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The Porch of the Caryatids
Fifteen feet. That's the massive marble beam these six ladies are hiding beneath their elegant robes, concealing one of ancient architecture's most brilliant cover-ups. You're standing at the most famous balcony trick in history! Back in 421 BCE, when budget cuts hit the Erechtheion temple construction, architects faced a nightmare - how to support this southwest corner over King Kekrops' tomb below without ruining the design. Here's what most visitors miss - these aren't just pretty columns. Each caryatid originally held a shallow bowl called a phiale, pouring eternal libations down to the mythical half-serpent king buried beneath your feet. The one missing sister? Lord Elgin snatched her in 1800 for his Scottish mansion, and she's still stuck in London's British Museum while Greece keeps asking for her back. What you're seeing now are perfect replicas - the real ladies were rescued to the Acropolis Museum in 1979, finally safe from Athens' exhaust fumes after 2,400 years of holding up the roof!
Did You Know?
- The Porch of the Caryatids, part of the Erechtheion temple in Athens, Greece, is famous for its six draped female figures that serve as architectural supports instead of traditional columns. These figures, often mistakenly referred to as caryatids due to a Roman misunderstanding, were originally known simply as 'maidens' and are part of a long tradition of using female figures in Greek architecture, such as those found in the Siphnian Treasury at Delphi.
- The Porch of the Caryatids is not only a masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture but also holds significant historical and cultural importance. It was built during the Peace of Nicias (421-406 BCE) and is dedicated to Athena and Poseidon, symbolizing the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient Athens. The temple's design accommodates the uneven terrain of the Acropolis, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient Greek architects.
- One of the most fascinating aspects of the Porch of the Caryatids is the story behind the figures themselves. The original sculptures have been affected by time and pollution, with five now residing in the Acropolis Museum and one having been removed by Lord Elgin. The figures were believed to carry ritual objects, such as phiale, which suggests they might have represented priestesses or ritual participants in ancient ceremonies.