Scale Model of the Ancient Agora

Agora Museum, Athens, Greece

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Material: Plaster, Wood, Mixed Media
Date range: 2nd century AD (period represented)
Origin: Displayed in the Museum of the Ancient Agora (Stoa of Attalos)

This scale model (BXM reference not typically used for architectural models in this gallery) provides a reconstructed bird's-eye view of the Ancient Agora of Athens, the political, commercial, and social heart of the city. The model specifically represents the site during its final monumental form in the 2nd century AD (Roman period).

The model highlights several key structures that defined the Athenian civic experience:

• The Stoa of Attalos: The dominant, two-story colonnaded building on the right (east) side. Originally a gift from King Attalos II of Pergamon (159–138 BC), it was reconstructed in the 1950s to house the museum where this model is currently located.

• The Temple of Hephaestus: Positioned on the hill to the left (Kolonos Agoraios), this Doric temple remains one of the most complete ancient Greek buildings still standing.

• The Odeon of Agrippa: The large, high-roofed building in the center of the square, which served as a massive concert hall gifted by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa around 15 BC.

• Administrative Core (West Side): The row of buildings at the foot of the Temple of Hephaestus includes the Tholos (circular headquarters for the city's executive committee), the Bouleuterion (Council House), and the Metroon (Archives/Sanctuary).

• The Panathenaic Way: The broad diagonal road cutting through the center of the square, used for the Great Panathenaic procession toward the Acropolis.

The model is designed to assist visitors in orienting themselves within the scattered ruins visible today, illustrating how the space functioned as a unified urban center for democracy, commerce, and worship.

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Supplementary images:

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Model of the Ancient Agora of Athens in the 2nd century AD

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Source:  Athens, Greece