The Philopappos Monument is a funerary structure located on Mouseion Hill in Athens, overlooking the Acropolis. It was erected between 114 and 116 CE to honor Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, a prominent Roman senator and prince of the Kingdom of Commagene who had been granted Athenian citizenship.
The monument is constructed of Pentelic marble and stands approximately 12 meters high. Its facade features a series of niches containing statues of Philopappos and his ancestors, including his grandfather, Antiochus IV of Commagene. The structure serves as a significant example of Roman-era funerary architecture in Greece, reflecting the integration of Eastern royalty into the Roman administrative and social hierarchy.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Pentelic marble
- Civilization
- Roman
- Accessibility
- Accessible via hiking trails on Mouseion Hill
- Date(s)
- 114-116 CE
- Condition
- Partially preserved; facade remains standing
- Original Function
- Funerary monument
- Key Figures
- Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, Antiochus IV of Commagene
Commission and Construction
114-116 CEThe monument was commissioned by the sister of Philopappos, Julia Balbilla, and the citizens of Athens following his death. It was built on the summit of Mouseion Hill, a location chosen for its prominence and visibility from the Acropolis.
Late Antiquity and Middle Ages
4th-15th centuryThe monument remained largely intact for centuries. During the Byzantine period, it was incorporated into the fortifications of the city, and a small church was constructed nearby, which contributed to the preservation of the site.
Modern Restoration
19th century - presentArchaeological interest in the 19th century led to the formal identification and documentation of the site. The Greek Archaeological Service has conducted various stabilization efforts to prevent further erosion of the marble facade.
Cultural Significance
The monument represents the complex identity of the Roman elite in the 2nd century, blending Hellenistic royal lineage with Roman political status. It serves as a testament to the high regard in which Philopappos was held by the Athenian public, who granted him citizenship and burial rights within the city walls.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Scholars continue to debate the exact placement of the statues within the niches, as the original configuration was altered by the partial collapse of the structure. Additionally, the extent of the monument's influence on contemporary funerary architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean remains a subject of ongoing research.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open to the public 24 hours a day as it is located within a public park. No entry fee is required.
Best Times to Visit
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day and to capture the best light for photography of the Acropolis from the hill.
Photography
None; the site is in an open public space.
Nearby POIs
20 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]The Philopappos Monument in Athens — D. Kleiner. Journal of Roman Archaeology (1983)
- [2]Roman Imperial Architecture — J.B. Ward-Perkins. Yale University Press (1992)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Pentelic marble
- Civilization
- Roman
- Accessibility
- Accessible via hiking trails on Mouseion Hill