The temple of Aegina Aphaia was built around 570 BC over the ruins of an earlier temple that was destroyed in the fire in 510 BC. The remains of this old temple were filled-in to form a larger flat terrace on which  the new temple was built.

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Legend states that Aphaia disappeared near the coast of Aegina, hence the name Aphaia meaning vanish got its name. Aphaia is said to be a hunting goddess who protects shipping.

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Scenes of battles fought by Aeginetan heroes during the first and second wars against Troy adorn the pediments. The goddess is seen in the center looking ahead in both east and west pediment groups. A statue of the deity Aphaia is believed to have been erected on a stone base located in the center of the cella.