The earliest acroteria known appear in Greece in the 6th century BC. They are decorated with floral motifs, representations of animals and mythological figures like Hermes, the goddess Athena etc. More popular, however, are the anthemia that are painted, in low relief in front . The acroteria remain in use until the end of the roman period, they then reappear as architectural decorative features in the 19th century, the age of Neoclassicism in Europe. In this new phase they decorate both aristocratic and humble houses in Athens and other urban centres. Their form and decoration seems closely related to the ancient acroteria, while they are arranged together more densely.