Painted Stoa

building, Athens, Greece

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July 1, 2026

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The Painted Stoa, or Stoa Poikile, was a building in ancient Athens, Greece, located in the Agora. It served as a covered walkway or colonnade, supported by columns, and was a public space for business and promenade. This stoa was notable for its famous paintings by Polygnotus and Micon, which depicted scenes such as the Battle of Marathon. These artworks, created around 460 BCE, marked a significant moment when painters contributed their talents to decorate purely secular buildings, serving the state. The stoa's name, "Painted Colonnade," directly reflects its artistic decoration.123

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Western painting
Early Classical (c. 500–450 bce)
About 460 bce the Painted Stoa at Athens was decorated with a series of paintings representing famous battles, including both legendary and historical events involving Athenians. Thus, probably for the first time in Greek history, painters placed their talents at the service of the state—moreover, a state that used…
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About 460 bce the Painted Stoa at Athens was decorated with a series of paintings representing famous battles, including both legendary and historical events involving Athenians. Thus, probably for the first time in Greek history, painters placed their talents at the service of the state—moreover, a state that used…
Read More