Syracuse - Altar of Hiero II

(Local Name: Ara di Ierone II) The Altar of Hiero II in Syracuse is a massive construction. It was endowed by Hiero II, who was king from 269 to 215 B.C., in memory of the fall in 466 B.C. of the tyrant Thrasybulos, which was celebrated every year in Syracuse with the Feast of Zeus Eleutherios (the Zeus of Freedom). The historian Diodor recounts how 450 bulls were sacrificed at this feast, to provide a banquet for the citizens.

The Altar of Hiero was used for these sacrifices. The foundations, hewn out of the rock and measuring over 180m/606.75ft (one "stadium" in Greek measurement) in length and 23m/75.5ft wide, have been preserved, and steps and ramps for the sacrifices can be discerned at each end. The building above, which has long since gone, must have been about 15m/50ft high and decorated with sculptures. At the end of the road the Roman Amphitheater can be seen.