Athenian Treasury

[2] Pausanias mentions the building in his account of the sanctuary, claiming that it was dedicated from the spoils of the Battle of Marathon, fought in 490 BCE against the Persians.

Although Herakles was also depicted in the metopes, the added heroic character showed the Athenians' increasing devotion to Theseus.

Each labor is depicted in the form of a metope, his strength metaphorically showing Athenian prowess on the international stage that was Greece at the time.

The Athenian Treasury in Delphi was built according to a typical distyle in antis design, with two antae framing two columns.

[10] The ancient writer and traveler Pausanias was “emphatic that the Athenian Treasury was built [meaning financed] from the spoils from the landing of the Persian general Datis at Marathon”.

[11] Despite being a primary source, Pausanias on occasion may have been misguided or misinformed, and classical scholars still debate the date of construction.

John Boardman notes that “on a purely archaeological, architectural and stylistic grounds the Treasury has appeared to many scholars to date around 500 BCE, and some would put it earlier.”[11]

Recent findings compiled by University of Chicago professor Richard T. Neer, referencing excavations from 1989 (summarized by Pierre Amandry in 1998), advocates for the latter date:[2]A ledge of 0.30 meters in width projects from the Treasury’s stereobate along its south side only, and that this ledge helps to support the Marathon base.

[10] The paintings inside the treasury were dated back to the 480's BCE, making specialists believe construction started before the military victory.

After transitioning from a tyrant ruled city-state into a democracy, the Athenians sought to internationally display their increased military success, wealth and prosperity.

[2] The Athenians took this chance to display their civic pride and prosperity to not only the other city-states but to the gods and show them that they deserved their favor.

[12] The offerings would become more elaborate as the status of the Athenians increased, especially after winning a war in which they thought Apollo had shown them favor.

The geographical location of the Temple of Apollo was significant in Greek mythology as it was the destination where two eagles, placed at opposite ends of the earth by Zeus, met.

As well as athletic competitions, the Pythian Games also held poetry, dance and music contests, drawing in spectators and crowds.

Metopes and triglyphs in the frieze
Heracles and Kyknos
Inscription
The Athenian Treasury with two antae framing two columns
The site of Delphi