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Stenopos Kollytos was a narrow street in ancient Athens, Greece. The excavation area is visible along the pedestrianized Apostolou Pavlou, which connects Thiseio and the Acropolis.
Introduction to Stenopos Kollytos
Stenopos Kollytos was located in the deme of Kollytos (Κολλυτός), which sat between the Areopagus and the Pnyx. Kollytos was one of the wealthiest demes of Athens. Its residents included Plato (c. 428 – c. 327 BC) and his family as well as Peisistratos (c. 600 – 527 BC) and other aristocrats.
The road was four meters wide and passed by workshops, houses, and shrines. It was excavated by German archaeologist Wilhelm Dörpfeld (1853-1940) between 1892 and 1898. What’s visible today are a few minor structures. The site is not open to the public.
House of the Roman Mosaic
The most impressive structure in the Stenopos Kollytos area is the House of the Roman Mosaic. It was a private residence built in the 2nd century during the Roman period. The house features a floor mosaic depicting two parrots drinking water from a vase.
House of Aristodemos
On the same side of the street to the north are a group of houses dating between the 4th century BC and the 4th century AD. Two of them have been identified as the House of Periandros and the House and Aristodemos thanks to mortgage inscriptions discovered on their outer walls.
House of the Greek Mosaics
The House of the Greek Mosaics is a little tough to spot between the trees. It sat across the street and somewhat north of the House of Aristodemos. The House of the Greek Mosaics had several rooms surrounding a central courtyard. Some of the rooms were decorated with pebble mosaic floors.
Other Structures
Other structures of note include the 6th century BC Shrine of Heracles Alexikakos, also known as Dionysio en Limnais. It sat on the north side of the site and on the east side of the street. The 2nd century Baccheion was built atop the shrine. A line of trees blocks the view of the Baccheion.
The Leschi (club) was a 4th century BC building across the street to the west side. It was a gathering place for the homeless and was built atop the remains of a 6th century BC temple. The Leschi is almost completely covered by the promenade today.
Finally, the Amyneion was an open-air sanctuary dedicated to the Attic hero Amynos. From 420 BC onwards, the sanctuary was also dedicated to the healer Asclepius. It’s hidden behind a row of trees.
