Stoa of Eumenes facts for kids
The Stoa of Eumenes was a long, covered walkway or porch built on the Acropolis of Athens. A stoa was a common type of building in ancient Greece. It was given to the city of Athens around 160 BC. The gift came from Eumenes II of Pergamon, who was a powerful king.
Today, you can still see the ruins of this stoa. They are on the south side of the Acropolis. The ruins are located between the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus. The Archaeological Society of Athens discovered the stoa's remains in 1877 and 1878.
What Was the Stoa of Eumenes?
The Stoa of Eumenes was a very long building. Today, it measures about 163 meters (535 feet). Some new discoveries suggest it might have been even longer, around 190 meters (623 feet).
Around 160 BC, a part of the stoa was taken down. This was done to build the Odeon of Herodes. After that, the stoa was connected to the Odeon. An ancient writer named Vitruvius said the stoa had two main purposes. It protected people waiting outside the theater from sun or rain. It also stored items used by the theater.
How It Was Built
The Stoa of Eumenes looked like other buildings from Pergamon. Pergamon was the kingdom of King Eumenes. The main material used was marble from Asia Minor. The parts of the stoa were first built in Pergamon. Then, they were shipped all the way to Athens.
The stoa had two levels of columns. The columns on the ground floor were in the Doric order. This is a strong, simple style. The columns on the top floor were in the Ionic order. This style is more slender and decorative. Inside the stoa, the columns on both floors were Ionic or "Pergamine."
A Royal Gift
King Eumenes II gave this stoa as a gift to Athens. His kingdom was growing in power and wealth. Eumenes wanted to increase his influence in the Greek cities. Giving gifts like this stoa helped him do that.
Eumenes' brother, Attalus, also gave a similar building to Athens. That building is known as the Stoa of Attalus.
Images for kids
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Remains of the north retaining wall of the Stoa of Eumenes.
See also
In Spanish: Stoa de Eumenes para niños
