The acropolis of Athens is somewhat “boat–shaped” with the “bow” to the east and the “stern” of the boat to the west. The long southern side of the acropolis is supported by a massive vertical wall and below that a gentler slope drops away to the south.
A number of public structures were constructed along this southern slope including, from west to east, the Odeion of Herod Atticus, the Stoa of Eumenes, a Shrine of Asklepios, the Theater of Dionysus , plus additional stoas, temples, and monuments.