Telamon to the Temple of Olympian Zeus - Agrigento

Each telamon represents a deity or hero from Greek mythology. They are often interpreted as the Titans Atlas and Hercules, although there is some debate over their exact identities.

With a height of 7.65 meters , they create the illusion that they are carrying the load of the entire structure . They certainly had no load-bearing function given the slender proportions of the toned legs and feet together compared to the enormous bust and the powerful arms folded behind the head.

A replica of a telamon lies near the ruins to give the public a better understanding of what the telamons would have looked like and how they were used in the temple's architecture.

Their presence adds to the grandeur and artistic value of the temple.

Willem Vandenameele