The Legend and Mystery of the Erechtheion in Athens

The Legend and Mystery of the Erechtheion in Athens

The building's upper structure is supported by six female figures known as Caryatids or korai. Standing over seven feet tall and carved from fine Pentelic marble each figure depicts a young woman clad in heavy drapery standing upright with her legs together a style characteristic of early Greek art that still bears the influence of ancient Egypt. These six figures which serve as columns for the porch of the Erechtheion on the Athenian Acropolis are precise replicas five of the originals are preserved in a museum.

The name Caryatid refers to the "maidens of Caryae legend holds that the women of this city or the city itself betrayed the Greeks by siding with the Persians and were consequently punished by being condemned to bear the weight of the structure for eternity.The Erechtheion is a magnificent architectural marvel steeped in mysterious legend dedicated to the goddess Athena the god Poseidon and the legendary kings of Athens.

It is a sacred site where according to myth Poseidon struck the ground with his trident to cause a saltwater spring to gush forth while Athena brought forth the city's first olive tree. It was built as an offering in the contest against Poseidon for the title of patron deity. This legendary Greek temple was constructed to honor the goddess Athena Polias the god Poseidon and the mythical Athenian king Erechtheus. 

Erechtheus had waged war against the people of Eleusis and following a prophecy sacrificed his own daughter to secure victory for Athens he was ultimately slain by Poseidon’s trident in retaliation for killing one of the god's sons. The site embodies the mythological rivalry between Athena and Poseidon symbolized by the god's trident and houses the sacred olive tree of Athena. It differs from typical Greek temples by being built on uneven terrain atop the Acropolis in Athens.