Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
Ναός του Επικούριου Απόλλωνα · Bassae Apollo Temple · Vassae
Classical 429–400 BCE·Ancient Greek Arcadian (Phigalian)·🇬🇷 Peloponnese, Messenia/Arcadia border, Greece
About
About Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae
Isolated 429–400 BCE temple on Mount Kotylion at 1,131 m, designed by Iktinos (Parthenon architect) for Phigalia to thank Apollo Epicurius for ending plague. Combines Doric, Ionic and earliest Corinthian capital in Greece, oriented north–south (not east) with side-door for Apollo's dawn light. Preserved inside a tent-like shelter against frost. Contains the Bassae Frieze (now British Museum) depicting Greeks vs Amazons and Lapiths vs Centaurs.
Why it mattersEarliest and most complete experiment mixing Doric/Ionic/Corinthian; Iktinos' second masterpiece.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01North-south orientation intentional for light or terrain
- 02Frieze continuous indoor placement vs Parthenon exterior
Theories
- 01Plague votive following Periclean plague
- 02Sanctuary as Arcadian border marker
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- 429–400 BCE
- Period
- Classical 429–400 BCE
- Culture
- Ancient Greek Arcadian (Phigalian)
- Builders
- Phigalians with architect Iktinos
- Purpose
- Apollo Epicurius plague-thanksgiving temple on isolated peak
- Excavation
- Excavated
429–400 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1260 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
37.4299° N · 21.9007° E · 1130 m · 2 mapped features
Temple Cella
templeInterior with Corinthian capital
37.4300° N · 21.9005° EShelter Structure
structureAnti-weather tent enclosing temple
37.4297° N · 21.9010° E
Gallery