Monument of Philopappos

The Monument of Philopappos, located on the hill of the same name, is one of the most fascinating and lesser-known monuments of ancient Athens. Erected between 114 and 116 AD, this monumental mausoleum is dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, an influential prince of the Kingdom of Commagene, who after the fall of his kingdom moved to Rome and became an important senator under the rule of Trajan and Hadrian. The choice to erect such an imposing monument in honor of Philopappos reflects not only his status and wealth, but also his close connection to Athens, a city he had adopted and deeply loved. Philopappos, born around 65 AD, belonged to a royal dynasty with mixed Greek and Persian roots. After his kingdom was annexed to the Roman Empire, he moved to Rome, where he built a brilliant political career. He was elected consul and served as eponymous archon in Athens, an honor reserved for few non-Athenians. His philanthropy and patronage earned him great respect and affection from the Athenians, who wanted to commemorate him with this splendid monument after his death in 116 AD. The Monument of Philopappos stands at the top of the Hill of the Muses, southwest of the Acropolis, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Athens. The structure is an excellent example of Roman funerary architecture, with Greek influences visible in the artistic details. The monument consists of a rectangular base, on which stands a facade adorned with sculpted reliefs and statues celebrating the figure of Philopappos and his ancestors. The main facade is divided into two registers. In the upper register, a statue of Philopappos seated in a quadriga (chariot drawn by four horses) symbolizes his elevated position and prestige. Next to him are sculpted allegorical figures representing the virtues and qualities attributed to him. The lower register features reliefs of his ancestors, including King Antiochus IV of Commagene and his grandfather Antiochus III, emphasizing the importance of his royal lineage and his connection to the Seleucid dynasty. A bilingual inscription in Greek and Latin celebrates his achievements and titles, attesting to his role as a cultural bridge between the Greek and Roman worlds. This detail reflects not only Philopappos’ cosmopolitanism, but also the syncretic culture of the Roman period, where cultural identities blended and mutually influenced each other. The hill on which the monument stands is itself a site of great historical and cultural importance. Known as the Hill of the Muses, it has been a place of inspiration for poets and artists since antiquity. During the classical period, the hill hosted the political assemblies of the Pnyx, where Athenian citizens gathered to discuss and decide public matters. This proximity to the heart of Athenian political life adds further significance to the monument, placing it in a context of great historical and symbolic importance. An interesting anecdote concerns the restoration of the monument in the 19th century. During the Greek War of Independence, Athens was rediscovering and restoring many of its ancient monuments. However, the Monument of Philopappos was in a state of neglect and was targeted by treasure hunters and antiquities collectors. It was only thanks to the efforts of German archaeologists, particularly archaeologist Ludwig Ross, that the monument was brought to light and restored. Ross, a passionate archaeologist and lover of Greek culture, dedicated himself with great energy to its preservation, saving this fundamental piece of Athenian heritage.