The Parthenon

Parthenon

"temple of the virgin" - refers to the cult of Athena parthenos

Where is the parthenon located?

Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Why was the parthenon built?

To honour the patron goddess Athena - to give thanks for victory over the Persians

When was the parthenon built?

447-432 BC

Who commissioned the parthenon to be built?

Pericles

Who was the architect in the building of the parthenon?

Phidias

What was the parthenon made out of?

High quality marble

What style is the parthenon?

Doric and Ionic

What are the similarities with standard greek temples and the parthenon?

- oriented East to West

- stood on a three stepped base

- surrounded by a colonnade

- had a naos and opisthodomos

What are the differences with standard greek temples and the parthenon?

- 92 metopes

- built on a curve

- humans + gods together

What are the dimensions of the parthenon?

69.5m x 30.9m

What makes the parthenon stand out (interior)?

It has a big opisthodomos (treasury)

Why did the parthenon have a pool of water in the naos?

Regulate humidity, which was crucial for preserving the ivory and gold statue of Athena.

To what extent did the cult statue of Athena conform to other representations of the goddess?

Armoured - battle strategist

Sphynx - strong, intellectual

Aegis (shield) and Gorgoneion (medusa) - protective and intimidating nature

Why would they make the Athena statue out of gold and ivory other than marble?

More expensive, impressive

Brighter = sticks out

Why are gold and ivory statues no longer around?

- Too expensive

- Ivory is unethical, elephants

- Could get stolen

- Corroded?