The Temple of Poseidon

Ancient Greece, as is modern Greece, is comprised of a mainland and over 1000 islands.  The sea is critical to the country and is part of the national identity.  Poseidon was the ancient Greek god of the sea, significant to the ancient Greeks since theirs was a seafaring nation. To protect their mainland and the capital city of Athens, the ancient Greeks built a fortress and lookout on Cape Sounion to the south of Athens at the southern-most point on the mainland where ships approachng from the sea would have to pass.  This lookout was not only a military post but also included a religious site, the Temple of Poseidon.

We left Athens for a 2 hour drive along the coast to Cape Sounion.  The drive along the coast is filled with beautiful views of natural shoreline, resorts, boats, and a beautiful deep blue sea.  The photos out the window of the coach do not do justice to the beauty of the scenery.  We passed a famous sailboarding school that was busy, a waterskiing school, and many lovely small beaches.  What an enjoyable drive!

Once at the Cape, the scenery was equally spectacular.  The Temple of Poseidon seemed modest after the Partenon, but was beautiful in that particular setting.  Th full st of photos will be posted later.  A few sample photos are below.