Erechtheum, Erechtheium

(e- rek -the'um,) one of the most important temples of ancient Athens, which stood on the N. side of the summit of the Acropolis. The temple that originally occupied the site was built by Erechtheus, q. v. It was designed for the reception of the image of Minerva, carved out of the trunk of an olive-tree, which was always a special object of veneration to the A then i ans. Erechtheus was buried in the temple; from which circumstance the name of Erechtheum was afterwards given to that which was built on the same site about 400-395 B. c., the ruins of which may still be seen. The entire building forms a group of three temples, E. properly so called, the temple of Minerva Polias, and the Pandrosium. The Erechtheum occupied the largest space. It is in the form of a parallelogram, about 73 feet long and 37 feet wide. The portico before the prothyrium looks towards the east. The entablature and pediment of the portico was supported on six ma ive but elegant Ionic columns, enriched with carving. The temple of Minerva Polias was attached to the N. side of the E., at the W. end, and stood on a lower level. It was nothing more than an open portico, 33 feet wide and 21 feet in depth, the roof being supported by six columns, four in front and one on either side, 25 feet in height. It looked towards the N. The Pandrosium was attached to the W. end of the S. wall, and was built at a much later date than the other parts of the building. Erechtheus, ( e - rek ' the - us ,) son of Pandion I., was the 6th king of Athens. In a war against Eleusis he sacrificed his daughter Othonia, to obtain a victory which the oracle had promised for such a sacrifice. He reigned 50 years, and D. 1347 в. с.