Prytaneion

A prytaneion (Greek πρυτανεῖον ) was the seat of Prytanes ( πρυτάνεις prytaneis ), which in many cities ( poleis ) conducted the business of government in ancient Greece. The Prytanes were the leading representatives of the Bule ( council ). The prytaneion stood at a central point of the city, mostly near the Agora. In prytaneion burned the sacred fire of Hestia, goddess of the domestic hearth.

The catering in the prytaneion was granted for special services and corresponding by today the award of an honorary citizen.

Athens

On the south side of the Agora of Athens which was the Tholos, a circular temple, which served as the seat of Prytanes. It was probably built 470-460 BC on the ruins of an older building, which was destroyed 480 BC by the Persians and also could have served as prytaneion.

The Prytanes of Athens was formed after the reforms of Cleisthenes in exchange for every 35 or 36 days out of the 50 council members of a tribe, of which day and night one-third had to be present. They slept in the Tholos and were fed here.

The Tholos was destroyed by Sulla 86 BC and rebuilt under Augustus again. The building was used until about 450 AD.

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