The Southwest corner of the Agora features a large, almost square enclosure, of which only the first course above the foundation remains. Measuring at about 27m by 31m, the buildling was constructed most likely around the mid 6th century BC, as dating of ceramic evidence from the site suggests. It is entered through a short flight of three to five steps built along the middle of the north face of the structure; there was a minor doorway on the east side. The south, east, and west sides were enclosed by a wall of .5m-thick stone-cut masonry, of which several blocks still remain. With the exception of some rooms along the south wall, the entire buildling was unroofed and open to the elements. In general, the site is very poorly preserved, offering few clues to its function in Athenian society. However, it is know that throughout history the structure underwent numerous changes; in the mid fourth century, a water clock was built against the north front of the buildling, and later on in the 2nd century, a complete 6-column peristyle court was added.

Plan of Heliaia after the Agora Excavations [link]

The Actual State Plan of the Heliaia

Though the identity of this structure is still uncertain, it is thought to be the Heliaia, the largest and possibly most important court of Archaic Athens. Written sources suggest that the Heliaia was composed of as many as 1,500 jurors, and at least on one occassion held 2,500 or more citizen jurors.

References

Camp, John M. The Athenian Agora: Excavations in the Heart of Classical Athens. Thames and Hudson, London; 1992

Camp, John M. The Archaeology of Athens. Yale University Press, New Haven; 2001

O'Neil, James L. The Origins and Development of Ancient Greek Democracy. Rowman and Littlefield, Boston; 1995

Roberts, J.W. City of Sokrates: An Introduction to Classical Athens. Routledge, London; 1998

Thorley, John. Athenian Democracy. Routledge, London; 1996

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Greek Archaeology