Monument of Eponymous Heroes
The Monument of Eponymous Heroes had 10 bronze statues representing the 10 tribes of ancient Athens.
Modern and Contemporary era (1821 - )
1931 The excavation revealed the monument.
Ottoman era (1453- 1821)
Byzantine era (331 AC- 1453)
Roman era (30 BC- 330 AC)
267 AD Destroyed by the Heruli.
Hellenistic era (322- 31 BC)
Classical era (478-323 BC)
The initial monument was built in the 5th century BC. The later, during the third quarter of the 4th century BC.
Archaic era (800-479 BC)
Geometric era (-1100- 800 BC)
Prehistory (-1100 BC)
What I can see
On the west side of the Ancient Agora, there is a monument to the Eponymous (famous) heroes of the Athenian tribes, which were believed to have united and formed ancient Athens. On the elongated base, there were bronze statues of mythical heroes of the 10 tribes of Athens, one statue for each tribe. During the Roman years, after additions and removal of statues over the centuries, the monument had likely reached a length of up to 21 m.
What I can't see
The monument initially was in the southwest corner of the Agora, and it is uncertain whether it retained the same form or was rebuilt in a different form when it moved to its current location. By the law of Cleisthenes (508 BC), every citizen of Athens was registered in their tribe, and in this way each person was “connected” to their tribe’s respective hero, regardless of whether they were an aristocrat. At both ends of the monument there were tripods, and the base also served as a bulletin board, with conscription lists, upcoming trials, and other announcements placed there. When an announcement concerned a particular tribe, it was placed under the corresponding statue. Later, some statues were removed or others were added, such as those of benefactors and allies. The old eponymous heroes also had their own sanctuaries in other places, where they were worshiped by members of their tribe.
Bibliography
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
Travlos J., (1980), Pictorial Dictionary of Ancient Athens, New York: Hacker Art Book
Unsigned, (2012), Μνημείο των Επωνύμων Ηρώων, [Monument of the Eponymous Heroes], Odysseus, Ministry of Culture,
http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/gh251.jsp?obj_id=19812
Last visit 15/2/2022
Foka Ι., Valavanis P., (1994), Περίπατοι στην Αθήνα και την Αττική, τόποι, θεοί, μνημεία [Strolls in Athens and Attica, places, gods, monuments], Kedros
