Thissio Square (Jaqueline de Romilly Square)

Thissio Square (Jaqueline de Romilly Square)

Jaqueline de Romilly was a Greek and French female philologist that was known for her great admiration of the Ancient Greek culture. Ms. de Romilly was born on March 26th, 1913 and passed away on December 18th, 2010.

In her time, she became globally known for her extensive academic work regarding the Hellenic language and culture. Therefore, in her honor, the Mayor of Athens named a significant square in the Thissio area, "Jaqueline de Romilly".

This great classical scholar from France was the first woman to teach as a professor at the "College de France" and the second woman to join the "Academie Francaise". She had been awarded by the mayor of Athens as an honorary citizen of Athens as well as with a Hellenic citizenship. In addition, Ms. de Romilly was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Athens in 1983; an Onassis Foundation award in 1995; and the Hellenic Parliament award in 2008.

 

The "Jaqueline de Romilly Square" is located in one of the most attractive parts of the city, due to its breathtaking view of the Acropolis area well as the Pnyx Hill. Many of the Greece's government representatives attended the naming ceremony. George Kaminis, the Mayor of Athens at the time and the former President of France Valery Giscard d' Estaing, honored her with their presence at the event on the day of September 16th, 2013.

Concerning the notable marble effects and the statues found in the square, there are 3 columns of white marble, placed on a marble base, measuring 1.60 x 0.45 cm and of a thickness of 0.6 cm. They are adjacent to the archaeological site of the Ancient Agora (Ancient Market), on the south side of the Temple of Hephaestus.