Aphaia

Aphaia is an ancient Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis, located on the island of Aegina in the Saronic Gulf, near Athens. The site is renowned for its distinctive architectural style and historical significance, blending elements of both Doric and Ionic orders. Construction of the temple began in the late 6th century BCE and continued into the 5th century BCE, with notable contributions from the architect Theogenes of Aegina.

The temple is particularly notable for its use of the "Aegina style" of Doric columns, characterized by their fluted shafts and ornate capitals. These columns feature a unique design known as the "Aegina capital," which includes a distinctive egg-and-dot motif and volutes resembling those of the Ionic order. The temple's layout follows a peripteral plan, with a rectangular cella surrounded by a colonnade of 34 columns, arranged in six rows of five and four.

Aphaia played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of ancient Aegina. It was a center for pilgrimage and a symbol of the island's prosperity, particularly during its golden age in the 6th and 5th centuries BCE. The temple was also a political and social gathering place, hosting festivals and assemblies.

Over time, the temple fell into disrepair due to earthquakes and neglect. By the Roman period, it was largely abandoned, though it remained a point of interest. Excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries revealed much of the temple’s structure, including fragments of sculpture and architectural elements. Today, the ruins of Aphaia are a key archaeological site, offering insights into ancient Greek architecture and religious practices. The site is protected and accessible to visitors, providing a glimpse into the island’s rich historical heritage.