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The Archaeological Area of Agrigento, located on the southern coast of Sicily, Italy, is an impressive complex of ancient Greek ruins known as the "Valley of the Temples" (Valle dei Templi), which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. The Temple of Hera, also known as the Temple of Juno, stands in splendid isolation on the eastern end of this "Valley of the Temples," atop a hill approximately 120 meters above sea level.

Historical Overview and Context of the Temple

The Temple of Hera is estimated to have been built between 460 and 440 BC and is a quintessential example of ancient Greek Doric architecture. It is named the Temple of Hera because it was dedicated to Hera, the queen of the Greek gods and the goddess who presided over marriage and family. Hera was identified with the Roman goddess Juno (Giunone in Italian), which is why the temple is also called the Temple of Juno. As Juno was the goddess of marriage and childbirth, it is said that wedding ceremonies and banquets took place in front of this temple during the ancient Greek period.

The temple is a peripteral structure with 13 columns on the long sides and 6 columns on the short sides. The dimensions of the platform (crepidoma) are approximately 38 meters by 17 meters. Local tuff stone was used for its construction.

Preservation Status and Surviving Ruins

Many of the temples in Agrigento were destroyed by the Carthaginian army during their invasion in 406 BC, and the Temple of Hera also suffered damage, with visible traces of fire remaining. It also sustained significant damage from earthquakes in the Middle Ages. However, it is relatively well-preserved compared to other temples in the area, with 25 of the original 34 columns still standing. While the eastern side of the temple shows signs of reconstruction, the remaining ruins allow visitors to fully appreciate its ancient grandeur.

Positioning within the "Valley of the Temples"

The Temple of Hera is located at the easternmost point among the major temples in the "Valley of the Temples," and its position offers a panoramic view of the surrounding beautiful landscape. It stands to the east of the Temple of Concordia, which is considered to be exceptionally well-preserved, conveying to visitors the profound faith and remarkable architectural skill of the ancient Greeks in Sicily. The temple is lit up at night, displaying a different, mystical beauty, and has become one of Agrigento's iconic sights. This temple is a valuable cultural heritage site that narrates the history and culture of the era when Sicily flourished as an ancient Greek colony.