This temple was built to show Athens’ rising power. It was the largest temple built in the ancient world. Construction was initiated by Kallisthenes and Antimachidis (as architects), but they were unable to finish it, because of an uprising. Then, in 174 BC, Antioches tried to finish it and Cosstus made it Corinthian during this time period, which solved many of the compositional issues. It was not completed, however, until 130 AD, by Hadrian, when he also completed the Parthenon. Even though it was finished, there was still no roof, because it would have been too hard to build given the size of the temple—to give an idea, the epistyles (beams) are 26 feet long.
Each temple we saw reflected the god it was dedicated to in the landscape. This one is in a tranquil and strong landscape, representing Zeus. But it does not only represent Zeus, it became the epitome of romanticism in the 19th century, because of its fallen column. Unfortunately, only a small portion of the temple remains. It was looted throughout history because it was made of good building materials.
Each temple we saw reflected the god it was dedicated to in the landscape. This one is in a tranquil and strong landscape, representing Zeus. But it does not only represent Zeus, it became the epitome of romanticism in the 19th century, because of its fallen column. Unfortunately, only a small portion of the temple remains. It was looted throughout history because it was made of good building materials.