Athens isn't just famous for its Parthenon, there's another wonder hidden in plain sight...

Happy Friday folks,

Welcome to the highlight of your week: The House of Wisdom Newsletter, by yours truly, World Scholar.

We’ve had 2,500 years to appreciate the Erechtheion's unique design, but for a visitor in the 5th century BC, it must have seemed both stunning and distinctly odd. Its striking appearance stood out among classical structures of the time and it completely changed the way people looked at the wonders of ancient Greece…

Sit Back. Relax. And grab your cup of tea. Let’s dive in:

Unlike most mainland Greek temples, which primarily feature Doric columns, the Erechtheion is distinguished by its all-Ionic columns — except for the even more extraordinary Caryatids on the southern portico…

But what is a caryatid?

It’s most commonly seen in classical Greek buildings as a sculpted female figure used as a column or support for the ceiling. But this is also what adds artistic beauty to the structure, as you can see with the six famous Caryatids of the Erechtheion in Athens.

But this isn’t the only reason that makes the Erechtheion stand out.

Essentially, the Erechtheion combines two temples into one. The elevated eastern portico leads to the sanctuary of Athena Polias, housing a sacred olive-wood statue. The northern portico, lower by about ten feet, accesses the western section, where shrines for Poseidon-Erechtheus, Hephaistos, and Boutes (all from Greek mythology) reside, defying the norms of symmetrical temple design seen in mainstream classical buildings.

But why was it even built?

Well, it all goes back to the final phase of a grand reorganization of the Acropolis in the 5th century BC.

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Under General Pericles' leadership and after the Persian sack, Athens embarked on an ambitious project to redesign the sacred hill of the Acropolis, leveraging resources from the Delian League to create a unified architectural vision.

This monumental project redefined what we know today as Classical architecture, contrasting with the previously organic growth of Greek cities.

Pericles envisioned four major wonders, each replacing older temples, to become enduring symbols of Greek ideals and artistry.

With the first and most famous structure being built, being the Parthenon.

Then there was The Great Propylaea. And it served as the majestic entrance to the Acropolis, designed to inspire awe in any and every visitor that would enter the sacred site. Its striking Doric and Ionic columns create a dramatic threshold from the mundane to the sacred.

And it was designed by Mnesikles, the very same architect who would go on to create the Erechtheion.

Then there was the Temple of Athena Nike, celebrating Athens' military successes against the Persians. It featured elegant Ionic design, highlighted by the exquisite reliefs of Greek mythology, with the centerpiece being Nike adjusting her sandal.

And finally, the Erechtheion was completed in the late 5th century BC, replacing the Ancient Temple of Athena Polias. Progress was hindered by Athens' war with Sparta, requiring adjustments to the original design and ultimately shaping its distinctive character.

The architect, Mnesikles, faced numerous challenges, including placing the building on a slope next to the remnants of a Doric temple.

Instead of competing with the Parthenon’s grandeur or mimicking its Doric style, Mnesikles decided that the Erechtheion would present a complementary design, having the same distinctive elegance and fine detail.

This approach allowed for innovative design, as seen in the Ionic Caryatid porch, which is now thought to be a solution to the limitations in space in the Acropolis.

Now the Caryatids you see today at the Erechtheion aren’t in fact real: they’re replicas of the originals.

One statue and over half of the Parthenon’s surviving sculptures were taken by Lord Elgin in 1802, to be displayed in the British Museum, shortly before the Greek War of Independence of 1821. The remaining five were removed for preservation in 1978 and are housed in the Acropolis Museum.

It is thought that these six statues were meant to symbolize the women of Caryae, an ancient town punished for siding with the Persians during the second invasion of Greece, but no one really knows where the inspiration came from.

And if you look really closely, you notice an incredible detail: though similar in height and attire, each Caryatid possesses unique facial features, stances, and hairstyles. The three on the left stand on their right foot, while those on the right stand on their left foot.

But its history doesn’t just end there…The Erechtheion also reveals a colorful past. Traces of paint indicate that Greek temples were often vividly adorned, contrasting with our modern perception of white marble.

The original design included bronze panels and metal decorations, catching sunlight and shimmering against the Athenian skyline.

It goes against what we perceive as a dull and boring design in ancient times, showing us that there’s much more hidden in plain sight than we first imagined.

Just like the Erechtheion and its Caryatids.

Eternal, Elegant but pleasantly Unusual.

Until Next Time,

World Scholar