Carroll, M. (2026). "Rhodes Groves On The Acropolis." Gardens of the Roman Empire, accessed October 2, 2026. https://roman-gardens.github.io/id/7098066dc8/

Rhodes Groves On The Acropolis

Published: 2026-10-01
Last modified: 2026-10-01

Dates

second to third centuries CE

Excavation Dates

Unexcavated

Garden Description

Aelius Aristides (25.6) referred in the second century CE to the parks and groves in the acropolis district of the city. According to Philostratos, writing in the late second and early third century CE, this area in the western part of the city had many sanctuaries, groves and gymnasia (Life of Apollonius 5.22). Archaeological exploration of the acropolis sector has confirmed the existence of temples to Zeus and to Apollo, a gymnasium with a stadium and several sacred caves of the nymphs (nymphaia) near the temple of Zeus. These artificial caves were carved out of the rock and had water basins and niches for statues. No trace of any gardens or groves survives, but these would not have been out of place in the context of sanctuaries and gymnasia.

Bibliography

  • Carroll-Spillecke, M. 1989. Κήπος. Der antike griechische Garten. Vol. 3, Wohnen in der klassischen Polis, 86, 94, fig. 12. Munich: Deutscher Kunstverlag. (worldcat)
  • Hoepfner, W., and E.-L. Schwandner, S. Dakares, and J. Boessneck. 1994. Haus und Stadt im klassischen Griechenland. 2nd. ed. Vol. 1, Wohnen in der klassischen Polis, 65-66, fig. 41. Munich: Deutscher Kunstverlag. (worldcat)

Keywords

Places