Delphi Athenians Treasury

Location: Ancient Site

The Treasury of Athenians in Delphi, Greece: The Treasury of the Athenians is one of the most impressive buildings in the Sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi. The treasuries were actually buildings where the city-states used to safeguard their loots from wars and their offerings to god Apollo. Many treasuries existed around the temple, such as the Treasury of the Sifnians and the Boetians, but the most impressive treasury that survives till today is the Treasury of the Athenians.

This relatively small building hosted trophies from important military victories of the Athenians and also many items that had been offered to the temple. The Treasury was constructed at the beginning of the 5th century BC and was the symbol either for the domination of democracy in Athens or for the victory of Athens over the Persians in the Marathon Battle.

The architectural style of the temple is Doric and the main construction material is the Parian marble. The external side had impressive reliefs depicting the adventures of Hercules and Theseus, while the internal space had hymns to Apollo carved on the walls and some of the most important political resolutions of the Athenians. This treasury was reconstructed in 1906 by the French Archaeological Institute with the donation of the municipality of Athens. Some friezes are hosted in the Archaeological Museum of Delphi.