Temples Flashcards
(17 cards)
What were the key features of Greek and Roman temples, and how were they used?
Both were designed to house the cult statue of a god, serving as their ‘home’. The main room, the naos or cella, held the statue. Altars were placed outside, where public rituals and sacrifices occurred. Temples were not places of communal worship like churches today; worship happened outside the temple.
Why was the altar placed outside the temple?
Fire and animal sacrifice involved smoke, blood, and burning, which were inappropriate inside the sacred space of the god. The public could also witness sacrifices outdoors.
What did the layout of temples typically include?
A stylobate (platform), columns, a pronaos (porch), naos/cella, sometimes an opisthodomos (rear room), and pediments often decorated with mythological scenes.
Describe the significance of the Parthenon in Athens.
Built in the 5th century BCE during the leadership of Pericles, it honoured Athena Parthenos. It contained a massive gold and ivory statue by Phidias, and its sculptural decoration depicted scenes like the Panathenaic procession and Centauromachy, reinforcing Athens’ cultural and military superiority.
What was the role of the Temple of Zeus at Olympia?
A pan-Hellenic sanctuary temple; home to a colossal statue of Zeus (one of the 7 wonders). Its pediments depicted mythological stories like Pelops and Oinomaos, and metopes illustrated Heracles’ labours, linking the god with heroism and order.
What is notable about the Temple of Fortuna Virilis (Portunus)?
It blends Greek and Etruscan styles: engaged columns, high podium, front-facing steps, and deep porch. It shows how Roman religion was influenced by both cultures and used temples to display Rome’s divine favour and architectural prowess.
Describe the importance of the Pantheon.
Rebuilt by Hadrian c. 118–128 CE, it was dedicated to all gods and reflected Rome’s imperial unity and religious diversity. Its massive dome with oculus symbolised the heavens and the emperor’s connection to the divine.
Who were the hiereus and hiereia in Greek religion?
Male and female priests appointed (sometimes elected) to serve specific gods. Duties included maintaining the temple, leading rituals and sacrifices, and overseeing festivals. Often temporary roles, not a full-time profession.
What role did the mantis (seer) play in Greek religion?
Interpreted omens and signs, especially before battles or major decisions. Used methods like extispicy (examining entrails) or augury (watching birds).
What were the Pontiffs, and what was the role of the Pontifex Maximus?
Pontiffs were members of a key Roman priestly college that managed the religious calendar, rituals, and law. The Pontifex Maximus was the chief priest – by the late Republic and Empire, held by the emperor, showing religious and political power.
Who were the Augurs and what did they do?
Interpreted the will of the gods through auspices (mainly bird flight patterns). No major public event or military action took place without their approval.
What were the Vestal Virgins?
Female priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. Chosen as children, they served for 30 years, keeping the sacred fire burning in the Temple of Vesta – a symbol of Rome’s eternal safety. Breaking their vow of chastity was punishable by death.
What was the job of the Haruspex in Roman religion?
A specialist who examined the entrails of sacrificial animals, especially the liver, to read omens and determine divine will.
What was the religious purpose of animal sacrifice in both Greek and Roman religion?
To communicate with the gods, show piety, seek divine favour, and strengthen communal identity. The smoke and smell were pleasing to the gods; the community consumed the meat, reinforcing social bonds.
What types of animals were sacrificed?
Commonly sheep, pigs, and cattle. Animals had to be healthy and unblemished. The choice of animal could relate to the deity (e.g. pigs to Demeter).
What was the ritual process of a Greek animal sacrifice?
Purification → procession → animal garlanded and sprinkled with water → barley grains thrown → knife hidden → throat slit → entrails examined → meat cooked and shared → thighbones burned for the gods.
