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View of the remnants of the huge Ionic Temple of Hera. Only the foundations and a single column—out of 155—are left standing, but the outline of the temple is clear.
Note that the column is made up of numerous blocks and is NOT fluted—as later Ionic columns are. Also, the column bases and capitals scattered about are evidence of the early Ionic style.
The temple is located about 5 mi. [8 km.] west of ancient Samos. The largest of the consecutive temples was built by Polykrates around 570–560 B.C. and measured 354 x 165 ft. [108 x 50 m.]. Herodotus (d. ca. 420 B.C.) said that it was the largest temple of his day.
Hera was the wife of Zeus and according to legend was born here on Samos—thus the temple to worship her.
