Stoa poikile

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The Stoa poikile or Painted Porch was erected during the 5th century BC and was located on the north side of the Ancient Agora of Athens. The Stoa was the location from which 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.

The Stoa Poikile was decorated by fresco painter and sculptor Mikon of Athens in collaboration with Polygnotos of Thasos such as the celebrated Battle of Marathon. Both artists worked around the mid-5th Century BC.