Ara di Ierone (Altar of Hiero II), Syracuse

The Altar of Hiero II is a remarkable archaeological site, although much of its upper structure has been lost to history. This monumental altar occupies a prominent position in ancient Neapolis, and today, mainly the basement structures remain, nestled into the lower part of the rocky slope of Colle Temenite. The original upper block structure, once a significant part of this grand monument, was nearly entirely removed during the 16th century to be repurposed in the construction of the Spanish fortifications in the city.

The historical significance of the altar's location is evident as it was originally believed to be associated with a building dedicated to Zeus Eleutherios, the "liberator." In front of this altar, a rite was celebrated following the expulsion of the last tyrant of the Dinomenids, Thrasybulus of Syracuse, in 466 BC. The rite in honor of Zeus Eleutherios, during the festivals known as Eleutheria, is said to have included athletic competitions and the sacrifice of 450 bulls. Diodorus, the historian, attributes the construction of this grand work to Hieron II, and it was described as being stadium-sized and built in proximity to the theater.

The surviving portions of the Altar of Hiero II include its immense rocky base, which measures approximately 198 meters in length and 22.80 meters in width. Notably, the northern half of this base rests upon a vast underground cavity, which may have been of natural origin or used for rock extraction before the altar's construction.

The altar featured two symmetrical and opposing ramps at its front ends, providing access to the central platform where sacrificial ceremonies took place. Each of these ramps was preceded by an entrance, with the northern entrance flanked by two Telamons, and the feet of these sculptures have been preserved. The altar stands as a testament to the historical and religious significance of Syracuse in antiquity, and despite the loss of its upper structure, its surviving components offer valuable insights into the cultural practices and grandeur of ancient times.