[1] The building, in the archaic Doric style, is found on what is known as the hill of the temples, on a rocky spur near Villa Aurea.

However, some connect the temple with the activities of Theron (Tyrant of Akragas 488-473/2 BC), claiming that it contains innovations compared to the architectural practice of the 6th century.

[4] In that case, it could be identified with the temple of Athena recorded by Polyaenus (Stratagems 6.51) in relation to the building activities of Theron after his seizure of power.

The temple's foundation is considered to be dated to the years before the Battle of Himera (480 BC); its completion would have taken a decade or maybe a little more.

The building was constructed on a crepidoma of three steps, which was erected on top of a substructure on the northern and western sides (due to the roughness of the terrain).