Athens' Temple of Artemis threatened

The remains of a fifth century BC temple, whose carvings conjured the golden age of Athens, is the subject of a row between potential developers and conservationists.

With Greece's powerful Central Archaeological Council (Kas) pondering whether to allow building on the site, conservationists fear one of Athens's most sacred places is headed for extinction. . .

Overlooking a boulevard facing the Acropolis, the monument is believed to have been carved by Pericles' master architect, Kallikrates. Socrates and his disciples are believed to have debated the tenets of philosophy there. . .

In 1993, the former culture minister Melina Mercouri declared that the plot's owners would be paid some £350,000 so the site could be linked with other monuments in a giant archaeological park. But, as on other occasions, the promise foundered on the ministry's inability to pay compensation.

Full story here. Those who question Greece's ability to care for the Elgin Marbles will undoubtedly have something to say about this.

Posted by David on January 30, 2005 9:38 PM