The Lyceum was a gymnasium near Athens and the site of a
philosophical school founded by Aristotle. Table of Contents -
Location, Structures, and Layout of the Lyceum - History of the
Use of the Lyceum - References and Further Reading
Archaeological exploration of the topography of the Lyceum has
been hampered by the sprawl of buildings in modern Athens. The
general location of the Lyceum outside and East of the ancient
city wall is well-attested (Strabo 9.1.24, Cleidemus, FGrH
323F18, and Pausanias 1.19.3). Ancient literary and epigraphic
sources and modern archaeological investigation provide an
occasional glimpse into the layout and use of the Lyceum area in
antiquity. While most often connected with philosophical
teaching and discourse, the Lyceum was used for military
exercises, meetings of the Athenian assembly, and cult practice
as well as athletic training. This multiplicity of use had a
direct impact on the types of structures in the area and on the
general development of the Lyceum. From the earlies