The Sanctuary of Athena In ancient times, travellers who approached Assos from Lecton and Polimedion to the west or from the direction of Gargara and Antandros to the east saw the silhouette of a building, rising towards the blue sky, on a rocky hill behind which there was the sea. At the same time, this building with its sharp-lined Doric columns was a symbol for sailors who knew it very well and who could perceive it from a long distance while they were approaching the city by the sea. This was a Temple dedicated to the Goddess who protected the city.