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 The site of 'Rhamnous,' the northernmost deme of Attica, lies north of Marathon overlooking the Euboean Strait. The site was known in Antiquity for its sanctuary of Nemesis, the implacable avenging goddess. A fortified acropolis dominates the two small harbors, from which grain was imported for Athens during the Peloponnesian War. Otherwise, Rhamnous was strategically significant enough to be fortified and receive an Athenian garrison.
Rhamnous Nemesis Temple, Reconstruction The early 6th century Doric Temple of Nemesis was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC; all that remain are some rooftiles. It was replaced by a never-completed temple in the 5th century, which included the cult figure of Nemesis carved by Agorakritos, a pupil of Pheidias, from the block of Parian marble alleged to have been brought by the over-confident Persians for their triumph stele. The famous statue of the goddess stood within the temple. The base has been reconstructed from the mass of fragments that were found scattered about. The bas-relief scene shows the presentation of Helen to her mother Nemesis by Leda. A smaller temple that shares the sanctuary platform (peribolos) is thought to have been dedicated to Thetis, based on the dedications of two marble seats, to Nemesis and to Thetis. |
