9. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

A Greek Benefactor and Murderer?

While out for a wander this January in Athens, I came across a placard next to the wonderfully restored Odeon of Herodes Atticus, pictured below. The placard mentioned that a second-century Athenian benefactor, Herodes Atticus, had built it in honour of his beloved wife Regilla. When I returned home, I looked into this monument of love, and the darkness I found changed the way I look at the glorious theatre on the south-west slope of the Acropolis forever.

Inside the Odeon of Herodes Atticus – 2016

Who were Herodes and Regilla?

Herodes was a prolific builder and powerful statesman of the 2nd century CE,

Herodes Atticus was of noble descent and of consular rank. Tracing his heritage to the half-sister of Cimon, a famous Athenian statesman, and of course to the hero, Theseus, and Zeus. He created quite the linage, much like the Hellenistic before, that situated himself on equal footing to the emperors he served.

Herodes’ close relationship with the Antonine emperors included serving Hadrian as a prefect in the Province of Asia, then Antoninus Pius as tutor to his sons, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. Herodes was so respected and trusted that he was given the wealthy and powerful relative of Empress Faustina the Elder, Regilla, as his bride. Clearly, Regilla’s family was very well connected, and gifted the union with an impressive dowry of lands and resources.

Appia Annia Regilla was born to the gens Annia (the Annia Regilli = “little kings”) branch of the family. Her father was a distinguished senator, her mother was an aristocrat, and her brother served as a consul in 160. The latter would be instrumental in the court case against Herodes, when he brought his brother in law to face the authorities for his sister’s death.