Temple of Hera I

The Temple of Hera I, also known as the Basilica, is one of three remarkably preserved Doric temples in Paestum, an ancient city in southern Italy. It was likely founded around 600 BCE by Greek colonists from Sybaris. This temple dates back to the 6th century BCE, making it one of the earliest Greek temples in the area.1

Paestum, originally named Poseidonia, was a flourishing town by 540 BCE, as evidenced by its temples. The city later came under the control of the Lucanians before becoming a Roman colony in 273 BCE. The Temple of Hera I, along with the Temple of Athena and the Temple of Hera II, showcases the architectural styles of the Archaic period in Greek art.12