Villa of Herodes Atticus

Villa of Herodes Atticus is a Roman villa located on the outskirts of Doliana and near Astros in Arcadia, Greece [1]. It was developed between the 1st and 5th centuries by the family of Herodes Atticus [1]. Herodes Atticus carried out major extension work on the estate, giving it the grandeur and luxury of a rich patrician residence [1]. The archaeological remains offer proof of a second phase, around the year 165, when overwhelmed by the loss of his wife Appia Annia Regilla and his sons, he covered the villa with artistic works of his relatives [1]. The property was partly destroyed at the end of the 4th century, possibly by an earthquake or the Visigoth invasions [1]. At the beginning of the 5th century the baths and other parts of the villa were used for workshops and the north wing modified to create a large Christian basilica [1]. The villa of Herodes Atticus belongs to the model of the villa rustica intended as a holiday resort of wealthy landowners but also for agricultural production [1]. The building occupies an area of approximately 6,500 m2 on an estate of 20,000 m2 [1].