Heraion of Samos
Ηραίον Σάμου · Samian Heraion · Heraion of Pythagoreion
Archaic to Roman ~900 BCE–300 CE·Samian Greek (Ionian)·🇬🇷 North Aegean, Samos island, Greece
About
About Heraion of Samos
Ioian giant: largest free-standing Greek temple attempted, double-dipolar plan 108.6 m x 55.3 m with 8x21 columns 18 m high - the 570 BCE 'Rhoikos Temple' of tyrant Polycrates - surrounded by sacred way from old town and 9th c. BCE altar of Rhoikos. Only one half-column survives upright. Rivalled Ephesus Artemision; both pioneered Ionic order. Sanctuary includes North Stoa, South Building and Roman baths. UNESCO 1992 together with Pythagoreion.
Why it mattersBirthplace of monumental Ionic alongside Ephesus; engineering source for Pythagoreion.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why giant dipteros never roofed - structural impossibility vs Samian exchequer
- 02Single column survivor static mystery vs earthquake direction
Theories
- 01Giant as Polycratean thalassocracy propaganda versus Ephesus Artemis
- 02Hera sanctuary as Mycenaean continuity on pre-Greek settlement
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- First temple 570 BCE Rhoikos; Polycratean giant 538–530 BCE unfinished
- Period
- Archaic to Roman ~900 BCE–300 CE
- Culture
- Samian Greek (Ionian)
- Builders
- Samian architects Rhoikos and Theodoros under Polycrates
- Purpose
- Pan-Ionian Hera sanctuary and Polycratean thalassocracy display
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
First temple 570 BCE Rhoikos; Polycratean giant 538–530 BCE unfinished
Initial construction
c. 1281 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
37.6717° N · 26.8869° E · 8 m · 3 mapped features
Great Dipteral Temple
templeSingle surviving column of 109 m giant
37.6719° N · 26.8875° EGreat Altar
altar36 m Rhoikos altar west of temple
37.6715° N · 26.8860° ESacred Way
roadProcessional street from Pythagoreio
37.6700° N · 26.8900° E
Gallery