Sulla cronologia e l’interpretazione del fregio orientale dell’Hephaisteion

Mario Trabucco

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Abstract

In this paper the author reconsiders the problems relating to the chronology and the interpretation of the oriental frieze of the Hephaisteion in the Agora of Athens. First, there is a careful reconsideration of the relative disposition of the architectural members. Then elements of absolute chronology are added to place the beginning of the building in the years around 465 BC, with an interruption of the building process due to the diversion of the funds of the sanctuary of Hephaistos to the Periklean building program on the Akropolis. The chronology of the friezes was established in the 1960s, and a new interpretation is proposed, in close relation with the Kimonian circle and celebrating Kimon’s family and victories.