Temple of Hera 1

Temple of Hera 1

View of the remnants of the huge Ionic Temple of Hera that 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.

Only the foundations and a single column—out of 155—are left standing, but the outline of the temple is clear.  Hera was the wife of Zeus and according to legend was born here on Samos—thus the temple to worship her.