The Erechtheion

Erechtheion is the building situated in the northern side of the Acropolis. Its construction began during the Peloponnesian War, in 421 BC. It was divided in two parts and each of them was devoted to two different gods: Athena and Poseidon Erechtheus as well as their symbols: Athena's olive tree and Poseidon's trident. The Erechtheion has incorporated the small temples that had been erected at the point it was built and for this reason it looks like a complex of buildings. Six Ionian order pillars adorn its eastern side which was devoted to Athena Polias and housed a statue of the goddess made of wood. The opposite side, to the west, consists of two levels due to the slope ground. Poseidon's trident and Athena's olive tree were hosted in that chamber. The north side of the Erechtheion consists of four Ionic order pillars in front of a gate. Finally, the south side has a roof based on the famous Karyatides (women shaped pillars who carry the roof on their head).