Temples Flashcards
What is the design of a Greek temple
East-West axis to greet the sun
supported by an elevated base, giving height
Consisted of 3 main rooms, surrounded by columns and step up to the raised platform
30.89 meters wide by 69.54 meters long
Name the features of a Greek temple
Steps/ Stereobate
Stylobate ( top step of the stepped platform) - entrance
Colonnade/ peristyle
Porch/ Pronaos
Naos/ Cella
Opisthodomus (Rear room/ porch)
History of the Parthenon
built by architects Ictinus and Callicrates
Dedicated to the Goddess of Athena
Built in the mid-5th century BCE
What is on the west pediments of the Parthenon
A minor façade
shows the quarrel between Athena and Poseidon for Athens and Attica
Athena and Poseidon shown in the middle with either an olive branch or lightning bolt between them
Chariots shown with female charioteers
What is on the east pediments of the Parthenon
Most sacred façade
Shows birth of Athena before the other gods
Sculptures showing this seen has been lost
Zeus in the centre on his throne with his eagle at his feet, with Athena and perhaps Hera beside him
Features of the cult statue of Athena
Stood at 13m
In the naos
Designed by Phidias
added to the Parthenon in 438 BC
History of the temple of Zeus
was built by architect Libon
in Athens
also known as the Olympieion
was built over several centuries starting in 174 BCE and only finally completed by Roman emperor Hadrian in 131 CE.
unusually tall columns
one of the largest ever built in the ancient world
What is on the east pediment of the temple of Zeus
The myth of Oinomaos and Pelops
In the centre stands Zeus- due to his position as God of justice
King Oinomaos on one side Younger Pelops on the other
Either side of the men are the key female figures- Hippodamia and Sterope
next horses
Then two figures lying down symbolising Olympias two great rivers- Kladeos and Alpheios
Features of the cult statue of Zeus
Stood at 13 meters tall
Designed by Phidias at Olympia
added in 448 BC
in front of the statue was a pool of olive oil- helped maintain the ivory
What is the feature of the Roman temples
Differences between the Greek and Roman temples
Temples of Portunus (Fortuna Virilis)
The Pantheon
