The Acropolis in roman times (86 BC - 267 AD)

Only a few changes took place on the Acropolis during the Roman period. The only new monument was the Temple of Rome and Augustus. This circular temple was erected (after 19 BC) in order to honour Rome and the emperor Augustus. It was located 20 metres east of the Parthenon. It consisted of 9 ionic columns (copies of the ones found in the Erechtheion) and did not have a cella (Monopteros), probably housing a statue of Augustus.Later on, a big inscription composed of metallic letters was added on the eastern entablature of the Parthenon to honour emperor Nero during his visit in the city. Soon after the letters were removed, only to leave behind a series of holes which are still visible. Finally, a small repair took place in the western wall of the Erechtheion, which had suffered damage from fire.

On the contrary, in southern slope of the Acropolis, many new buildings were added. The theatre of Dionysos acquired a new, elegant stage building by Nero who during his visit in Athens gave a musical concert there. The Odeion of Pericles, that had been destroyed by the Athenians during the siege of Sylla, was rebuilt. In the west, Herod Atticus built a luxury Odeion, the Herodeion which was, according to Pausanias, the most beautiful in Greece. Many other renovation work also took place in most of the south slope’s buildings.