Philopappos Monument

What I can see

It is an approximately 12-metre-high monument, made from marble from Penteli and Hymettos, while the groundwork is of porous stone. The facade is divided into two zones. In the lower part there is a relief representation of a procession of Senators with Philopappos on a chariot, while in the upper part, there are three statues inside niches. Philopappos is depicted in the middle and his ancestors on his left and right. This monument is an exception for the established Greco-Roman burial customs, both for the choice of its place that goes back to the traditions of Commagene (Syria), and for its decoration that incorporates artistic elements of three different worlds (Athens, Rome, Commagene). Thus, it seems to be “opposed” to the Parthenon, which is prominently located on a hill directly opposite and is governed by moderation, something that does not characterize the “loaded” monument of Philopappos.

What I can't see

Gaius Julius Antiochus Philopappos was a prince of the Kingdom of Commagene (Syria). With the invasion of the Romans he was expatriated and moved to Athens, which he adored and to which he contributed greatly. For his benefactions to the city, Athenians offered him the title of Athenian citizen that he considered it the highest honour, and built this monument in his honour, with the funding of his sister, Iulia Balbilla. The monument survived until the mid-15^th century. Some of its architectural parts were used during the Ottoman period to build the minaret of the Parthenon when it was converted into a mosque.

Info

• Address: Philopappos Hill

Bibliography