Herodes Atticus

He was born in Marathon in Attica to a distinguished family, and received an education in rhetoric and philosophy. Hadrian appointed him prefect of the free cities in Asia in 125. Herodes returned to Athens, became famous as a teacher, and was elected archon. In 140 Antoninus Pius brought him to Rome to educate Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, and as a mark of favor appointed him consul, in 143.

Herodes Atticus Theater (Photos: Kevin Connors )

Even after almost 2000 years the Herodes Atticus Theater (Odeon) is used in Athens for example for the Festival of Athens (capacity up to 5000 people). It is at the south-west of the Acropolis of Athens. It was built c. 161 AD and probably was covered with a roof.

Images of the Herodes Atticus Odeon: (1) , (2) , (3)

360o View of the Odeon

In addition to his literary work, Herodes funded a number of public projects:

Panathenaiko stadium enlarged and renovated by Herod Atticus in 140 BC - Athens
Odeum - Athens
a theater at Corinth
a stadium at Delphi
baths at Thermopylae
aqueduct at Canusium in Italy
an exedra (or nymphaeum ) at Olympia

See also

Second Sophistic

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