Aiakeion
Coordinates: 37 ° 44 ′ 59.8 " N , 23 ° 25 ′ 26.7" E
The Aiakeion ( Greek Αἰάκειον , classical pronunciation [ai̯ˈakeːɔn] ) was a sanctuary of Aiakos on the Greek island of Aegina .
Aiakos, the progenitor of the Aiakiden , was, according to legend, the son of Zeus and the nymph Aegina born on Aegina. At a time of great drought, he addressed his prayer to the father of gods on the highest mountain on the island, where the sanctuary of Zeus Hellanios is located. Zeus heard him and let it rain. After Plutarch and Pindar , the inhabitants of the island built a heroon to commemorate him and his deed : the Aiakeion. It was located in the center of the city of Aegina, the capital of the island, and consisted of a square room enclosed by a marble wall, in which an altar, according to legend the tomb of Aiakos, was surrounded by olive trees. A relief in one of the vestibules depicts the story of salvation from the drought.
The winners of the festival held in honor of Aiakos were represented in the sanctuary. In these sporting competitions were held.
literature
- Johannes Toepffer : Aiakeia . In: Paulys Realencyclopadie der classischen Antiquity Science (RE). Volume I, 1, Stuttgart 1893, Col. 921.
- Johannes Toepffer: Aiakeion . In: Paulys Realencyclopadie der classischen Antiquity Science (RE). Volume I, 1, Stuttgart 1893, Col. 921 f.