Athens and its monuments

Front matter

MACMILLAN & CO., Limited

THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, Ltd.

TORONTO

Preface

This book is designed to provide a brief and untechnical account of the topography and monuments of ancient Athens for the general reader and the traveler, as well as an introduction to the subject for the student of archaeology and history ; a few ideas that are new and worthy may perhaps be found by the specialist. In view of the wealth of material available, the maintenance of a proper balance and perspective is not easy ; particularly strong is the temptation to allow recent discoveries to usurp more than their just share of attention. A straight course between doubt and dogmatism is also difficult to keep. Notwithstanding the effort to avoid confusion of fact and theory, and to present, so far as possible, the grounds for opinions expressed, the form of statement may now and then seem more positive than is justifiable. If, on the other hand, the use of “ probably ” and “ perhaps ” appears frequent, the point may be urged that many problems are still far from a solution ; when evidence is scanty, doubt is more reasonable than dogmatism.

The topographical treatment adopted by Pausanias is so convenient and logical that it has seemed preferable to the historical order. Pausanias and other sources are quoted freely ; the references, save in the case of direct quotations, could not be given without encumbering the pages. If the exigencies of space have also made imperative the omission of the names of modern scholars, appreciation of the obligation imposed by their labors is no less keen. My constant indebtedness to the works mentioned in the bibliography at the end of the book, particularly to

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PREFACE

Dr. Judeich’s Topographie von Athen , will be manifest to all who are acquainted with the literature of the subject. The general plan of the book was suggested by Miss Harrison’s Mythology and Monuments of Ancient Athens ; had she decided to revise her volume, this book would probably never have been written. In these days one can hardly write about Athens without an expression of gratitude to Dr. Wilhelm Dorpfeld, long the secretary of the German Institute there, whose genius has illumined many a dark corner of the ancient city, and whose personality has been an inspiration.

The list of those who gave me aid and encouragement in completing this task is long. I am under special obligation to the American editor of this series of Handbooks for reading the manuscript and offering suggestions ; to Professor David M. Robinson, of Johns Hopkins University, for reading both manuscript and proof ; to Professor Frank B. Tarbell, of the University of Chicago, and Mr. Lacey D. Caskey, of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, for reading a large part of the manuscript and for giving valuable suggestions. Deeply appreciating the kindly assistance of these scholars, I absolve them from responsibility for such errors and infelicities as still remain. The sources of the illustrations used in the book are indicated in the list at the beginning of the volume. I can here only express in general terms my thanks to those who have furnished photographs, especially to Mr. Ashton Sanborn and Mr. Carl W. Blegen for securing and sending photographs from Athens. Finally, I desire to express my thanks to my colleague, Mr. Robert B. Dale, who made many of the drawings.

CHARLES HEALD WELLER.

Iowa City,