The Roman Agora

The Roman Agora as seen from the Tower of the Winds

Lying east of the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora has actually nothing to do with Romans, but took this name because it was created during the Roman times -1st century AD- in order to serve a growing Athens. It constitutes a self-sufficient space and is entered from Aiolou Street. Among its well-known buildings is the Agoranomeion for the Market Authorities, the Portico, and the Gate of Athena Archigetis (The Leader).
The entrance to the Roman Agora


The Tower of the Winds is found in the Roman Agora. This is an octagonal tower which was built by the astronomer Andronikos. It was created as a meteorological station and clock. Thus, today this building is called the Clock of Andronikos, or even the Temple of Aiolos. The clock, made of marble, was built in the shape of an octagonal tower and the roof was pyramidal.
At the top of the pyramid was placed a revolving copper Triton which showed the direction of the wind. On the frieze of the monument were carved depictions of the eight winds: Boreas (north), Sciron (southwest), Zephyr (west), Apeliotis (east), Livas (south), Notos (south), Evros (southeast) and Kaikias (northeast).
Represantation of a wind from the reliefs on the Tower of Winds
High up, in the corners on the sides, were iron rods with carved lines that indicated the hours of the day, when there was sunlight. Inside the tower was a water-clock which showed the time when there was not any sun, an invention of Andronikos.
South of the tower are the ruins of the Agoranomeio from the 1st century AD. It has a monumental facade and a wide staircase leading up to it.
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Photos and informations taken from "Athens - Attica"
(Toubis Editions)
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