Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5. EAST PROPYLON
This is one of the two original entrances to the marketplace. In a stoa next to it
are sculptures of important Romans, probably officials or emperors, which shoppers
would have seen while coming and going.
6. FETIYE MOSQUE
During the Ottoman occupation, the Forum remained an important centre. In 1456,
the Turks built this “Mosque of the Conqueror” directly over the ruins of an early
Christian church.
7. COURTYARD
This was the centre of activity. The courtyard was surrounded by shops and work-
shops selling food, cloth, ceramics, jewellery and wares from abroad. The Emperor
Hadrian had the courtyard paved in the second century AD.
8. FOUNTAIN
This splashing marble fountain, whose waters, like those of the water clock, may also
have been sourced from the Acropolis, once provided cool relief to market-goers. But
stay away from the brackish water that occasionally fills it today.
9. GATE OF ATHENA ARCHEGETIS
The monumental four-columned western entrance to the forum is built of beautiful
Pentelic marble. It was built in 11 BC by Julius Caesar and Augustus, and dedicated
by the people of Athens to the goddess Athena.
View photo
10. INSCRIPTION OF JULIUS CAESAR AND AUGUSTUS
The inscription denoting that the Gate of Athena Archegetis was built by Caesar and
Augustus is so faded that it can now only be seen at noon precisely. Stand outside the
forum, and look directly at the top of the entrance.
