Temple of Zeus Detail

Temple of Zeus Detail

Detail View looking southeast at the Temple of Zeus at Aizanoi (Aezani).  The temple was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (A.D. 117-138).

The podium on which it stands measures 121 x 108 ft. [37 x 33 m.].  Notice the six stepped platform on which it stands.

This west side was actually the "back" of the temple where there was a room called the opisthodomus (which was sometimes used to store valuables).

Sixteen of the original 42 exterior columns—Ionic—are still standing (3 fell during an earthquake in 1970, but were re-erected).  Two of the "interior" columns here on the west end of the temple are visible behind the exterior Ionic columns—they are "composite" in style.  Originally there were four more columns on the east—main entrance—side of the building (no longer in existence).

The stones in the grass are part of the temple's enclosure wall (temenos) of the temple.

This photo was taken in mid-May.