Photographer's Note
The temple of Afaia in Aigina is one of the most impressive buildings of the post-archaic era. The temple is dominant in the holy area of Afaia, which was founded by Aiginites as a tribute to the Minoan deity Afaia, daughter of Zeus and Karmi. Afaia has been identified by numerous researchers as Britomarti, but also as Diktynna Artemis. The legend has it that Afaia resorted to Aigina and hided in a forest, in order to avoid the furious love of King Minoan of Crete. In this very forest, the Aiginites founded a sacred place to honour her. The temple was built for the first time around 570-560 B.C, but it was devastated by a fire. Around 500-490 B.C the temple took the form that we see today. Unfortunately, the holy place at the interior was not maintained for long time, since the decline of the island around the middle of 5th century. By 2nd century B.C the entire place wasabandoned.
The temple of Afaia retains a Dorian type of architecture and it is considered by many as the prototype designed by the architects of Parthenon. The temple has 12 columns across its length and 6 columns across its width. These columns are monoliths with 20 striations each, apart from 3 that are conjoined parts. Entering the temple was only possible through an inclining level at the eastern side of the temple. The sculptures on the frieze were made out of marble from the island of Paros. The theme of the two friezes of the temple of Afaia was the battles in Troy where Aiakides, Telamonas, Aiantas and Achilleas had many distinctions. Goddess Athena is present in every representation, justifying partly why many times the temple is named Afaia Athena. (wikipedia)
Critiques | Translate
Sonata11
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2760 W: 59 N: 2914]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif){kind=small}
(34119) 2012-01-07 12:18
Hello Vasilis,
wow !!! awesome picture. Beautifully done ruin photo of the temple of Afain. Gracious scene of architecture. Beautifully executed photo. Wonderful picture with interesting sky too. I like it very much so. Perfectly well done.
I cordially greet and have a nice WE,
Barbara
agulberk
(3794) 2012-01-07 12:31
Merhaba Vasilis
Wonderful composition with the most impressive buildings of the post-archaic era under the dramatic puffy clouds in dark blue beautiful sky.Perfect perspective to get strong sense of depth. Excellent light management to get good sharpness and clarity.
Regards
Friendly Greetings
Adnan
dta
(98848) 2012-01-07 12:35
Hello Vasilis ,
This closer view of this outstanding old temple shows us superb arhitectural details . The perspective and the framing are really excellent . Like the contrast of the coloured stones with the so beautiful sky .
regards
serp2000
(47063) 2012-01-07 12:46
Privet, Vasilis,
I like this photo. Very good composition with superb FG and excellent BG. The sky is great!
Happy New Year!
Best wishes,
Serghei
Gigidusud
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1690 W: 0 N: 3308]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif){kind=small}
(21679) 2012-01-07 13:37
Hello Vasilis,
Beautiful picture with the nice colors!
Thanks for shiring.
Ghislaine
mesutilgim
(0) 2012-01-07 14:26
Hello dear Vasilis
Wonderfull Aegean sky; amazing antique temple captured fro a perefect pov with interesting details.
With all the typical elements of Doric Architecture.
Many good and usefull notes.
TFS and have a nice weekend
Best regards
MESUT ILGIM
lousat
(139990) 2012-01-07 15:08
HI Vasilis,perfect light and beautiful sky,the best situation to take so well a pic from this very old and interesting temple,perfect sharpness and perspective too.Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano
abmdsudi
(95869) 2012-01-07 21:12
Hi Vasilis
In this image the elements that I like most is your low shooting angle, intensifying the depth and perspective of the structure as it looks even taller in this format. The columns pointing upwards majestically dominating the blue sky. You have chosen the best spot to highlight the intricate detail so spectacularly and the contrast is great. Excellent architectural shot, Well done
Best regards
emka
(158826) 2012-01-07 21:19
Hi Vasilis,
This temple looks well preserved. Wonderfully composed picture. Excellent perspective, wvery well chosen POV. Amazing view of the columns. The blue sky with clouds looks marvelous. WArm regrads
MAlgo
SnapRJW
(31631) 2012-01-07 21:29
Hello Vasilis - The warm coloured stone and the fine architectural detail is well captured and presented against the deep blue sky. I like the composition very much. Nice job. Warm regards rosemary
schumanng
![Silver Star Critiquer [C: 41 W: 0 N: 0]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/s-n-n.gif){kind=small}
(0) 2012-01-07 21:57
Hello Vasilis,
wonderful photo of architecture, a textbook!
Regards,
Giorgio
TopGeo
(38220) 2012-01-08 0:24
Γεια σου Βασίλη
Σε αυτή την εικόνα τα στοιχεία που μου αρέσουν περισσότερο το κοντινό χαμηλό σημείο δινει έντονα το βάθος και την προοπτική της δομής, Μια σύλληψη εντυπωσιακή. Οι στήλες προς τα πάνω δεσπόζει μεγαλόπρεπα στο γαλάζιο του ουρανού που προσθέτει. Μπράβο
Με τις καλύτερες ευχές
Γεώργιος
Καλή μέρα
brianmcc
(6223) 2012-01-08 2:04
hi vasilis,
amazing colours in your picture, so well saturated and appealing to the eye. i think the very dark blue sky broken up by the lovely white clouds provides an excellent contrast for the natural stone colours.
have a great sunday,
brian
ikeharel
(114605) 2012-01-08 2:57
Kalimera Vasilis,
The ancient temple was a mighty one and impressive in old days, the pillars relatively in good condition due to time passed.
The askew angel give a good sight and depth, with fine use of light to show it's beauty.
Regards
Ike
timecapturer
(49288) 2012-01-08 3:31
Hi Vasilis
iconic Greek image and such a striking and effective composition. Love the textures and detailing here and all set against that amazing sky. Aegina is on my long list of Greek places to visit, just need some cash to make the dream happen! Thanks for making at least part of that dream a reality.
Enjoy a peaceful Sunday - Brian.
Sergiom
(117241) 2012-01-08 6:41
Bonjour Vasilis,
Ceci est la raison pour laquelle tant de touristes se rendent en Grêce année après année. Tu es chanceux...personne dans l'image et un ciel parfait..
Amicalement
Serge
dkmurphys
(79209) 2012-01-08 8:17
Hi Vasilis,
Impressive ruins from your great heritage. Well taken POV, good work.
Have a nice Sunday evening.
Daniel
prasun984
(5590) 2012-01-08 8:26
Hi Vasilis,
fantastic old age ancient architecture shot you have captured with a great POV...like the textures of the decayed pillars...wonderful deep blue texture sky...
very good light management with nice color contrast & sharpness...
Happy Sunday...
Prasun
siamesa
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5956 W: 16 N: 5276]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif){kind=small}
(28231) 2012-01-08 10:09
Boa tarde Vasilis
Spectacular view of the ruins of the temple. Superb point of view and a very informative historic note. TFS
Abraços
maria
Budapestman
(82620) 2012-01-08 10:26
Hi Vasilis,
a superb photo of this amazing architecture the composition is very attractive, great lights and colours, Tfs! Have a nice Sunday! Kellemes vasárnapot Kívánok!
György
madhumita_roy86
(2344) 2012-01-08 11:36
Hello Vasilis ,
great shot indeed... outstanding old temple...
Very good composition with superb FG and excellent BG....
The blue sky with clouds looks awesome...
good POV... Tfs!
Regards,
Madhumita.
Angshu
(56760) 2012-01-09 5:10
Hello Vasilis
The corner POV creates a fine perspective & good depth. Like the repeating pillars in the far end & the contrast between the warm tone of the rock & cool blue of the sky.
Best Regards
Angshu
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Vasilis Protopapas (vasilpro)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2742 W: 87 N: 5139]](//i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(41801) - Genre: Lugares
- Medium: Cor
- Date Taken: 2010-09-12
- Categories: Arquitectura
- Camera: Nikon D90, Nikon AF-S VR 18-105mm f/3.5 - 5.6G ED, Hoya 62mm Circular Polarizer
- Exposição: f/13.0, 1/125 segundos
- More Photo Info: view
- Versão da Foto: Versão Original
- Tema(s): Temple of Athena Aphaia [view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2012-01-07 12:07
