The Temple of Athena Polias at Rhodes

The Acropolis of Rhodes

   The Acropolis of Rhodes dominated the western and highest part of the city of Rhodes, Greece. It was not fortified like most ancient acropolis. It consisted of a monumental zone with Sanctuaries, large Temples, public buildings and underground cult places.

   The buildings were built on stepped terraces supported by strong retaining walls. It was full of fields and groves, in the words of the 2nd c. CE orator Ailios Aristides.

   The style of the Hellenistic architecture on the Acropolis of Rhodes was perfectly conveyed by the combination of natural beauty and artificial transformations. The buildings on the Acropolis date to the Hellenistic and Late Hellenistic periods (3rd-2nd c. BCE).

Map of Rhodes' Acropolis
(Click the image for a full screen view)

The History of the Excavations

   The excavations were carried out by the Italian Archaeological School during the Italian occupation of the island (1912-1945). The Temple of Athena was excavated by G. Jacopi in 1926. In 1934 the excavations where carried on under L. Laurenzi. For the excavations at Rhodes, see, Jacopi, G., Clara Rhodos.

   From 1946 onwards the Greek Archaeological Service conducted excavations which added to our knowledge of the history and topography of the place. The whole of the Acropolis has not yet been excavated. An archaeological zone of 12,500 m² has been excluded from contemporary building with the intention of continuing excavation works to uncover the splendid ancient city of Rhodes.

   There was extensive reconstruction during the Italian occupation in keeping with the spirit of the time. From 1946 onwards the Greek Archaeological Service carried out restoration work in the area of the Temple of Pythian Apollo, which had suffered considerable damage from bombing in the 2nd World War and from the weight of the artillery that had been installed there. During the 60's and 70's there was reconstruction work to the west foundation of the same Temple, and in 1996 further reconstruction was carried out on the Temple and the Nymphaeums.

The Temple of Athena Polias

   The Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus is located on the northern edge of the Acropolis. It is orientated E-W and was a Doric peripteral Temple (having a columned portico on all four sides) made of poros.

   Four oversize column drums and parts of a capital and architrave still to be seen on the site are an indication of its original monumental character. The larger column drums have 1.20m (48in) in diameter and are 67cm (26.8in) high. The smaller column drums have 1.00m (40in) in diameter and are 62-63cm (24.8in-25.2in) high. The capital has 1.00m (40in) in diameter and is 52cm (20.8in) high [22cm (8.8in) to the abacus and 30cm (12in) to the echinus and rings].

   This was where the Rhodians kept the texts of their treaties with other states.

   The Temple stood in a larger temenus (enclosure) bounded by a stoa on the east.

Clickable Map of Rhodes' Acropolis
(Click the image for a full screen view)

The Hellenistic Stoa

   Today the foundation wall of a Stoa is preserved, which must have had an imposing facade visible from the lower town and harbor.

The Nymphaeums

   The Nymphaeums are located to the east and south of the wall of the Stoa. They consist of four subterranean cave-like constructions cut into the rock with entrance steps, communicating passages and a large opening in the central part of the roof. There are recesses in the interior walls for statuettes. Water cisterns and lush vegetation complete the picture. They were places for recreation and worship.

The Library

   There used to be a fine Library containing notable works of rhetoric, near the Gymnasium and the Odeon, according to an inscription found in the area.

  Tourist Information:
 

   The city of Rhodes is the capital of Rhodes island, Greece. The ancient acropolis of Rhodes is to be found in the district Ag. Stefanos (Monte Smith). It is less than 3 km from the center of Rhodes-town. This may be reached either by foot or with bus number 5, which leaves Eleftherias square (new market) every half-hour.

  Other Views:
 

Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus

Aerial view of Temple of Pythian Apollo and acropolis area, from NE

Promontory and city of Rhodes from Mt. Phileremos

Acropolis and Temple of Pythian Apollo, from SW

Temple of Pythian Apollo, foundations and reerected columns from W

Temple of Pythian Apollo, entablature and reerected columns of NE corner

  Links:
 

Timeline: Hellenistic period.

Hellenic Ministry of Culture: Rhodes Acropolis.