In the open square of the Ancient Agora, northeast of the monument of the Eponymous Heroes, the foundations of a marble altar, possibly belonging to the cult of Zeus Agoraios, are preserved. Its base measured 9 by 5.5 metres and had four steps made of Pentelic marble. Its orthostates were decorated with motifs of plochmos (braid), Lesbian cyma and astragal (bead-and-reel). The altar is dated to the 4th century BCE based on its stylistic characteristics. However, mason’s marks from the Roman period suggest that it was transferred to the Agora from another location, possibly from the Pnyx. The transfer of the altar, like other monuments of the classical period, took place during the reign of Augustus (late 1st century BCE – early 1st century CE), perhaps even a little later. During that period, a building program was implemented to embellish the Ancient Agora, transforming it from a commercial centre into a space of recreation and artistic activities. In addition to the construction of new public buildings, older monuments of exceptional artistry – reminiscent of Athens’ past splendour – were transferred from various parts of Attica and repurposed within the Agora.
