greek essay Flashcards
(22 cards)
PARTHENON
- location and date of construction?
2.function?
- historical context?
- summarised analysis?
- Location: Acropolis of Athens, Greece. Date of Construction: ancient greece 447–432 BCE (400s BC)
2.Function: Temple to Athena
- Built after defeat of the Persians and during Athens’ rise as a dominant global power
Commissioned by greek politician Pericles as part of a regeneration of the Acropolis of athens - a group of structures built high on a hill at Athens.
Some funding provided by the Delian League - an association of Greek city-states, making the structure a political symbol (of Athenian power) as well as a religious one.
Most famous building of the Acropolis of Athens - The Parthenon represents the golden age of Classical Greece, demonstrating a time where politics, art and religion were all closely interlinked
PARTHENON - artistic achievements
- architectural refinement?
- effect of these adjustments?
- Sculptural work?
- summarised analysis?
- . Doric peripteral temple: 8 x 17 number of columns — different from the standard 6x13 - creating a more impressive structure
Greater visual sophistication: eg. Columns lean slightly inward
The stylobate (base platform) slightly curves upward
the Corner columns are thicker and closer together - These adjustments , create an effect of perfect symmetry and proportion.
- The pediments of Parthenon are triangular spaces on each end of the temple with sculptures depicting scenes of Greek mythology
Parthenon pediments Depict Athena’s birth and the conflict with Poseidon.
Metopes : 92 square carved plaques of Pentelic marble located above the columns, showing mythological battles symbolizing order over chaos.
Frieze (Ionic): which runs along the inner upper walls, depicting everyday Athenian life - which celebrates Greek identity.
- An example of a romanticised version of the human form as well as storytelling, both of which are important in Greek culture
PARTHENON - technology innovations
- Technological Innovations and Construction Excellence? (4)
- summarised analysis?
- material: fine-grained Pentelic marble - gives subtle golden colour in sunlight
Built without mortar — each block assembled using a system of iron clamps and dowels.
advanced tools for measurement and levelling, use of complicated design mathematics and geometry - which led to greater harmony of building features
An advanced for the time wooden crane and pulley systems was used during construction
Considered an achievement of technology within classical architecture as it successfully combines functionality and visual beauty.
PARTHENON - in the Context of Greek Architectural History
- doric order mastery?
- Expression of Greek Philosophical Ideals?
- Clearly embodies Doric temple design, with refinement of proportions and storytelling
Although Doric style, inclusion of an Ionic frieze and inner colonnade highlights innovation, showing how the Greeks could change and improve architectural norms.
- The Greek philosophers, Plato and Aristotle’s ideals of beauty and order can be seen in the Parthenon through features such as the symmetry and proportion.
PARTHENON - Cultural & Global Legacy
- cultural and global legacy? (3)
- legacy - as one of the most famous buildings in Ancient Greece left a lasting legacy of Greek achievement.
very influential in Western architecture - particularly during the Renaissance and Neoclassical periods.
although the current building today is damaged, its ruins still embody a timeless classical aesthetic.
The Erechtheion
- location, date of construction?
- architectural style and function?
- Acropolis of Athens, Greece, Date of Construction: 421–406 BCE (Late Classical Period)
- Ionic, with some features differing from traditional temple design
Function: Temple dedicated to the gods Athena and Poseidon, and Erechtheus, an Athenian king. Contained sacred artefacts, as well as being used for Athenian religious rituals.
The Erechtheion - historical context
- historical context (3)
- constructed during an unstable time for Athens - during Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE). However this time was also the peak of the city’s cultural achievements.
Its placement on the Acropolis (a high hill) and the bumpy and irregular topography of the location, had a direct influence on creating its unconventional and asymmetric design.
The Erechtheion was built in honour of multiple gods, as opposed to the standard singular god
The Erechtheion - Artistic Significance and Features
- Unique Asymmetrical Design? (3)
- Its asymmetry is one of the structure’s most notable and iconic features, differentiating it from more traditional temples such as the Parthenon.
The Western Porch is dedicated to Athena, with a grand temple structure and a large entrance.
The Eastern Porch is dedicated to Poseidon and Erechtheus with a smaller entrance.
The famous Greek myth over the contest of ruling Athens between Athena and Poseidon relates to the temple as the site is said to be where this contest occurred. This shows this is a place of mythological significance.
The Erechtheion - Artistic Significance and Features
- The Porch of the Caryatids? (3)
- summarised analysis?
- The Caryatids, six sculptures of female figures, make up the columns of the Porch of the Caryatids. This feature is one of the Erectheion’s most famous elements.
The Caryatids are unique in that they are statues that also play the functional role of structural supports.
These statues represent Athenian women who were responsible for several sacred duties.
- The use of Caryatids is an example of how Greek architecture effectively employed sculpture in a functional way. Leading to an end result that was both highly artistic as well as structural.
The Erechtheion - Artistic Significance and Features
- ionic style? (3)
- example of the Ionic order with its elegant proportions as well Ionic columns - which were becoming more common during the Late Classical period.
The ionic style can also be seen in The frieze and volute capitals of the columns, again demonstration Ancient Greece’s cultivation of ornamental and decorative details.
Unlike the Doric order used in the Parthenon, the Ionic order in the Erechtheion is graceful and slim, fitting the temple’s function of honoring the gods with a more sophistcated aesthetic.
The Erechtheion - Technological and Engineering Achievements
- technological achievements? (3)
- Inventive Use of Space: Multiple areas for different gods - architectural solutions, such as:
design spanning multiple levels to divide space
careful arrangement of columns and other structural features, to achieve aesthetic goals, as well as working with the challenges of the uneven site.
The Erechtheion - religious and cultural significance
- religious and cultural significance? (5)
- Honours a variety of mythological tales important to Athenian culture, such as:
Poseidon’s contest with Athena for the patronage of the city,
The sacred olive tree of Athena,
Said to have been Erechtheus’ burial place, connecting the temple to Athenian rulers.
The Caryatids reflect the role of Athenian women within religion and the community
The Temple of Olympian Zeus
- location date style size?
- historical context? (3)
- Location: Athens, Greece, near the Acropolis
Date of Construction: began 6th century BCE but completed 2nd century AD
Architectural Style: Corinthian ( relatively new style in Greek architecture at the time)
Size: very large structure, originally containing 104 Corinthian columns, each 17 meters tall, the entire building 96 meters x 40 meters in width.
- commissioned in the 6th century BC by the tyrant Peisistratus however construction was delayed due to factors such as political instability and war
Roman Influence: The temple was finally completed during Emperor Hadrian’s rule in the 2nd century AD. This showcases the influence of Roman power, and the Roman Empire’s control over Greece during this time
The completion under Hadrian’s rule, depicts the combining of both Roman and Greek architecture. The temple is often considered a Roman project due to key features such as scale, style and material. However Greek influence and inspiration is also apparent.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Artistic and Architectural Features
- Corinthian Style? (3)
- Corinthian columns were one of the most beautiful and intricate elements in Greek architecture. Some of their features include - slim columns and elaborate capitals, made to look like acanthus leaves and scrolls. This style is more complicated and delicate than the Doric and Ionic styles.
The Corinthian style was first seen in the 5th century BC but became more popular during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
The use of the Corinthian order emphasised both a Greek appreciation of beauty as well as Roman grandeur.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Artistic and Architectural Features
- monumental scale? (2)
- sculptural decoration? (3)
- size was extraordinary for its time was designed to be one of the largest temples in Greece.
The grand size of the temple was intended to signify the dominance of Zeus, the king of the Greek’s gods, as well as to express the power of Athens, and eventually the Roman rulers that controlled Athens.
- The impressive artistic elements of the temple can be observed in several ways:
Pediments: The temple’s pediments depicted mythological scenes involving Zeus and other gods,
in line with other Greek temples, where mythology played a key role in the decoration.
Frieze: The continuous frieze would have featured scenes from Greek mythology, examples potentially including Olympian gods in various battles or other stories associated with Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus - technological and engineering achievements
- engineering feats? (2)
- architectural complexity? (2)
- The construction involved highly impressive engineering, considering the large size and weight of the Corinthian columns.
The marble blocks for the columns were cut, shaped, and transported to the site. Some of the columns weighed as much as several tons, requiring advanced stone-cutting and transportation methods.
- The Corinthian columns were a significant structural achievement for several reasons:
The intricate capitals of the Corinthian style being supported by narrow columns demonstrates a significant advancement in column design.
Organisation was highly important due to the size and number of columns, with precision in measurements and placement being paramount in order t achieve symmetry and balance.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus - technological and engineering achievements
- roman influence and innovations?
1, Roman architectural techniques such as the use of concrete, arches, and vaulting likely influenced the later stages of the temple’s construction.
The Roman architectural period was marked by a greater attention to engineering and structural developments, visible in the temple.
Temple of Olympian Zeus - cultural and religious significance
- cultural and religious significance?
- The dedication of the temple to Zeus not only showed his supremacy but the Athenian people’s belief in the holy protection of their city. Moreover, the size of the temple and the location on the city’s skyline, reasserted Zeus’ importance in Greek politics and religion.
The temple also represented Athens’ relationship with Rome. When the temple was completed under Hadrian, it symbolized the strength of the Roman Empire while additionally honouring the Greek cultural heritage.
The temple functioned partly as a place for rituals, where public sacrifices to Zeus were held. As a public temple, it was likely also used for religious ceremonies.
GENERAL ANCIENT GREEK ARCHITECTURE
- stages of ancient greek architecture?
- analysis?
- Geometric and Archaic Periods (circa 900-500 BC): Doric and Ionic orders were created during this period.
Classical Period (circa 500-323 BC): golden age of Greek architecture, construction of some of the most iconic structures, including the Parthenon
Hellenistic Period (323-31 BC): After Alexander the Great’s conquests, Greek architecture spread to places such as the Mediterranean and beyond.
- Greek architecture included various religious, political and social influences, with many buildings paying tribute to gods and heroes. Temples, theaters, and public spaces were central to Greek daily life.
GENERAL ANCIENT GREEK ARCHITECTURE
- orders?
- temples?
- The Greek orders—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian— made up the fundamental principles of Greek architecture and had a vital impact on later architectural styles.
- Greek temples are some of the most iconic architectural structures from the age, mostly dedicated to gods and important religious characters. They are recognised by their rectangular shape, iconic columns, and large interiors, often featuring a statue of the god they were honouring.
GENERAL ANCIENT GREEK ARCHITECTURE
- mastery of stone and marble?
- precision of measurement?
- The Greeks had an extraordinary ability to work with stone and marble, materials that were plentiful in the country. The quality of stone cutting, shaping, and polishing reached high standards, especially in temples.
- highly precise techniques were developed to ensure that their buildings were mathematically correct, giving them a sense of balance and harmony.
GENERAL ANCIENT GREEK ARCHITECTRE
- post and lintel system?
- overall analysis
- The Greek invention of the post-and-lintel system became vital to their architecture. This system was used in all their monumental buildings, including the Parthenon.
- Thy established architectural principles that went on to influence Roman and Western architectural practices and traditions. The Greeks’ attention to mathematics, proportion, and symmetry created a timeless aesthetic that continues to inspire modern architecture today.
