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Attalos Stoa build c. 150 BC by Attalus II, reconstruction in 1953/6 Agora Museum, Athens (Source)

Stoa (plural, stoae or stoæ) in Ancient Greek architecture; covered walkways or porticos, commonly for public usage. Early stoae were open at the entrance with columns lining the side of the building, creating an enveloping, protective atmosphere and were usually of Doric order. Later examples consisted of mainly two storeys, with a roof suporting the inner colonnades where shops or sometimes offices were located and followed Ionic architecture. These buildings were open to the public; merchants could sell their goods, artists display their artwork, and religious gatherings could take place. Stoae usually surrounded the marketplaces of large cities.

The Painted Porch

The Painted Porch (stoa poikile), erected during the 3rd century BC, was located on the north side of the Ancient Agora of Athens, and was where Zeno of Citium taught Stoicism. The philosophical school of Stoicism takes its name having first been expounded here, having derived from the word "stoa". Most of his teachings and lectures to his followers were made from this porch.

Famous Stoæ