THE TEMPLE OF POSEIDON

Overview of the Temple of Poseidon Sounion

The Temple of Poseidon is a significant historical and legendary site situated in the village of Sounion, this ancient sanctuary is dedicated to the god of the sea. The temple’s location and its stories reflect its deep connection to Greek mythology and maritime culture.

Like many historical sites in Greece, the Temple is steeped in both historical fact and legends.

Legend of King Aegeus

According to myth, King Aegeus of Athens ended his own life at the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion. While awaiting the return of his son Theseus from Crete, Aegeus observed the dark sails on the ship. Consequently, he erroneously thought that the Minotaur had slain his son. In reality, Theseus had simply forgotten to change the sails to white. This misunderstanding led to the Aegean Sea being named in Aegeus’s honor.

The Temple’s Role in Maritime Rituals

Ancient Greeks revered the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion as a sacred site. Sailors and locals visited the temple to appease Poseidon, who they believed controlled the sea and could cause storms if angered. They brought sacrifices and gifts to seek Poseidon’s favor and avoid his wrath.

Architectural Features

The Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion features a hexastyle design with a front portico supported by six Doric columns. The temple’s rectangular shape includes a colonnade on all sides and displays a frieze that depicts the myth of Theseus and the Battle of the Centaurs. Although it originally had 16 columns, only 15 remain today, a characteristic shared with other ancient coastal temples like the Temple of Aphaia in Aegina.

Preservation of Sculptures

Today, museums display the remaining marble sculptures from the Temple. The National Archaeological Museum of Athens, the Mineralogical Museum of Lavrio, and the British Museum in London all showcase these historic artifacts, offering a glimpse into the temple’s grandeur.