Athena Review Image Archive ™
Syracuse: Altar of Hieron, north side
Syracuse: Altar of Hieron, north side (Photo: Athena Review 2004)
The altar of Zeus Eleutherios (the Liberator) was constructed by Hieron II starting about 240 BC, at the same time that he rebuilt the nearby Greek theater, and also built a nymphaeum or fountain complex.
The vast altar structure, which contained some roofed and columned areas, is 196 m long (600 Doric feet), and 11 m high. Narrow stairways were located at each end of the front, flanked by telamones (guard statues).
In this view the altar is viewed from the north.
.Copyright © 1996-2019 Rust Family Foundation (All Rights Reserved).