The gymnasium of the Academy in Athens: a new case from the 4th century BC

This paper focuses on the suburban gymnasium of the Academy in Athens and the reconsideration of its remains. Despite the lack of evidence the gymnasium was identified with the building at the South-eastern corner of the Academy. Showing why this building cannot be regarded as such, I propose to identify the gymnasium with a second building lying further to the North and usually called TetragonosPeristylos.

In the first part of my paper I will provide a detailed map of the architectural evidence and suggest a new reading of the topography of the Academy. Secondly I will offer my interpretation of the two above-mentioned buildings: The South-eastern building which has been commonly called gymnasium in my view presents several building phases, which need to be explained. Finally I will focus on the TetragonosPeristylos. Its interpretation as gymnasium is supported by the examination of the plan, which is comparable to other known gymnasia, and by epigraphic evidence. According to its building technique I propose to date this building in the early 4th century BC.