As part of the “Reconstruction-Formation of Queen Olga Avenue in Athens” project, rescue excavations have brought to light a complex dating back to the 2nd century AD, featuring a colonnaded courtyard and multiple rooms.
Specifically, in the northern part of the Temple of Olympieion Zeus, where sections of Imperial-era structures were previously explored by Stefanos Koumanoudis (1888-1889), the southern portion of the same structure has now been revealed. The foundation walls were discovered immediately beneath the paved sidewalks and asphalt, with the walls of all the areas extending into regions where further excavation is not currently feasible.
Although only a portion has been uncovered, it is clear that this is a complex with a colonnaded courtyard and multiple rooms, some of which have mosaic floors with geometric patterns. Portable findings confirm the dating of the structure to the 2nd century AD, a period during which Emperor Hadrian oversaw the city’s expansion to the east.
The structure underwent a second construction phase in the 4th century AD. Among the portable findings are at least 21 inscriptions and sculptures (depicting Athena, Aphrodite, Dionysus Pan, Satyr, and dancers), as well as an altar from the mid-1st century AD dedicated to Apollo.
During the same excavation, sections of a building were identified south of the Zappeion Megaro, likely connected to the large Roman bath partially explored in 1873-1874. According to Ioannis Travlos, this bathhouse may be the one described by Lucian in his work “Hippias” (4.4).
