---
title: Erechtheion
author: Mark Cartwright
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3263/erechtheion/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Erechtheion

_Authored by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/)_

## Image File

[![Erechtheion](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/3263.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/3263.jpg)

## Image Caption

The Erechtheion [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of the Athenian [acropolis](https://www.worldhistory.org/Acropolis/) was constructed between 421 and 406 BCE. The temple was built to house the ancient cult wooden statue of [Athena](https://www.worldhistory.org/athena/) and as a shrine to other local gods such as the early Athenian kings Erechtheus and Kekrops, and Boutes and Pandrosos. [Poseidon](https://www.worldhistory.org/poseidon/) and [Zeus](https://www.worldhistory.org/zeus/) also had sacred precincts within the building. The south porch has the iconic Caryatids which make the building one of the most distinctive surviving structures of antiquity.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Mark is WHE’s Publishing Director and has an MA in Political Philosophy (University of York). He is a full-time researcher, writer, historian and editor. Special interests include art, architecture and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share.

## Cite This Work

### APA
Cartwright, M. (2014, November 19). Erechtheion. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3263/erechtheion/>
### Chicago
Cartwright, Mark. "Erechtheion." *World History Encyclopedia*, November 19, 2014. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3263/erechtheion/>.
### MLA
Cartwright, Mark. "Erechtheion." *World History Encyclopedia*, 19 Nov 2014, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3263/erechtheion/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 19 November 2014. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.