Temple D, Ancient Greek temple in Selinunte Archaeological Park, Italy.
Temple D is an ancient Greek temple in the Selinunte Archaeological Park featuring a peripteral structure with six columns at the front and thirteen along the sides. The structure rests on a three-stepped stone platform that supports its classical layout.
The temple was built in the 6th century BCE when Selinunte was reaching its peak as a Greek colony in Sicily. Its construction reflects the wealth and architectural confidence the city possessed during this flourishing period.
The temple displays Doric architecture with features adapted to western Greek colonial life in Sicily. The column proportions and spatial layout reflect how builders modified classical designs for their new setting.
Temple D stands on the acropolis of Selinunte, the northernmost of its temples, with its altar just off the southeast corner. The stylobate measures about 24 by 56 metres, so the walk along the long side is considerable. Look for the older altar beside the ruins, a trace of the earlier temple on the same spot.
The altar at the temple's southeast corner is older than the temple itself, which suggests the building replaced an earlier temple on the same spot. The temple's deity is not known for certain; researchers think it may have been Aphrodite, which is why it is known by the letter D.
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