The Ancient Greek Temples
The Acropolis was located above the city of Athens. During 480B.C., the Persians attacked the city and destroyed the temples and statues on the Acropolis. Several years later, the Athenians began to rebuild the Acropolis under the leadership of Pericles. The excellence work of the Hellenic people have influenced many cultures. Their architecture made a huge impact through the concept of beauty based on balance and proportion. Temple of Zeus at Olympia (completed c. 460 BCE) and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (completed c. 430 BCE) were considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. Purpose of Temples |
Battles of the Greco-Persian Wars. N.d. TopTenz. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.
<http://staff.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/~cwalton/walton/SOLPics/ spartanbattle.jpg>. During 480B.C., |
The temples were build for the individual god or goddess as their home. The role of the god and goddess is to protect and sustain the community, but they were liable to turn against the community. Thus, their houses were built with fine materials and techniques with servants and staff looking after for their need. In addition, people offered daily offerings and given proper share of profits and harvest.
Structures of the TemplesThe temples was the most outstanding architectural accomplishment in the ancient Greek history. It had a large, main room called cella with statue of the favorite god of the city or religion. Additionally, the porch was called the pronaos. The roof gables will form triangle-shaped pediments. Stone was used for the main structure, and wood as a supporter. The temples were decorated with cravings and colorful paint. The Stoa was a long, narrow row of columns with a plain wall and a roof. It is common in temples, Greek towns, and the agora/market place. It's purpose was to enclose space for physical exerice, meeting place and storage. Temenos was a sacred enclosure reflecting the rural origins of most cults. It included natural features like spring, a grove of Kore from the Acropolis in Athens. In addition, trees or a cave became the focus of public worship. Temple of Zeus at Olympia (completed c. 460 BCE) and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (completed c. 430 BCE) were considered one of the wonders of the ancient world
Ancient Greek temples are built with absolute stability. It had stable foundations such as the correct water drainage and the various layers of bases. In addition, these buildings were built on the best position to endure the harsh weather and earthquakes for many centuries The cause of Greek buildings that collapsed was done by the human intervention. Contributions to the TempleIndividuals had to participate in the religious festivals and procession. During these public celebration, feasts, athletic competitions, and dramatic productions are performed. In addition, people bring gifts of jewelry and fine garments along with tableware and cutlery of silver and gold to the god or goddess. Priests were to perform the rituals on behalf of the community. Also, private groups and individuals were to contribute to the temple through offerings and dedication.
Statues in the TempleIn the temples, a statue of the god or goddess is placed in the center. These statues were usually represents by a cult image, which is a seated or standing statue. At first, these statues were made of wood. Several years later, more permanent and costly materials were preferred, such as stone, bronze, ivory, and even gold. The statues of Zeus and Athena were made out of crystelephanntine, a combination of ivory and gold. These statues are considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
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"The Stoa." Deviant Art. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
<http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs11/i/2006/181/d/5/ Stoa_of_Attalos_6_by_Disney_Stock.jpg>. Statue of Zeus at Olympia. N.d. Internet Encyclopedia of History. Web. 17 Dec.
2014. <http://www.daviddarling.info/images/ Statue_of_Zeus_at_Olympia.jpg>. This is an illustration of one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, the statue of Zeus. It was made of many precious stones for the Temple of Zeus at Olympia.
"Statue of Athena." Nasville. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2014. <http://www.nashville.gov/portals/0/SiteContent/Parks/images/parthenon/athena/
AthenaGilded.jpg>. This is a photograph of the statue of Athena located in the Parthenon. This statue is dedicated to the Greek goddess named Athena.
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Want to learn more about Greek Temples?
Greek Temples. Youtube. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2014.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F59pH4UJjz4&list=WL&index=4>. |
Secret of the Parthenon - NOVA - Discovery History Architecture (documentary).
Youtube. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2014. <https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=oDdobeKVG7s&list=WL&index=5>. |