Agora

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The agora of Kos, one of the largest in the ancient world, was among the most splendid monuments in the new city that was founded at the northeast tip of the island, 'around Skandarion', in 366 BC. The monumental complex began in the area of the harbour, abutting the fortification wall, and ended at the central thoroughfare of the city, which was some 33 metres wide and led to Asklepieion.
Approximately 350 metres in length, the agora occupied 16 building insulae of the urban grid. It comprised a central court with stoas and shops, and included public buildings and sanctuaries. Study of the monuments has revealed three building phases, spanning the period from the late fourth-early third century BC to AD 469 or 554, when the agora was destroyed by earthquake. The best-preserved part, the northern, occupies the western area of the archaeological site and was excavated and partially restored by the Italian Archaeological Service.
The earthquake in AD 142 caused extensive damage to the agora and large-scale repairs and reconstruction works were initiated immediately afterwards. Following the complete destruction of the city wall, the north front of the complex was remodelled, along with the adjacent sanctuary of Aphrodite, to the east, creating an architectural ensemble that evoked the admiration of visitors, particularly those who sailed into the harbour.
After the earthquake in AD 142 the elevated interior of the agora was linked to the harbour area by a monumental gateway (propylon) and a wide staircase constructed of marble from Asia Minor. Dominating the centre of the propylon was a rectangular ball, as a kind of temple, with a six-columned porch in the Corinthian order. This hall was lavishly decorated with floral and geometric motifs, while the abacus of the column capitals was adorned with winged Eros figures. It was dedicated possibly to the cult of the emperor, a view that is bolstered by the discovery there of part of a colossal statue – about 3 m. high – of a male figure. The front of the hall onto the court was arranged as a nymphaeum. On either side of the hall, were entrances roofed with semi-cylindrical vaults, constructed of opus caementicium (cement) and coated with plaster curved with meander patterns. The two outer vaults led into the stoas of the agora, and the middle vault into the court. Architectural members surviving from the propylon are now gathered to the west of the staircase.
With these interventions, the north part of the agora of the second century AD functioned also as a place of worship. In this way, the Coans wanted to express their gratitude to Emperor Antoninus Pius (AD 137-161), who contributed to restoring the damage caused by the earthquake of AD 142.