| Context: | Syracuse |
| Type: | Temple |
| Summary: | Temple; in the northern portion of the island of Ortygia. |
| Date: | ca. 565 BC |
| Dimensions: | ca. 21.57 x 55.33 m. |
| Region: | Sicily |
| Period: | Archaic |
| Architect: | Epikles |
Architectural Order:
Doric
Architect Evidence:
attributed to, by Guido 1967 on the basis of inscription
Plan:
6 x 17; double row of columns in front of cella; pronaos-distyle in antis; no interior columns(?); adyton; four stepped crepidoma; small staircase on the east end.
Date Description:
Assumption of direct influence from Rhoikos Temple at Samos, dated ten years earlier.
History:
The Temple of Apollo is the earliest example of monumental stone architecture in Sicily. As identified by inscription, the temple was dedicated by Cleo[sthen]es, presumably a tyrant of Syracuse. The temple's early date is attested to by its massive proportions, narrowly spaced columns, and spreading column capitals. Possible influence from eastern Ionic temples may be seen in the wider central intercolumniation and the lack of anta projections, typical to the Doric style. Other variations from the mainland Doric style include the lack of entasis, a reduced number of flutes on the columns (16), and a lack of correlation in the spacing of the triglyphs with the columns below. On the northeast angle column, the fluting was not carried down to the stylobate, perhaps a sign of incompletion.
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