The Erechtheion is an elaborate temple, a
combination of the doric and the ionic orders. It consists of three parts
which are pratically independent : the north entrance, the main body of
the building and the Caryatides. As well, several cults also officiated
there, particulary those of Athena, Poseidon, Erechteus and Cerops. The
olive tree reminds us that it was there the place where Athena’s sacred
tree could be worshipped. |