Lecture will highlight little-known Greek temple

An artist's rendering of the temple of Athena at Sounion.

One of the most unique examples of Greek architecture is also relatively unknown—but a lecture at Randolph College will shed some light on the subject Wednesday night.

Barbara A. Barletta, a University of Florida professor of classical art and archaeology, will present “The Temple of Athena at Sounion” at 7:30 p.m. in room 537 of the Harold G. Leggett Building at Randolph College.

The temple stands out from other Greek buildings because it was constructed with columns on two adjacent sides, rather than two opposite sides or completely surrounding the building. It structure also represents the Ionic order of Greek architecture, which was typical of the Aegean Islands but not mainland Greece.

During the Roman Empire, the temple was dismantled and portions of it were moved about 44 miles to Athens, where the pieces were used in the construction of a new temple.

Barletta will explore evidence for the building, its reconstructed appearance, and the artistic context in which it developed. She also will discuss possible reasons for the temple’s reuse during the Roman period.