Middle Stoa
The Middle Stoa was a portico or stoa located approximately in the center of the Agora of Athens. It divided the ancient square into two unequal zones: a larger northern area and a smaller southern area. Situated at the northern foot of the Acropolis, the building ran east–west, south of the Eridanos River.
History
During the 2nd century BC, the appearance of the south side of the Agora changed radically with the construction of several new buildings. The Middle Stoa was the first of these, with its construction period dated by modern research to between approximately 180 and 140 BC. It remained in continuous use throughout the Roman era.Dating
Excavations of the building's construction filling yielded a massive amount of debris used as packing material to level the sloping ground, including approximately 1,500 stamped amphora handles. Analysis of these stamps, primarily Rhodian and Knidian, indicates that the latest material in the fill dates to the second decade of the 2nd century BC. Specifically, the cessation of Sinopean stamps indicates a cut-off date for the fill of approximately 183 BC.Patronage
While the specific builder is not named in surviving inscriptions, the dating of 183 BC suggests the donor was Pharnaces I of Pontus. In that year, Pharnaces captured Sinope and Amisus, gaining control of key centers for the Black Sea grain trade. An Athenian decree found at Delos honors Pharnaces and mentions a sum of money he had promised to Athens which was being paid in installments. Grace argues that the initial payments likely funded the massive terracing and construction of the Middle Stoa.Researchers believe foreign architects were likely responsible for the building's design, as it presents construction elements that were unusual for Athenian architecture of that period.
Description
The Middle Stoa was the largest building in the Athenian Agora, measuring long and wide. It featured Doric colonnades on both the north and south outer sides, and an inner Ionic colonnade running down the middle to support the roof. The building was constructed primarily of limestone, with a terracotta roof.Architectural details
The building rested on a krepis constructed with slabs positioned so that each slab rested on two underlying ones, preventing vertical joints from coinciding. Traces on individual drums indicate that a narrow parapet or screen wall ran between some of the columns; the height of this parapet remains uncertain.The architrave and frieze were most likely originally decorated with paint.
Function
The purpose of the Middle Stoa, like all the buildings in the South Square, is unclear.While traditionally classified as a commercial stoa, its design features suggest it may have served as a municipal granary. The Middle Stoa shares key characteristics with ancient granaries, including a long, narrow shape, a raised floor to prevent dampness, and an enclosed exterior to protect against vermin and weather. If Pharnaces I was the donor, a granary would have been a fitting gift given his mastery over major grain ports.
Remains
To the south of the Middle Stoa were the South Stoa I and the Aiakeion. The East Building connected the Middle Stoa and the South Stoa at the eastern end of both structures.Remains are preserved of the narrow parapets that ran between the columns, as well as foundations, steps, and the lower portions of some columns. At the eastern end, original steps and portions of three columns remain in place. At the western end, only the heavy foundations of reddish conglomerate survive. The excavated remains show signs of intense burning, indicating the superstructure contained significant wooden elements.