Beginning around 750 BC, Greece began experiencing a dramatic increase in population, growing from 800,000 to more than 10 million in 400 years and beginning an era of Greek expansion and the spreading of Greek religion. Here are five of our favorite temples from that time, in Greece and beyond.
Temple of Apollo Epicurius, Bassae, Greece
An offbeat favorite, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius is unusual compared to most other temples, aligning north-south and utilizing all three orders of ancient Greek architecture — Doric and Ionic columns on the outside and Corinthian columns supporting the interior.
Paestum, Italy
Paestum was a major city of Ancient Greece, originally founded as Poseidonia before the Lucanians and then the Romans conquered it. The archeological site contains three well-preserved temples — two dedicated to Hera, the goddess of fertility and one dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom.
Temple of Zeus, Cyrene, Libya
In 630 BC, a group of settlers from the Greek island of Thera (now known as Santorini) landed in ancient Libya, led by Battus I, the founder of Cyrenaica and the first Greek king in Africa, thereby creating the 200-year Battiad dynasty. The capital city of Cyrene is home to the Temple of Zeus, built sometime in the 5th century BC.
Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily
Located on a ridge in Sicily, the Valle dei Templi contains seven Greek temples in the Doric style. The best preserved is the Temple of Concordia, while the oldest and least preserved is the Temple of Heracles, dating to the 6th century BC.
The Erechtheum, Athens, Greece
This Ionic temple is situated on the north side of the Acropolis, built between 421 and 407 BC, possibly dedicated to Erichthonius, the legendary hero of Ancient Greece. The temple is most known for its Caryatids, the six female figures supporting the right-side porch.
Read This Next
Top 5: Historic Sites in Athens, Greece
Europe
Dec 8, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
May 8, 20243 New Museum Exhibitions to Check Out in New Jersey
Sure, New York City’s museum scene gets all the love. However, in New Jersey, you can find plenty of unique offerings, some which are brand new this summer. Consider checking out these experiences before they’re gone.
Sponsored Content
Welcome to Wyndham Monterrey Ambassador Centro
Wyndham Monterrey Ambassador Centro, operated by Aimbridge LATAM, opened its doors, welcoming guests to one of the most iconic and traditional properties in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Boasting 229 rooms and suites, the hotel, part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, is ready for discerning travelers. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is the largest hotel franchise company in the world with approximately 9,100 hotels in more than 95 countries.
Hotel
May 8, 2024New Outdoors-Inspired Hotel to Open in Blue Ridge Mountains This Summer
Trailborn, a new hospitality brand rooted and inspired by the great American outdoors, announced its newest hotel opening. Set within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Trailborn Highlands opens this July and features 63 guestrooms.
Destinations / Europe
May 8, 2024Revealed: Europe’s Top 20 Wellness Destinations for Summer 2024
Wellness getaways are more popular than ever. According to research from Virtuoso, searches for “wellness retreats” are up a whopping 280 percent. The team at Cult Beauty analyzed cities in Europe to determine the most popular destinations for a European wellness getaway.
Sponsored Content
Your Home Away from Home in Dallas
Open spaces, open thinking and open expression thrive at Aloft Dallas Downtown.
Hotel
May 7, 2024Get Away to a Scottish Cottage
When you think of the perfect late spring escape, where do you imagine yourself staying? A beach resort? A luxury hotel in the city? What about a Scottish cottage?
ShareThis