The Temple of Hephaestus, a remarkable Doric masterpiece within Athens' Ancient Market, was erected in 449 BC to honor Hephaestus, the god of fire and the arts, and Athena, the patron goddess of the arts. Despite the loss of its once-housed bronze statues, this temple has been remarkably preserved, serving as a symbol of Greece's ancient heritage. While the architect's identity remains unknown, they were likely influenced by the Parthenon's construction and had designed other notable regional temples like those dedicated to Poseidon in Sounio, Nemesis in Ramnouda, and Ares in Menidi. The temple's eastern front depicts Hercules' labors, and the pronaos showcases Theseus' heroic feats on the Zoophorus, while metopes on the north and south tell his tales. Theseus, a pivotal figure in Athenian history, united Attica's municipalities and established his reign. His heroic feats include vanquishing the Amazons, defeating the Centaurs, abducting Helen from Sparta, and slaying the Minotaur, a creature once appeased with a gruesome tribute by the Athenians.