Modern Scholarship: Places of Worship

What does Politt express about the Ionic frieze?

That the Ionic Frieze on the Acropolis is an ideal image of Athens

What does Harris argue about the Erechtheion?

"The Erechtheion was an elegant solution for a building which served multiple functions"

What does Beard say about the Parthenon?

Despite all appearances, it was not actually a temple at all but rather a particularly grand treasury

What does Scott say about the Serpent Column?

It is the ultimate expression of victory and the Greeks' close relationship with the gods, especially Apollo

What does Eidinow say about the Pythia?

The Pythia was "in a very powerful position"

What does Scott say about the oracle?

It was a "sense-making mechanism"

What does Scott say about Delphi and the connection between humans and the gods?

Delphi is a litany of places, "of constant interaction of humans and the divine"

What does Garland argue about temples?

They embodied the finest artistic achievements of the city… no religious rituals were performed inside them

What does Swaddling say about the Olympic Games?

Religion and propaganda were at the centre of this five day festival

What does Garland say about the sites of sanctuaries?

Often has mythological significance

What does Neale say about men in the Panathenaic procession?

The privileged status of the Athenian male citizen was clearly visible in this procession

What does Hurwit say about the Acropolis?

It is the central repository of the Athenians' very lofty conceptions of themselves

What does Spivey say about the Olympic games?

Athletic challenges soon gained a religious, social and political significance, far beyond Olympia itself