces have been left undisturbed, neatly in alignment. 

To celebrate the completion DSC_0071of the temple of Zeus, and to recognize the many public works of Emperor Hadrian, the Athenians built an arched  gateway. This imposing structure, built in 132 A.D. is made of marble and is said to have marked the boundary between the new and ancient city of Athens.

 

While in the area, we drove past the site of the Olympic Stadium DSC_0203which was one of the venues for the modern games, which were resurrected in 1896.  This stadium, was refurbished on the site of the original stadium, holds 60,000 spectators and is still in use today for concerts and other events.

Before wrapping up the day, we drove to the DSC_0263highest point in Athens to take this picture of the night lights of the city and, of course, the Parthenon!   It was quite a sight to behold!

 

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