Frankish Tower on the Acropolis demolished
- When
- 1874–1875
- Where
- General Ephorate of Antiquities; Archaeological Society; Acropolis of Athens
- Episodes
- 3
The medieval Frankish Tower on the Acropolis of Athens was demolished in 1875, funded by Heinrich Schliemann. The tower, likely built during the Frankokratia, stood near the Propylaia. Its removal sparked debate between those valuing classical purity and those preserving medieval heritage.
Episodes
- Schliemann's Proposal
Heinrich Schliemann proposed funding the tower's demolition in 1874, citing scientific service and personal gain.
- Archaeological Society Vote
The Archaeological Society voted to demolish the tower despite objections regarding medieval monument care.
- Demolition Execution
The physical demolition of the Frankish Tower occurred in 1875, concluding in October.
Background and detail
Background. The Frankish Tower was a medieval structure on the Acropolis, possibly part of the Dukes of Athens' palace. It stood on the western side near the Propylaia. After Greek independence, archaeologists argued for its demolition, citing potential valuable spolia and its intrusion on classical remains.
Controversy. Demolition faced opposition in France, where scholars like Jean Alexandre Buchon viewed the tower as a symbol of Frankish crusader pride and cultural continuity. In Athens, the Archaeological Society voted to proceed despite objections from its president regarding the care of medieval monuments.
Execution. Heinrich Schliemann proposed funding the demolition in 1874, framing it as a service to science. The operation resumed in July 1875 and concluded in October. Defenders claimed it restored the Acropolis's Greek character, while critics condemned it as wanton destruction.
People involved
- Heinrich Schliemann · Funder and Proposer
- Filippos Ioannou · President of Archaeological Society
- Jean Alexandre Buchon · Opposition Scholar
- Edward Augustus Freeman · Critic
Sources
- Frankish Tower (Acropolis of Athens) Wikipedia
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