I fell down a bit of a ruins research rabbithole today, thought I'd share some of my weird journey.
It started with this incredible 1858 photo of the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens. pic.twitter.com/KujA7BNt7V
— Paul Cooper (@PaulMMCooper) November 23, 2017
It turns out that Christian ascetics known as stylites, or “pillar saints” are the explanation.
After Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire, efforts were made in the 19th century to strengthen the national identity by harking back to the greatness of the Hellenic past. So in the eyes of the Greek authorities, this Christian addition had to go.
When is a ruin “finished”?
Who does the ruin belong to?
Can a ruin be ruined?