GREAT PANATHENAIA Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the Great Panathenaia?
The Great Panathenaia is a major festival in ancient Athens, celebrated in honor of the goddess Athena. Every 4 years
Ten tribes of Athens?
Attica was split into ten tribes. Each named after an Athenian hero.
TGP Sacrifice?
A hecatomb (100 oxen), on the altar of the Athena Pallas. Only Athenians were allowed there.
How long?
Eight days
Rhapsodic and musical contests?
Verses from Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey were recited from memory.
An aulos (flute) and a kithara (like a lyre) were used.
Sporting events?
Eight days, only men.
Stadion?
Running the entire length of the stadium.
Wrestling?
Three falls = won.
Cover themselves in oil to make it harder
Boxing?
Leather straps to cover the hands, blows aimed to the head (most dangerous)
Pankration?
Mix of boxing and wrestling
Penthathlon?
Discus, javelin, long jump, stadion and wrestling
Equestrian events? (Two points)
Javelin contest (riders hit their targets whilst riding)
Apobates (armed riders dismount, run, remount horses)
Tribal contests?
Completed by 10 tribes. Strength contests, a boat race and a war dance.
All-night celebration?
Torch race:
Two-mile race from the Dipylon Gate to the Acropolis
* Each competitor runs with a lit torch to light the sacrificial flame.
* The peplos was presented to Athena on the sixth day – this displayed the Gigantomachy
What was the significance of the Great Panathenaia for Athens?
It reinforced civic pride and religious devotion to Athena.
Panathenaic amphorae?
Filled with olive oil, pictures of Athena on the sides
True or False: The festival included theatrical performances.
True.
What was the ‘sacred peplos’?
A specially woven robe presented to the statue of Athena.
What were the ‘pancratium’ events?
The pancratium was a combined event of boxing and wrestling.
Multiple choice: Which of the following deities was primarily honored during the Great Panathenaia? A) Zeus B) Apollo C) Athena
C) Athena
What was the role of the ‘kithara’ in the musical contests?
The kithara was a stringed instrument used by performers in the musical competitions.
Fill in the blank: The Great Panathenaia included a grand _____ to showcase the importance of the festival.
procession
True or False: The Great Panathenaia was an exclusive celebration for the elite class.
False. It was a public festival open to all citizens.
What was the impact of the Great Panathenaia on Athenian society?
It promoted social cohesion and cultural identity among Athenians.
