News (Ancient) The Stoa of Attalos: Restored Agora of Athens

 

Bestiola

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The Stoa of Attalos (also spelled Attalus) is a monument that was once part of the ancient Agora of Athens. This stoa was built along the eastern edge of the agora, and dates to the 2nd century BC. This monument was named after King Attalos II of Pergamon, who gifted it to the people of Athens. The Stoa of Attalos was destroyed during the 3 rd century AD but was later rebuilt in the 1950s. This reconstruction still stands today, and currently houses the Agora of Athens Museum.

In ancient Greek architecture, a stoa is a covered walkway or portico supported by columns. The Stoa of Attalos, is one of the more famous ancient stoas. This stoa was a gift from Attalos II, the King of Pergamon, to the Athenians. The king had spent some time studying under the philosopher Karneades in Athens. To show his appreciation for the city, he decided to build this magnificent stoa.

Since the agora was a public space, the Stoa of Attalos was not only a shopping area, but also a place where the ancient Athenians could gather to socialize. Indeed, as a covered walkway, the stoa provided shade from the summer heat, as well as from the winter rain and wind, thus making it an ideal place for public gatherings.

The Stoa of Attalos was in use for centuries, until it was destroyed in 267 AD by the Herulians, a Germanic people who were raiding Roman provinces in the Balkans and Aegean.

The ruins of the stoa were subsequently incorporated into a new fortification wall, which saved it from further destruction, and helped preserve its northern end up until the level of the roof. In the centuries that followed, the ruins of the stoa led a quiet existence in its new role as part of the fortification wall. Although the stoa had always been visible, thanks to the preservation of its northern end, it seems that it was largely forgotten.
 
 

Terry S.

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