Tholos

The tholos of Athens

1) Context

Built on the Agora of Athens after the destruction of 480 by Xerses (Médiques wars). The excavations of Tholos are made by the Americans in 1934. It is rebuilt into 465, it replaces an older monument which had the same function.

2) “Indentity card of work”

Work is carried out by: The function of Tholos: This building is used for the prytanes (it are controlling them of Athens: executive power for one month.) The prytanes are nourished and placed in Tholos during all the period of the mandate (one month) This building with thus a function of kitchen, room to eat Tholos with another function: that is related to the economic activities of the city and the Acropolis. One preserves a series of official measurement at it and there is a control of measurements of commercial capacities.

3) Literary and iconographic data on work

Tholos is mentioned in many texts, therefore one knows his function.

4) Description of work

Tholos is a circular building. This circular monument is supported by 6 central columns with a door which opens on the west coast. It is a very simple monument it does not have there extravagance. Beside Tholos there is another small circular building which to him is attached it is a place which is used as kitchen.

5) Importance of work

This monument is intended for the housing of the Athenian democracy therefore it is of an extreme simplicity to be able represented all the citizens in the same way. In what this building can it represent the Athenian democracy.

The tholos of Epidaure

Built by the architect and Polyclète sculptor the Young person in the middle of IVe century front J. - C., remarkable by its decorated Corinthian columns of very beautiful capitals.

See too

Agora of Athens

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