Sounion Temple of Poseidon Peristasis South
Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional·Classical Greek/Roman·🇬🇷 Attica, Sounion, Greece
About
About Sounion Temple of Poseidon Peristasis South
Sounion Temple of Poseidon Peristasis South in Attica, Sounion, Greece is a Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional temple complex attributed to Classical Greek/Roman. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal sanctuary 80 × 55 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 37.6500N 24.0240E controls access to Attica resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey temple complex for Attica, Sounion, illustrating Classical Greek/Roman construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 450 BCE–100 CE
- Period
- Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional
- Culture
- Classical Greek/Roman
- Purpose
- Sanctuary and ceremonial centre for state cult
- Rediscovered
- 1967 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 450 BCE–100 CE
Initial construction of Sounion Temple of Poseidon Peristasis South main structure
c. 1907
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1967–2012
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Sounion Temple of Poseidon Peristasis South) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
37.6500° N · 24.0240° E · 129 m · 3 mapped features
Sounion Temple of Poseidon Peristasis South — Main Structure
structurePrincipal temple complex — Sanctuary 80 × 55 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
37.6508° N · 24.0249° ESounion Temple of Poseidon Peristasis South — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
37.6490° N · 24.0233° ESounion Temple of Poseidon Peristasis South — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
37.6515° N · 24.0252° E