Archaeological Site of Heraion of Samos
VĂłreio AigaĂo
The Archaeological Site of Heraion of Samos is a monumental sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera, located on the Greek island of Samos in the North Aegean. The worship of Hera here dates back to the Bronze Age, specifically the Mycenaean period, initially marked by a small stone altar and a shrine protecting a wooden cult statue. In the 8th century BCE, the altar was expanded and the first Hera temple, known as the Hekatompedos due to its length of 100 feet, was constructed with brick walls and a wooden roof supported by timber columns. This temple was rebuilt in the 7th century BCE with a stone foundation and wooden peristyle. The most remarkable phase came in the mid-6th century BCE when architect Rhoikos and artist Theodoros built a colossal double-aisled temple measuring approximately 52.5 by 105 meters, featuring massive limestone columns about 18 meters tall with fluting made by a rotary wheel invented by Theodoros. This temple was hailed as a marvel of Ionic architecture but was destroyed soon after completion by an earthquake. Later, during the tyranny of Polycrates, a larger temple was constructed, described by Herodotus as the greatest temple seen by the Greeks, measuring roughly 55.16 by 108.63 meters. The site includes ruins of these successive temples and offers insight into the religious and architectural development of ancient Greece. Today, the Heraion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key attraction for visitors interested in ancient Greek religion, architecture, and history.
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Tipp: The best time to visit the Heraion of Samos is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. It is recommended to check opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets online or at the site to avoid queues. Visitors should wear comfortable footwear as the archaeological site involves walking on uneven terrain. Guided tours are available and can enrich the experience with detailed historical context. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups.
Interessante Fakten
- •The temple built by architect Rhoikos and artist Theodoros featured columns approximately 18 meters tall, carved with fluting using a rotary wheel invented by Theodoros.
- •The Heraion of Samos was one of the largest Ionic temples ever constructed in ancient Greece.
- •Herodotus described the temple built during Polycrates’ rule as 'the greatest temple we have seen'.
- •The site contains successive layers of temples reflecting architectural evolution from the Mycenaean period through the Archaic and Classical periods.
Geschichte
The worship of Hera at Samos began in the Bronze Age with a small altar and shrine in the Mycenaean period.
In the 8th century BCE, the first temple, the Hekatompedos, was built with brick walls and a wooden roof.
It was rebuilt in the 7th century BCE with stone foundations.
The mid-6th century BCE saw the construction of a massive double-aisled temple under architect Rhoikos and artist Theodoros, which was destroyed by an earthquake shortly after completion.
Subsequently, during the tyranny of Polycrates, an even larger temple was erected, acclaimed by Herodotus as the greatest temple known to the Greeks.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
The Hekatompedos Temple8th century BCE
The earliest known temple on the site from the 8th century BCE, characterized by its length of 100 feet and brick walls with a wooden roof supported by timber columns. It represents the initial monumental worship of Hera on Samos.
The Rhoikos and Theodoros Templecirca 570-560 BCE
A colossal double-aisled Ionic temple constructed around 570-560 BCE under architect Rhoikos and sculptor Theodoros. It measured approximately 52.5 by 105 meters and featured massive limestone columns about 18 meters tall with fluting made by a rotary wheel. This temple was considered a marvel of Ionic architecture before being destroyed by an earthquake.
Polycrates' Templemid-6th century BCE
Constructed during the tyranny of Polycrates, this temple was even larger than the previous one, measuring approximately 55.16 by 108.63 meters. Herodotus praised it as the greatest temple the Greeks had seen, reflecting the zenith of Samos' religious and architectural achievement.