ch 7 (HoGA)

Contexts II: Sanctuaries and Architecture

Overview of Sanctuaries and Temples

• Definition of Sanctuaries: Sanctuaries were significant gathering points for the Greek population, both in urban centers and rural areas. They served as essential sites during festivals, rituals, and athletic competitions, where citizens could come together to celebrate their shared culture and religious beliefs.

• Components of Sanctuaries: Typically included various structures such as:

  • Altars: Central to the sacrificial rites where offerings were made to the gods.

  • Temples: Sacred spaces that housed cult statues dedicated to deities, functioning as focal points of worship.

  • Support Structures: Such as stoas, which provided shelter for visitors and served as venues for social interaction and discussions.

• Function of Sanctuaries: These sites served to connect the citizens of a polis with the surrounding territory and the greater Greek world, fostering a sense of identity through shared rituals and collective experiences.

Architectural Orders of Greek Temples

• Prominence of Temples: The architecture of temples evolved significantly beginning in the seventh century BCE, leading to larger structures built with dressed stone that demonstrated both artistic and engineering advancements.

• Architectural Orders: Two major styles developed:

  • Doric Order: Characterized by its simple, sturdy design featuring fluted columns that taper inward (a feature known as entasis) and a robust capital, reflecting a sense of strength and stability.

  • Ionic Order: Noted for its more elaborate design, including the distinctive volute scroll capital, and a more intricate entablature with decorative friezes, embodying elegance and grace.

Mini-History of the Greek Temple

• Early Structures: Initial temple designs were reminiscent of domestic homes, evident in structures like the Zagora temple. An early significant example is the hekatompedon at Samos, which features external colonnades that characterize later temple designs.

• Construction Techniques: The transition from wooden to stone construction during the late seventh to early sixth centuries BCE led to the establishment of the distinct architectural orders seen in later Greek temples.

• Optical Refinements: Introduced during the fifth century BCE, these refinements were intended to enhance visual perceptions of proportions, making temples appear more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing.

Timeline and Major Structures

Notable Transformations in Architecture

• 8th - 6th Century BCE: Marked by the emergence of monumental temples and the formal introduction of distinct architectural orders.

  • Example Structures:

    • Temple of Hera I at Poseidonia (c. 550 BCE): One of the earliest examples showcasing the transition to stone construction.

    • Temple of Hera II at Poseidonia (c. 460 BCE): Known for its heightened vertical proportions and refined design, which illustrates the evolution of temple architecture over time.

Rituals and Offerings

Role of Rituals in Greek Culture

• Concept of Rituals: Encompassed not just religious practices but also communal experiences that shaped personal and civic identities, remarkably influencing social hierarchies and relationships.

• Types of Offerings: Included a variety of expressions which showcased both piety and civic pride:

  • Sacrifices: Integral to rituals, provided a way for citizens to connect with their gods and seek favor.

  • Votive Offerings: Items such as inscriptions, statues, and dedications that represented community wealth and the desire for divine favor.

Examples of Ritual Practices

• Sacrificial Practices: Often illustrated in vase paintings, these depicted the elaborate process involved, including processions and specific ingredients, with figures like the kanephoros who carried offerings (kanous) to the altar.

• Votive Offerings: Statues and dedications, such as the Mantiklos Apollo, reflected attempts to gain favor from the gods and were indicators of the wealth and status of the citizens and their communities.

Other Structures within Sanctuaries

Types of Additional Buildings

• Treasuries: Small edifices designed for storing valuable offerings and civic dedications, showcasing the polis' wealth and status.

• Tholos: Unique round structures with varied functions, possibly serving as storage, dining, or ceremonial spaces.

• Theater: Played a vital role in Greek culture, as a space for public engagement through ritual drama connected to deities like Dionysos, fostering community bonds and shared cultural experiences.

Examples from Notable Sanctuaries

• Delphi and Olympia: Both sanctuaries feature a multitude of structures competing for visual prominence, such as theaters, treasuries, and stadiums that hosted athletic competitions. These sites not only served religious functions but also acted as critical hubs for social and cultural activities within the Greek world.

Summary of Key Concepts

• Sanctuaries as Community Centers: Represent both sacred and social spaces, linking the worship of deities with the identities of local and Panhellenic communities.

• Architectural Diversity: The evolution of architectural orders, defined by distinct characteristics, signifies the adaptation to the spiritual and social needs of the ancient Greeks throughout their history.

References for Further Reading

• A comprehensive list of scholarly references detailing various aspects of Greek culture, architecture, and ritual practices, providing insights for further exploration of these themes.