Sixth century B.C.

Greek Architect and Sculptor

Theodoros, a sixth-century B.C. architect from the Greek island of Samos, designed the third Ionian temple honoring the Greek goddess Hera. Theodoros was the son of Rhoikos of Samos, also an architect of the colossal temple. Although some scholars suggest Theodoros may have been the son of the sculptor Telekles, most regard Telekles as an additional son of Rhoikos, and the brother of Theodoros.

Theodoros and Rhoikos built the Temple of Hera at the Samian town of Herion, believed to be the goddess Hera's birthplace. Samos was an especially prosperous island during the Archaic era, as well as a center for engineering and the arts. Samos was ruled by the tyrant Polycrates, who commissioned the monumental building. Theodoros built the temple over the ruins of a previous prehistoric monument honoring Hera (mother of the gods...