Lyceum

The Lyceum is a significant site related to ancient Greece, especially associated with Aristotle. As is often the case with archaeological sites, there is not much left to see on-site, and understanding the layout of the area is not the easiest task. Nevertheless, visiting the Lyceum is worthwhile, providing an opportunity to reflect on one's school days and contemplate the significance of Aristotle. The Lyceum is relatively easy to explore, and one can also combine the visit with a trip to the Byzantine History Museum, whose garden seamlessly connects with the greenery of the Lyceum. There are also other museums in the vicinity.

Lyceum archeological site. Photo March 2022 by OI.


The temple at the Lyceum was dedicated to Apollo Lyceus, the god of wolves. Nearby is the Lycabettus Hill, with one interpretation of its name being connected to wolves. Aristotle taught at the Lyceum in the 4th century BCE, and the Roman general Sulla destroyed the area, cutting down trees for the construction of siege engines during the siege of Piraeus in 86 BCE.

Apollo Lyceus. Ancient Agora Museum, Athens. The hand position depicted in the sculpture, behind the head as if taking a breath after intense physical exercise, has been widely utilized in sculpture. The sculpture is possibly a copy of the original work by Praxiteles (circa 390–320 BCE). Praxiteles employed this composition in several of his sculptures. - Μαρσύας (2005), CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=505859                                                               

 

Originally, the Apollo Lyceus temple served as a cemetery. Later, the area was used for military exercises and physical education. Several buildings were constructed there, surrounded by a wooded area between the Ilissos River and Mount Lykabettus. The Gymnasium was completed by the 4th century BCE at the latest.

Base map of present-day Athens. To the east, the Lyceum and Mount Lycabettus above it. Image from an informational board.

The locations of the three gymnasia in Athens on a map of modern Athens. Image from an informational board.

 

Key Athenian philosophers worked in this area. Aristotle began teaching there in 336 BCE upon his return to Athens, having previously served as the teacher of Alexander the Great. The renowned painting "The School of Athens" by the Italian Renaissance master Raphael depicts this period (1509–1511).
 

Aristotle. Roman-era copy from an older bronze original. Image from an informational board.



 

The area was not initially excavated for archaeological research, but for the construction of a new art museum in 1996. When the historical significance of the site was revealed, plans changed.

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