The arsenal of ancient Athens.
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Only a few stones of the building’s foundation have survived. Its dimensions were about 17 x 44 m. There is not much certainty about its use. Even its dimensions were hard to pinpoint. Archaeologists relied on the traces left by the foundations on the rock. The building had three aisles and is not similar to any temple or building of the Assembly. It is, however, similar to the Arsenal of Philon in Piraeus, which is why it is assumed that it was a warehouse for military equipment.
It is quite possible that it also served as a storehouse for olive oil, which was actually given to the winners of the Panathenaic Games. These uncertain conclusions about the use of the building were mainly based on fragments and pottery found around it and at the bottom of a cistern (water tank), which supplied water to the building. Apparently, the building was completely destroyed by the Romans, never rebuilt, and perhaps later was used as a quarry.
Thompson H.A., Wycherley R.E., (1972), The Athenian Agora, results of excavations conducted by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, v.6, The Agora of Athens, the History, shape and uses of an ancient city center, The American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Princeton, New Jersey
300 BC It was originally estimated to have been built around 300 BC, but may have actually been built a few decades later.
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