Sounion Temple Quarry
March 10, 2010
Photographer: Elias Chasiotis
Summary Authors: Elias Chasiotis; Jim Foster
The ancient Poseidon Temple at Sounion, Greece is one of the most photographed temples in the world. Featured above is the marble quarry which was used to secure rock for this splendid structure. It's located approximately 2.5 mi (4 km) north of the temple. Note that the carvings show the shape of the columns that were removed. The Doric columns used for the temple, constructed in approximately 440 BC, are soft and predominantly white because the marble that was selected contains little or no iron mixtures. It's interesting that the quarry is in better condition than the temple itself. This is because the temple's marble has been corroded over the centuries by sea salt.
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