Temple Of Athena (Atena Tağınağı)

The “Temple of Athena” (Atena Tapınağı) is a historical site located in the ancient city of Priene, which is situated in the modern-day Aydın province of Turkey. The temple is dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, who was revered as the patron goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategic warfare.

The construction of the Temple of Athena in Priene began in the 4th century BCE, during the Hellenistic period. The temple was designed by the famous architect Pytheos, who was also responsible for the design of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Temple of Athena in Priene is a prime example of ancient Greek architecture, specifically the Ionic order. It features a rectangular plan with a colonnaded portico on the east and west sides. The temple is elevated on a platform with stairs leading up to the entrance. The cella, or inner sanctuary, was reserved for the statue of Athena, while the opisthodomos, or back chamber, was used as a treasury.

Today, the Temple of Athena in Priene is a popular tourist attraction, and its ruins can be visited by travelers interested in ancient Greek history and architecture.