ATHENS, GREECE—eKathimerini reports that a building complex with a courtyard was discovered in central Athens during a construction project on Vasilissis Olgas Avenue. The structure has been dated to the second century A.D., likely during a city-wide expansion project undertaken by the Roman emperor Hadrian (reigned A.D. 117–138). The building was later expanded in the fourth century. The many rooms contain mosaics featuring geometric motifs, a first-century A.D. altarpiece dedicated to Apollo, 21 inscriptions, and sculptures of Athena, Aphrodite, Dionysus, Pan, satyrs, and dancers. For more on architecture in Athens, go to "The Acropolis of Athens."
2nd-Century A.D. Building Uncovered in Athens
News October 30, 2023
Recommended Articles
Digs & Discoveries March/April 2012
Roman Bath Tiles
Digs & Discoveries September/October 2024
Cosmic Ray Calendar
Features September/October 2024
Hunting for the Lost Temple of Artemis
After a century of searching, a chance discovery led archaeologists to one of the most important sanctuaries in the ancient Greek world
Digs & Discoveries July/August 2024
A Friend for Hercules
-
Features September/October 2023
Ukraine's Lost Capital
In 1708, Peter the Great destroyed Baturyn, a bastion of Cossack independence and culture
(Leonid Andronov/Alamy Stock Photo) -
Letter from Vesuvius September/October 2023
Digging on the Dark Side of the Volcano
Survivors of the infamous disaster rebuilt their lives on the ashes of the A.D. 79 eruption
(Courtesy Girolamo Ferdinando De Simone) -
Artifacts September/October 2023
Padlock
(Courtesy James Davidson) -
Digs & Discoveries September/October 2023
Nose to Tail
(Lisa See collection. The Huntington Library, San Marino, California)