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The Doric Temple – Sanctuary of Athena and Hercules stands on a natural spur overlooking the ancient bay and is one of the city’s earliest monumental remains.
The sanctuary dates to the 6th century BC and was built of limestone, with a roof decorated with polychrome terracottas. Its plan and columns show the clear influence of Greek Doric architecture, reinterpreted according to traditions specific to the Campanian region.
An inscription in the Oscan language has made it possible to associate the cult with Athena, while Hercules appears alongside the goddess in the architectural terracottas and sculptures found in the sanctuary.
Together with the Sanctuary of Apollo, this complex was one of the principal religious centres of the earliest phase of Pompeii. It is fundamental evidence of the cultural connections between the city, the Greek world and the peoples of pre-Roman Campania.
Further reading
Doric Temple – photographs and historic plans – Pompeii in Pictures documents the sanctuary’s remains, plans and architectural sections.
Doric Temple – finds and decoration – Photographs of terracotta sculpture, friezes and other finds associated with the sanctuary.