Located near the Plane Tree of Hippocrates, this temple, deidcated to Hercules, is dated to the 2nd century B.C. It is built upon a trapezoid shaped mound. Upon the northernmost corner of the mound stood a rectangular temple. From this temple, the only surviving parts are the Efthentiria (part of the foundation of the temple), the Crepidoma (the platform on which the superstructure of the building was erected) and the Orthostate (stone blocks built into the lower portion of the wall).
The temple is considered to have been dedicated to Hercules, due to an inscription and objects associated with Hercules found on the site as well as findings related to the legend of this hero.
According to historical sources after the demolition of the surrounding area between the second and third centuries A.D, a columnade was erected and decorated with mosaics. One of these mosaics depicted the “Symposium of Hercules”. In the same area one may encounter buildings belonging to later eras, such as a baptistery and a small bathhouse.
Location:
Nafklirou, Kos 853 00
