What I can see

The Arsenal of Philon is not clearly discernible today. To view this ancient building you must enter the modern building rising on top of the ancient ruins. It was named after the architect Philon of Exikestidis, from Eleusis, and was used to store detachable parts from Athenian ships, such as ropes, rudders, oars and sails. It was also used to store ship spare parts. It is made of stone and pentelic marble.

What I can't see

This is where the 196 ships of the port of Zea were maintained. It was built in anticipation of a war with the Macedonians during their Hellenic campaign to unite the Greek city-states. The size of the building was a deliberate choice. It symbolizes the supremacy of the Athenians at sea. The arsenal was destroyed by the invading Romans. Unfortunately, we do not have a complete picture of what the building looked like. Based on findings, we can deduce that it was 18 metres wide and 131 metres long, it had two floors and two colonnades with 35 columns each. Besides being functional, it was also an aesthetic marvel. It is no coincidence that Pliny included it in the wonders of the ancient world.

Info

• Address: 2as Merarchias, Ypsilantou and Kountouriotou St.

Bibliography