The sanctuary of the Egyptian gods that is located 40 minutes from Athens

How was it decided to create such a space there in Attica?

No matter how much you explore Attica, you will always discover places and attractions that you do not know. You may have even passed by them but you have not stopped and you do not know their existence. This certainly happens with a special archaeological site in Attica. We are talking about the sanctuary of the Egyptian gods which is 40 minutes away from the center of Athens. In a location that is an ideal

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The sanctuary of the Egyptian gods is located 40 minutes from Athens

The Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods is actually an ancient sanctuary and at the same time a site of archaeological interest. This sanctuary is located next to the Small Marsh of Brexiza - that is, in today's Nea Makri. What is the history of this place and how was it decided to create such a sanctuary there? The Sanctuary of the Egyptians is thought to have been built by Herodes Atticus around 160 AD.

Why was this spot chosen? It is said that Herod chose Marathon for the foundation of the sanctuary because it was his place of origin and residence. It is likely that the sanctuary complex once stood within the boundaries of the estate he owned in the area.

Marathon is mentioned in many writings of antiquity, according to mythology. Marathon is also connected to the ancient city of Ramnous.

What will you see today in the area where the Sanctuary of the Egyptian gods is?

In the modern archaeological site, which is located today in the area of Marathon - Nea Makri, you will see what is now left, which is certainly not limited. In fact, we are talking about an extensive temple complex that is dedicated to Egyptian gods. There is also a luxurious bath which operated until the 4th century and a large ellipsoidal cistern.

If we could go back in time and be there, we would see that the sanctuary was built on an artificial islet in the Small Marsh. It is no coincidence that in the past years, it was called Island. We have an image from then in a 1792 drawing by the French consul in Athens, Louis S. Fauvel who depicts ancient ruins on an islet in Elos.

Regarding details of the history of the sanctuary, it has been claimed that it was dedicated to Sarapis, a Hellenized form of the god Osiris. Worship took place regularly while the great festivals of Sarapi and Isis were held there, while their son Horus was also worshipped.