The Akroteria of the Temple of Athena Nike (Acropolis, Athens)

Recent examination of the extant akroteria bases of the Temple of Athena Ni ke (Acropolis 2635, 2638, 4291, and 19598 alpha and beta) and of the releva nt inscriptions (IG I-3 482, IG II2 1425, et al.) has revealed new evidence from which several conclusions can be made regarding the crowning sculptur e of this important building. In addition to suggesting the technique by wh ich the akroteria of the Nike temple were gilded, the new evidence demonstr ates the size of the akroteria and allows the dominant interpretation of th e central akroterion as a Bellerophon/Chimaira group to be rejected. Based on evidence gained from the akroteria bases, three hypothetical restoration s of the central roof sculpture are proposed: a tripod, a trophy flanked by nikai, and a composition based on the other well-known, gilded akroterion of the late 5th century BC, the nike erected by Paionios of Mende over the Spartan shield on the east facade of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia.