Sculptures of Panathenaic Stadium

What I can see

Many wonder what the sculptures in the Panathenaic Stadium symbolize. In ancient times, the stadium was decorated with statues. Likewise, today there are sculptures in various spots of the stadium and around it. These particular sculptures are two-faced Hermaic columns. In the horseshoe shape part of the stadium, there are two thrones carved in marble and were the seats of the royal couple. Later, new royal seats were created in the centre of the south side of the stadium, as were the seats with the names of de Coubertin and Brundage. On the wall of the left facade of the stadium, there is a built-in medal by an unknown artist depicting the architect Anastasios Metaxas, who had undertaken the renovation of the stadium in view of the Athens Olympic Games of 1896. Finally, in the southwest corner of the stadium we see 5 inscribed marble steles dedicated to the modern summer Olympics, the presidents of the IOC and the 1896 Athens Olympic Games.

What I can't see

Hermaic columns had a sacred value in antiquity; they functioned as tributes, entrance markers, signposts and often demarcated buildings and properties. In addition to being sacred, these columns were also considered symbols of good luck, just as was the case with the phallus, with which Hermes was associated and we also see on these columns.

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