The Erechtheion, built between 421 and 395 B.C. and thus the
youngest feature of the Acropolis in its classical form,
incorporates a number of very ancient sanctuaries, and its
complicated ground plan reflects the need to take account of
these earlier structures. The eastern part was occupied by the
temple of Athena Polias, patron of the city, with the ancient
and much venerated wooden cult figure (xoanon) which had
previously stood in the Old Temple of Athena, no doubt
perpetuating cult traditions going back to the palace which
occupied the site in Mycenaean times. In the western part of the
Erechtheion were the tombs of king Erechtheus, who gave his name
to the whole structure, and Kekrops, the mythical founder of the
Athenian royal line. The tomb of Kekrops lay under the Porch of
the Caryatids Caryatids which projects on the south side of the
Erechtheion, its entablature borne by six figures of maidens in
place of columns. On the north side is another cult feature. An
opening in the floor affords a view of