The Erechtheum

Extract

Michaelis does not appear to me to be altogether right when he describes the Caryatid Porch at the south-west corner of The Erechtheum (B on the plan), as serving solely to cover the stair leading down from it to the western division of the temple (C). Further, I think he is wrong when he makes an entrance to the temple through the opening (A) in this porch. The mouldings at the sides show clearly that this opening was an original part of the construction; but they do not show that it was an entrance. For in the first place the step up to it from the outside—if it is a step—measures twenty inches; and in the second place, the delicate mouldings which run round the base ofthe building and are continued under this opening would be worn by almost every step that was taken up to it or down from it, as in fact they are now being worn by visitors who, with an effort, get up to the opening. Had there been an entrance at this point, these mouldings would have been discontinued, and a step placed to render the ascent fairly comfortable. Michaelis must then be wrong in making Pausanias first enter the temple at this opening. Perhaps it was here that the famous dog mentioned by Philochorus entered and descended into the Pandroseum!