Paestum

The second place we visited during our "South Field Trip" was the archaeological site of Paestum. The town of Paestum was founded by Greek colonists some time around the end of the 7th century BC. The main highlights of this site are three well preserved Greek temples. Each temple is different and takes on an architectural persona of the god it is dedicated to. The area also features a museum with artifacts from the site. The site was interesting and definitely worth the trip. It was also nice to get outside of the average tourist area.

Looking across the town to the Temple of Athena

This area is believed to be a swimming pool with a maze like structure in it.
The Temple of Poseidon is in the background.

More ruins with the Temple to Athena in the background

Its almost like we've enter another world.

column ruins with Temple of Poseidon in the background

The Temple of Poseidon, which is believed to be constructed around 450 BC

Another view of Poseidon's temple

Poseidon's Temple consists of 36 large outer columns,
and inside it has 4 medium columns and 14 smaller columns

One of the other students...to give you an idea of the scale!

View inside

Another view inside,
this one is the only one that had a second level of columns

Temple of Hera, believed to have been built around 550 BC

Another view of the Temple of Hera,
which is shorter and more slender than the Temple of Poseidon

Me in front of the Temple's of Hera and Poseidon

The side of the Temple of Hera

Inside the Temple of Hera

Will hugging a column of Hera's Temple

Column at the Temple of Hera

Temple of Athena, built around 500 BC

Columns at the Temple of Athena

The Temple of Athena is situated on the highest point in the town

Front of the Temple of Athena

Can you find the little lizard?

Tomb of the Diver, top panel 

Side panel of the Tomb of the Diver

Head side panel

Foot panel of the tomb of the Diver

Some of the many pottery artifacts found at Paestum