Greek Agora, Stoa of Attalus II

Lining the east side of the Agora square is the Stoa of Attalos, built during the reign of Attalos II of Pergamon (159-138 BC), who studied in Athens under the philosopher Karneades before becoming king. In was a gift from the Pergamene king to the Athenians. Double Colonnades on two floors provided shaded walkways in front of forty two shops that were rented out by the city. White Pentelic and blue Hymettian Marble were used, along with limestone for the walls. The faceting of the lower Part Of the outer colonnade reflects the intense use of the building; a multitude of people and goods passed through, rubbing and banging against the Columns, so there was little point in fluting them at the level of potential damage and wear. The Column capitals used upstairs for the inner colonnade are of an unusual type ("Pergamene"), a late adaptation of early Egyptian prototypes.