Ardittos hill

Ardittos
Αρδητός
Ardittos hill
Interactive map of Ardittos
Coordinates: 37°58′07″N 23°44′20″E / 37.968723200764494°N 23.738853381537705°E / 37.968723200764494; 23.738853381537705
CountryGreece
RegionAttica
CityAthens
WebsiteArdittos Park

Ardittos Hill or Ardettus Hill (Greek: Αρδηττός or Greek: λόφος Αρδηττoύ) is located east of the Ilissos river, overlooking the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece. It has a height of 133 meters, covered with pines and Mediterranean vegetation.[1] It serves as a public park.[2]

History

In antiquity, this hill was notable for its temples, second only to the Acropolis in prominence.

The name "Ardittos" comes from the mythical hero Ardittis, who, according to legend, reconciled the pro-democracy and pro-oligarchy factions in Athens through persuasion and a solemn oath. Citizens in Ancient Athens over the age of 30 could serve as jurors in the Ardettus court (dikasterion), located on Ardittos Hill. The jurors' oath was inspired by the hero Ardittis, committing them to vote according to the laws.[3][4]

After its re-construction of Panathenaic Stadium by Herodes Atticus in 144 AD, he erected a small temple dedicated to the goddess Tyche, whose foundations are still visible.

References

Sources

  • Cathryn Drake (19 October 2021). "Αρδηττός: Ο λόφος-πάρκο, μνημείο φύσης και ιστορίας". Kathimerini (in Greek). Translated by Μυρτώ Κατσίγερα.
  • Irene Anastasiadis (13 June 2024). "Ardittos Hill: In the city but not part of the city". Kathimerini.
  • O'Connell, Peter (2013). "Hyperides and Epopteia: A new fragment of the Defense of Phryne". Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies. 53 (1): 90–116.
  • Harris, Edward M. (2007). "The rule of law in Athenian democracy. Reflections on the judicial oath" (PDF). Etica & Politica / Ethics & Politics. IX: 55–74.
  • Media related to Ardittos Hill at Wikimedia Commons