A detailed topographical survey of ancient ruins and Byzantine churches in Athens, completed in 1831, formed the foundation for the Greek capital's modern urban redesign. Gustav Eduard Schaubert, who studied under Karl Friedrich Schinkel at the Berlin Bauakademie, utilized this precise data to balance the demands of King Otto I with the preservation of the city's archaeological sites.
Urban Planning in Greece
Schaubert collaborated with Stamatios Kleanthis to pioneer nineteenth-century urban redevelopment across Greece. Their primary Athens plan utilized a triangular expansion strategy north of the Acropolis and Old Town. This design favored long vistas connecting the Acropolis with the Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea. While Leo von Klenze later introduced modifications to the layout, the core concepts remained central to the city's growth. Beyond the capital, Schaubert applied these principles to the planning of Piraeus, which he developed with Kleanthis, and Eretria, which he designed independently to house 10,000 inhabitants. His Eretria plans emphasized logical axes between civic structures like the town hall, library, naval school, and the marketplace.
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In 1836, Schaubert worked alongside Christian Hansen to restore the Temple of Athena Nike on the Acropolis under the guidance of archaeologist Ludwig Ross. The trio published their findings in 1839 as Die Akropolis von Athen nach den neuesten Ausgrabungen, a work that brought significant attention to the structure among contemporary German art historians. Later, in 1845 and 1846, Schaubert directed excavations of the Grave of Coroebus, supported by funding from Frederick William IV of Prussia. This project served as an early precursor to subsequent German-led archaeological efforts at Olympia, focusing on the figure historically associated with the inaugural Olympic Games in 776 BC.
Professional Background
Born in 1804 in Breslau, then part of the Kingdom of Prussia, Schaubert balanced multiple disciplines throughout his career, acting as an architect, art historian, and archaeologist. His education in Berlin under Schinkel provided the technical foundation for his architectural work in Greece during the tenure of Ioannis Kapodistrias. He remained active in these fields until his death in Breslau in 1860.
Fast facts
- Born: 1804, Wrocław
- Died: 1860, Wrocław
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Prussia
- Key collaborator: Stamatios Kleanthis
- Notable project: Re-planning of Athens
- Archaeological focus: Temple of Athena Nike
- Academic training: Bauakademie in Berlin
Questions readers ask
What was Schaubert's primary contribution to Athens?
He developed a topographical plan in 1831 that guided the modern expansion of the city while protecting its ancient and Byzantine remains.
Did Schaubert work on archaeological sites outside of Athens?
Yes, he led the 1845/1846 excavation of the Grave of Coroebus under the direction of Ludwig Ross.
