Parthenon
Order: Doric
Materials: Pentelic marble, limestone, terracotta and wood.
Architects: Iktinos, Kallikrates, Pheidias general supervisor.
Dates: 447/446 to 438 BC.
Decoration: Pediment figures, metopes, frieze, waterspouts, ante fixes and akroteria.
Plan: Peripteral, 8 columns x 17 columns.
Ionic features: Continuous frieze, ionic columns in rear cella.
Dimensions: 69.50 m x 30.88 m on the stylobate.
Function of the Parthenon: To house the great 40 foot statue of Parthenos Athene. The use of the display of statues of the gods was for the rulers to go to sacrifice and worship in, as a recognition by the state of its own devotion to, and therefore the protection provided by the gods. Also was a public display of their power, superiority, wealth and religion in the ancient world.
How is the order linked to the function of the parthenon:
Doric order: The parthenon showed Athens dominance, military and political power as well as their culture, to show Athens success in the persian wars, the parthenon was dedicated to Athene parthenos, Athens patron goddess. The parthenon was regarded as the finest doric temple in its days of glory. Doric order consists of a stylobate, wide solid columns and a plain capital. The doric entablature consists of an architrave and a frieze alternating from triglyph to metopes. It was said that the Dorians buildings of solidity and permanence seemed almost like an attempt to resist the gods, as to the Dorians the gods were frightening figures that were to be treated with respect. Their buildings were a symbol of rationality in a sea of chaos, they were built to endure and last through generations. The parthenon was the first building to be completed in Pericles’ building program, by using the order of Doric, they were trying to portray a sense of rationality in the chaos which could be seen as the burnt down and destroyed acropolis during the persian war. This order showed the Athenian’s devotion and respect towards the gods for the protection that they provided, it was their greatest display of religion in the ancient world. The parthenon’s doric order was built for permanence, as the previous parthenon was destroyed, it symbolised the Athenians power as they would not let it be destroyed again, it was built to last. The main cella which housed the great 40 foot statue of parthenos athene had a two storied doric colonnade which continued behind the statue. The stylobate on which the columns stand upon curves upwards slightly for optical reasons; the slight swelling of the columns as they rise, to counter the optical effect of looking up the temple. The effect of these subtle curves is deliberately used to make the temple look even more symmetrical than it actually is. The harmonious relationship of part to part and the part to the whole, makes the Parthenon ‘perfect’ in a sense that it is perfectly symmetrical to the eye. The metopes on the entablature represents the times when there were struggles between forces of order and justice, criminal and chaos. Each side of the parthenon expresses a different instance in time, on the west side is the battle against the amazons, on the south is the battle between the Lapiths and the centaurs, on the east is the battle between the gods and the cyclops and on the north is the battle between the greeks and the trojans. There were 92 metopes which were painted in tantalising colours of blue and red. These metopes showed Athens power, strategy and achievement, which was further emphasised in defeating the persian empire, symbolising Athens military power and dominance which also reflects the role of their Athene the goddess of war and wisdom. The Eastern pedimental sculpture shows Zeus giving birth to Athene from his head, this shows the significance of the Athenians mythological beliefs and the importance of Zeus having created their patron goddess Athene. The western pedimental sculpture on the parthenon depicts the contest between poseidon and athene for the right to be the patron of Athens. Where Athene's gift of an olive tree was preferred over Poseidon’s spring of sea water. Emphasising the significance of housing the great 40 foot statue of Parthenos athene to the athenians as the parthenon was built to for it, the power and strength that the statue has is reflected in Athens statement of superiority, pride and wealth. The eastern pedimental sculpture shows the birth of Athens patron goddess Athene being born from zeus head, symbolising the importance of Athene to the Athenians and their devotion towards their her.
Ionic features: A 500 foot long continuous frieze which went around the inner part of the parthenon, reflected the Athenian’s beliefs, myths and their values. Emphasising their mythological beliefs and their past battles, these elements reinforce the link between the Athenians to the ancient world. The friezes were made of thin sections two and 1/2 inches thick, the top of the section was thicker than the bottom to add more to the sense of optical illusion as the relief of the sections seemed as if they were jumping out of the frieze when someone stood at the bottom looking up towards it. The use of ionic columns is appropriate as the parthenon housed the great 40 foot statue of their patron goddess parthnenos Athene, because she is a female figure, ionic columns express this female form, the columns are much more detailed than the doric columns with a decorated capital and are more slender. Ionic buildings also symbolise fertility and growth, which is important as one of Athene’s ‘symbols’ are the olive tree, this was her gift of fertility to Athens when she became its patron goddess.
What was the message conveyed by the Parthenon: The Athenians wanted to out shine any other temple of that era through the use of sculptural decoration and dimensional architecture. They also wanted to convey the Greek way of life through the design of the temple. The Athenians careful attention to detail and comprehensive understanding of mathematical harmony within their architecture, set the Athenians apart from the barbarians of that time. It was the central repository of the Athenians conceptions of their own lives, it was intended to be a physical marble embodiment of their values, beliefs, mythologies and ideologies all in one grand temple. However although it was as much of a sacred temple to the Athenians to themselves, it was also to their patron goddess Parthenos Athene herself. As the Parthenon played such a significant role in the Athenian’s depiction of themselves, it also remains as a primary legacies of greek civilisation and to western civilisations today around the world.
How might people have reacted to it: Even though the Parthenon is not the largest temple in Greece, its appealing aesthetic features sets its apart from all other temples. The features on the Parthenon create an effect that it is different from traditional structures in the past of doric order. Athenians would be captivated in awe when they see the 40 foot statue of their patron goddess, Athene parthenos cladded in the finest gold and ivory. The arrangement of the temple allows its visitors to take in all of its glory; the monumental sculptures of the eastern and western pediments, the metopes and the overall size of the temple itself, all to prepare the visitor for the great statue of Athene inside the Parthenon that they see last. After walking through the Propylaea, the visitor is mesmerised by the full length of the parthenon when they look at it from an oblique angle seen from the propylaea, this intensifies the impact on the visitor as they gaze in awe at the size and power that resonates from the building.
The details of the sculpted metopes become decipherable when the visitor moves closer the the temple, as they stand beside the base of the solid and plain doric columns the visitor is breath taken by the size of the Parthenon, their bodies very small in comparison to the temple. As they look up the columns they become mesmerised by the frieze and metopes with its tantalising colours when peering through the spaces between the doric columns. The friezes depiction of the Panathenaic procession which happened every four years in worship of their patron goddess Athene parthenos and to witness the power and wealth of Athens, was full of life as the sculpted relief nearly seemed to jump out of the frieze to the visitor who was standing below it. The visitors would then eventually turn the corner after being captivated by the exterior features of the parthenon, and be greeted with the entrance to the Parthenon. Walking through the immense doors the visitor would be awe inspired by glistening gold and ivory of the monumental statue of Athene Parthenos standing at the back of the dim cella. When the sunlight was reflected off the water pool floor in front of Athene, it illuminated the 40 foot statue, enchanting the visitor with only a single glimpse of its beauty. A visitor did not need to move any closer to see the full glory of the statue, being framed by more doric columns it created a sense that as if the interior space was even larger than the exterior, making the visitor even more overwhelmed by the temple. Any visitor was clearly able to understand that the Parthenon was the greatest monument in the greatest city of classical greek at the time, this was not something that they needed to be told, the sheer awe that visitors felt with a mere glimpse of the Parthenon made them a captive of its glory, power and connection to the ancient world.
Materials: Pentelic marble, limestone, terracotta and wood.
Architects: Iktinos, Kallikrates, Pheidias general supervisor.
Dates: 447/446 to 438 BC.
Decoration: Pediment figures, metopes, frieze, waterspouts, ante fixes and akroteria.
Plan: Peripteral, 8 columns x 17 columns.
Ionic features: Continuous frieze, ionic columns in rear cella.
Dimensions: 69.50 m x 30.88 m on the stylobate.
Function of the Parthenon: To house the great 40 foot statue of Parthenos Athene. The use of the display of statues of the gods was for the rulers to go to sacrifice and worship in, as a recognition by the state of its own devotion to, and therefore the protection provided by the gods. Also was a public display of their power, superiority, wealth and religion in the ancient world.
How is the order linked to the function of the parthenon:
Doric order: The parthenon showed Athens dominance, military and political power as well as their culture, to show Athens success in the persian wars, the parthenon was dedicated to Athene parthenos, Athens patron goddess. The parthenon was regarded as the finest doric temple in its days of glory. Doric order consists of a stylobate, wide solid columns and a plain capital. The doric entablature consists of an architrave and a frieze alternating from triglyph to metopes. It was said that the Dorians buildings of solidity and permanence seemed almost like an attempt to resist the gods, as to the Dorians the gods were frightening figures that were to be treated with respect. Their buildings were a symbol of rationality in a sea of chaos, they were built to endure and last through generations. The parthenon was the first building to be completed in Pericles’ building program, by using the order of Doric, they were trying to portray a sense of rationality in the chaos which could be seen as the burnt down and destroyed acropolis during the persian war. This order showed the Athenian’s devotion and respect towards the gods for the protection that they provided, it was their greatest display of religion in the ancient world. The parthenon’s doric order was built for permanence, as the previous parthenon was destroyed, it symbolised the Athenians power as they would not let it be destroyed again, it was built to last. The main cella which housed the great 40 foot statue of parthenos athene had a two storied doric colonnade which continued behind the statue. The stylobate on which the columns stand upon curves upwards slightly for optical reasons; the slight swelling of the columns as they rise, to counter the optical effect of looking up the temple. The effect of these subtle curves is deliberately used to make the temple look even more symmetrical than it actually is. The harmonious relationship of part to part and the part to the whole, makes the Parthenon ‘perfect’ in a sense that it is perfectly symmetrical to the eye. The metopes on the entablature represents the times when there were struggles between forces of order and justice, criminal and chaos. Each side of the parthenon expresses a different instance in time, on the west side is the battle against the amazons, on the south is the battle between the Lapiths and the centaurs, on the east is the battle between the gods and the cyclops and on the north is the battle between the greeks and the trojans. There were 92 metopes which were painted in tantalising colours of blue and red. These metopes showed Athens power, strategy and achievement, which was further emphasised in defeating the persian empire, symbolising Athens military power and dominance which also reflects the role of their Athene the goddess of war and wisdom. The Eastern pedimental sculpture shows Zeus giving birth to Athene from his head, this shows the significance of the Athenians mythological beliefs and the importance of Zeus having created their patron goddess Athene. The western pedimental sculpture on the parthenon depicts the contest between poseidon and athene for the right to be the patron of Athens. Where Athene's gift of an olive tree was preferred over Poseidon’s spring of sea water. Emphasising the significance of housing the great 40 foot statue of Parthenos athene to the athenians as the parthenon was built to for it, the power and strength that the statue has is reflected in Athens statement of superiority, pride and wealth. The eastern pedimental sculpture shows the birth of Athens patron goddess Athene being born from zeus head, symbolising the importance of Athene to the Athenians and their devotion towards their her.
Ionic features: A 500 foot long continuous frieze which went around the inner part of the parthenon, reflected the Athenian’s beliefs, myths and their values. Emphasising their mythological beliefs and their past battles, these elements reinforce the link between the Athenians to the ancient world. The friezes were made of thin sections two and 1/2 inches thick, the top of the section was thicker than the bottom to add more to the sense of optical illusion as the relief of the sections seemed as if they were jumping out of the frieze when someone stood at the bottom looking up towards it. The use of ionic columns is appropriate as the parthenon housed the great 40 foot statue of their patron goddess parthnenos Athene, because she is a female figure, ionic columns express this female form, the columns are much more detailed than the doric columns with a decorated capital and are more slender. Ionic buildings also symbolise fertility and growth, which is important as one of Athene’s ‘symbols’ are the olive tree, this was her gift of fertility to Athens when she became its patron goddess.
What was the message conveyed by the Parthenon: The Athenians wanted to out shine any other temple of that era through the use of sculptural decoration and dimensional architecture. They also wanted to convey the Greek way of life through the design of the temple. The Athenians careful attention to detail and comprehensive understanding of mathematical harmony within their architecture, set the Athenians apart from the barbarians of that time. It was the central repository of the Athenians conceptions of their own lives, it was intended to be a physical marble embodiment of their values, beliefs, mythologies and ideologies all in one grand temple. However although it was as much of a sacred temple to the Athenians to themselves, it was also to their patron goddess Parthenos Athene herself. As the Parthenon played such a significant role in the Athenian’s depiction of themselves, it also remains as a primary legacies of greek civilisation and to western civilisations today around the world.
How might people have reacted to it: Even though the Parthenon is not the largest temple in Greece, its appealing aesthetic features sets its apart from all other temples. The features on the Parthenon create an effect that it is different from traditional structures in the past of doric order. Athenians would be captivated in awe when they see the 40 foot statue of their patron goddess, Athene parthenos cladded in the finest gold and ivory. The arrangement of the temple allows its visitors to take in all of its glory; the monumental sculptures of the eastern and western pediments, the metopes and the overall size of the temple itself, all to prepare the visitor for the great statue of Athene inside the Parthenon that they see last. After walking through the Propylaea, the visitor is mesmerised by the full length of the parthenon when they look at it from an oblique angle seen from the propylaea, this intensifies the impact on the visitor as they gaze in awe at the size and power that resonates from the building.
The details of the sculpted metopes become decipherable when the visitor moves closer the the temple, as they stand beside the base of the solid and plain doric columns the visitor is breath taken by the size of the Parthenon, their bodies very small in comparison to the temple. As they look up the columns they become mesmerised by the frieze and metopes with its tantalising colours when peering through the spaces between the doric columns. The friezes depiction of the Panathenaic procession which happened every four years in worship of their patron goddess Athene parthenos and to witness the power and wealth of Athens, was full of life as the sculpted relief nearly seemed to jump out of the frieze to the visitor who was standing below it. The visitors would then eventually turn the corner after being captivated by the exterior features of the parthenon, and be greeted with the entrance to the Parthenon. Walking through the immense doors the visitor would be awe inspired by glistening gold and ivory of the monumental statue of Athene Parthenos standing at the back of the dim cella. When the sunlight was reflected off the water pool floor in front of Athene, it illuminated the 40 foot statue, enchanting the visitor with only a single glimpse of its beauty. A visitor did not need to move any closer to see the full glory of the statue, being framed by more doric columns it created a sense that as if the interior space was even larger than the exterior, making the visitor even more overwhelmed by the temple. Any visitor was clearly able to understand that the Parthenon was the greatest monument in the greatest city of classical greek at the time, this was not something that they needed to be told, the sheer awe that visitors felt with a mere glimpse of the Parthenon made them a captive of its glory, power and connection to the ancient world.
Erechtheion
Order: Ionic
Materials: Pentelic marble, eleusinian limestone, terracotta and wood.
Architect: Philokles.
Dates: 421-414 (abandoned) completed 409-406 BC.
Decoration: Karyatid porch, sculptured frieze, gilding, gilt bronze and glass beads.
Plan: Irregular polygonal.
Dimensions: Irregular.
Function of the Erechtheion: The Erechtheion was built to house archaic statue of Athene Polias, which fell to earth from heaven. Named after the legendary athenian king; Erechthonios that believed this, Athene Polias was the most revered and famous statue in Athens. The temple was to replace the Archaic Athena temple that had been raised by the Persians and was the second most important temple found in Acropolis during Pericles’ building period, as it was the location for the contest that took place between Poseidon and Athene to become the patron of Athens.
How is the order linked to the function of the Erechtheion:
Ionic order: The Erechtheion was built asymmetrically; there are four sets of columnar support, four levels of elevation and three structural units each with their own roofs, compared to the Doric Parthenon’s and for a Greek temple in general.
The Erechtheion had to be adapted to conform on the slope of the hill because of the curvy ground, the builder however could not make it level because it would affect the sacred sites which surround it. The Erechtheion had friezes, the decorative band went around the top part of a wall in specific rooms. They were given special care, and made from specially picked dark blue limestone to contrast with the white Pentelic marble of the walls and columns, allowing the tantalising colours to stand out from the temple. The ionic columns on the Erechtheion were highly decorated with gilding and glass beads as well as elaborate capitals and bases. Ionic columns also represent a sense of femininity and sensuality because its form is more slender than the doric columns, dedicating the temple to their patron goddess Athene Polias which was the most sacred statue of Athene in Athens.
Porches: On the Erechtheion the Northern and Eastern porches are of ionic order, complexly decorated they symbolised the fertility, as it was the site of the contest where Athene gifted the Athenians and olive tree and was granted the patron goddess of Athens. The northern porch juts out of the west with an extra door that grants access a shrine that aligns with the end of the western cella, through this door was the sacred courtyard where the olive tree that Athene gave to Athens stood, the gift of Athene who won the competition. The cella may have also held the salt spring of Poseidon when the god thrusted his trident into the ground as his gift the the Athenians, which had failed to win their favour.
Caryatid Porch: The most significant and important feature of the Erechtheion is the caryatid porch which is on the western end of the south side of the temple. This consists of six female figures (korai) which acted as the columns that supported the porch, they represented the most intricate detail and curves on the women which supported the roof from the floor. On the Caryatid porch the korai are standing on one leg which takes most of the weight, while the other leg is bent at the knee and laid on the ball of the foot to support the other leg. They hung in vertical flutes, much in the same way as flutes of the columns of the ionic order. The necks are thicker than normal, provides a more realistic shape to the columns, ensuring the columns were not too narrow or would not support the weight of the building. They appear to be resting, keeping with their function as a supporting column, which in turn gives a sense of relaxed grace and the maidens appear with an effortless look. With three maidens are standing on the left and three standing on the right, they give the porch a sense of symmetry and harmony. The korai maidens are attired with a dress that falls vertically, their hair is loosely tied up containing knots around their necks, making them appear very natural in their posture and very human. This porch is very important because the depiction of female figures represents the Athenian's patron goddess's form as a female.
What was the message conveyed by the Erechtheion: The Erechtheion was a statement of how important the contest for the patronage of Athens was to the Athenians, it showed the superiority and power of their chosen parting goddess Athene. Which reflects the stature, success and religion of Athens itself, as it was the most important and powerful cities of Greece during the classical period.
How might people have reacted to it: A visitor would feel a strong sense of connection to the ancient world through the Erechtheion, as it was the place where the contest for the patronage of Athens was held. To the Athenians the Erechtheion was a very sacred temple that was dedicated to more than one deity, it symbolised their devotion to the gods/goddesses of the Ancient world. The contest for the patronage was a very important and significant event to the Athenians because to have two of the most powerful gods compete with each other to become the patron of Athens, reflects Athens at the height of its power and the statement of superiority that it made to the rest of Attica. Their successes and status was great enough to attract these rival gods, emphasising that if the gods saw Athens as a very powerful state then the rest of Attica would see them as an even more dominant state. The visitor is able to understand the pride and power of the Athenians through the Erechtheion, as the alter of the legendary Athenian king; Erechthonios is also located in the Erechtheion. This was one of the reasons as to why the structure of the temple is an unique shape and different levels of elevation, because the shrines and alters could not be moved and had to be incorporated into it. The visitor can see the clear link between the Athenians to the ancient world, because by having alters of Athenians beside alters of the gods, this intensifies the impact of the glorious stature of the Athenians to be in the same sacred temple as the gods. As the visitor is met by the caryatid porch they are mesmerised by the fine careful details on each korai statue, these figures of women represent the femininity and sensuality of their female patron goddess Athene. This is further emphasised by the mythological beliefs of the Athenians through the statue of Athene Polias. The statue radiates with an atmosphere of religion, power and delicacy to encompass the visitor to experience the degree to which the Athenians are devoted to their patron goddess and the ancient world, they are clearly able to see just how important the mythological beliefs and the ancient world are to the Athenians.
Materials: Pentelic marble, eleusinian limestone, terracotta and wood.
Architect: Philokles.
Dates: 421-414 (abandoned) completed 409-406 BC.
Decoration: Karyatid porch, sculptured frieze, gilding, gilt bronze and glass beads.
Plan: Irregular polygonal.
Dimensions: Irregular.
Function of the Erechtheion: The Erechtheion was built to house archaic statue of Athene Polias, which fell to earth from heaven. Named after the legendary athenian king; Erechthonios that believed this, Athene Polias was the most revered and famous statue in Athens. The temple was to replace the Archaic Athena temple that had been raised by the Persians and was the second most important temple found in Acropolis during Pericles’ building period, as it was the location for the contest that took place between Poseidon and Athene to become the patron of Athens.
How is the order linked to the function of the Erechtheion:
Ionic order: The Erechtheion was built asymmetrically; there are four sets of columnar support, four levels of elevation and three structural units each with their own roofs, compared to the Doric Parthenon’s and for a Greek temple in general.
The Erechtheion had to be adapted to conform on the slope of the hill because of the curvy ground, the builder however could not make it level because it would affect the sacred sites which surround it. The Erechtheion had friezes, the decorative band went around the top part of a wall in specific rooms. They were given special care, and made from specially picked dark blue limestone to contrast with the white Pentelic marble of the walls and columns, allowing the tantalising colours to stand out from the temple. The ionic columns on the Erechtheion were highly decorated with gilding and glass beads as well as elaborate capitals and bases. Ionic columns also represent a sense of femininity and sensuality because its form is more slender than the doric columns, dedicating the temple to their patron goddess Athene Polias which was the most sacred statue of Athene in Athens.
Porches: On the Erechtheion the Northern and Eastern porches are of ionic order, complexly decorated they symbolised the fertility, as it was the site of the contest where Athene gifted the Athenians and olive tree and was granted the patron goddess of Athens. The northern porch juts out of the west with an extra door that grants access a shrine that aligns with the end of the western cella, through this door was the sacred courtyard where the olive tree that Athene gave to Athens stood, the gift of Athene who won the competition. The cella may have also held the salt spring of Poseidon when the god thrusted his trident into the ground as his gift the the Athenians, which had failed to win their favour.
Caryatid Porch: The most significant and important feature of the Erechtheion is the caryatid porch which is on the western end of the south side of the temple. This consists of six female figures (korai) which acted as the columns that supported the porch, they represented the most intricate detail and curves on the women which supported the roof from the floor. On the Caryatid porch the korai are standing on one leg which takes most of the weight, while the other leg is bent at the knee and laid on the ball of the foot to support the other leg. They hung in vertical flutes, much in the same way as flutes of the columns of the ionic order. The necks are thicker than normal, provides a more realistic shape to the columns, ensuring the columns were not too narrow or would not support the weight of the building. They appear to be resting, keeping with their function as a supporting column, which in turn gives a sense of relaxed grace and the maidens appear with an effortless look. With three maidens are standing on the left and three standing on the right, they give the porch a sense of symmetry and harmony. The korai maidens are attired with a dress that falls vertically, their hair is loosely tied up containing knots around their necks, making them appear very natural in their posture and very human. This porch is very important because the depiction of female figures represents the Athenian's patron goddess's form as a female.
What was the message conveyed by the Erechtheion: The Erechtheion was a statement of how important the contest for the patronage of Athens was to the Athenians, it showed the superiority and power of their chosen parting goddess Athene. Which reflects the stature, success and religion of Athens itself, as it was the most important and powerful cities of Greece during the classical period.
How might people have reacted to it: A visitor would feel a strong sense of connection to the ancient world through the Erechtheion, as it was the place where the contest for the patronage of Athens was held. To the Athenians the Erechtheion was a very sacred temple that was dedicated to more than one deity, it symbolised their devotion to the gods/goddesses of the Ancient world. The contest for the patronage was a very important and significant event to the Athenians because to have two of the most powerful gods compete with each other to become the patron of Athens, reflects Athens at the height of its power and the statement of superiority that it made to the rest of Attica. Their successes and status was great enough to attract these rival gods, emphasising that if the gods saw Athens as a very powerful state then the rest of Attica would see them as an even more dominant state. The visitor is able to understand the pride and power of the Athenians through the Erechtheion, as the alter of the legendary Athenian king; Erechthonios is also located in the Erechtheion. This was one of the reasons as to why the structure of the temple is an unique shape and different levels of elevation, because the shrines and alters could not be moved and had to be incorporated into it. The visitor can see the clear link between the Athenians to the ancient world, because by having alters of Athenians beside alters of the gods, this intensifies the impact of the glorious stature of the Athenians to be in the same sacred temple as the gods. As the visitor is met by the caryatid porch they are mesmerised by the fine careful details on each korai statue, these figures of women represent the femininity and sensuality of their female patron goddess Athene. This is further emphasised by the mythological beliefs of the Athenians through the statue of Athene Polias. The statue radiates with an atmosphere of religion, power and delicacy to encompass the visitor to experience the degree to which the Athenians are devoted to their patron goddess and the ancient world, they are clearly able to see just how important the mythological beliefs and the ancient world are to the Athenians.
The temple of ATHENE nike
Order: Ionic
Materials: Pentelic marble, terracotta and wood.
Architect: Kallikrates.
Dates: 427-424 BC.
Decoration: Sculpted relief frieze and possible pediment sculptures.
Plan: Ionic prostyle
Dimensions: 8.27 x 5.64 m on the stylobate.
Function of the Temple of Nike: This temple was dedicated to Athens patron goddess Athene nike ‘the bringer of victory,’ it was known that the finest heifer in the panathenaic procession was sacrificed to Athene nike. The Temple was meant to be something to look at and believe that they would win. The people would look up it because they could see it and have confidence The decision to build Athena Nike was an expression of Athens' ambitions to defeat Sparta and become a world power. It was part of Pericles plan to showcase the power and glory of Athens.
How is the order linked to the function of The temple of Nike:
Ionic order: The temple of Nike's arrangement was very simple, its plan was Ionic prostyle with only one almost square cella and no back door. It simply consisted of four ionic columns which stood prostyle at each end. The columns were not made of drums like all the other columns on the Acropolis but instead from a single block of stone. The superstructure was a little heavier than the usual ionic column and the elevation is a little broader, this was designed to harmonise with the propylaea which was below the temple of nike. Ionic columns were used because they symbolise a feminine form which was more slender and had finer decoration than doric columns, to represent Athene as a goddess of fertility, sensuality and emotion in the form of a female. It was appropriate as the temple was constructed for the purpose of a gift to their patron. The decorative frieze on the Temple of Nike was decorate of all four sides with sculpted relief, the northern frieze depicted a battle between the greeks entailing cavalry, the southern frieze represented the victory over the persians at the battle of Marathon and the eastern frieze showed the assembly of the Olympian gods Athene, Zeus and Poseidon. The frieze expressed the Athenian's religious beliefs and the power that they possessed, as well as the favour of the gods towards Athens.
Parapet frieze: The bastion around the temple of Athena Nike was protected by a parapet of Pentelic marble to prevent people from falling off the steep slope. The parapet frieze consisted of slabs with sculpted relief which personified Nikai set up trophies. The sequence of the slabs are not part of a continuous narrative. Instead, each one represents an independent scene, however each slab consisted of a similar composition of winged Nikai, which was either driving bulls to sacrifice or holding weapons and victory trophies with Greek or Persian weapons. The patron goddess Athene is seated in their with her weapons laid down at each end of the frieze. Although the relief is not very high, the figures are still very strongly expressed with the drapery that they are attired with which cling to the body and reveal the fine outlines of the figures beneath, giving the effect of being blown by the wind to create detailed decorative folds. From this frieze, the figures of nike are represented for their meaning and importance from the detailed ornamentation and beautiful relief. Inside the temple was said to have housed a cult statue, this was wooden figure that was adorned with a helmet and a pomegranate, it symbolised war and natural abundance.
What was the message conveyed by the Temple of Nike: It was intended to be an embodiment of the true meaning of victory for the Athenian's themselves, to showcase the power and glory of Athens through their friezes, which depicted battles that they had won. Its been suggested that the sculpted relief was meant to be a distraction for the Athenians brutal reality of having endured war for so long or was intended to bring the accurate representation of the figures to life, to show others the their world in its most natural form and how they were victorious in all of these battles, Athenians wished to show their glory to all of Athens but more so to their patron goddess, as a symbol of respect and loyalty to Athene nike for protecting them in their battles and allowing them to gain these victories.
How might people have reacted to it: A visitor would feel the victory that resonated within the small temple that was dedicated to their patron goddess Athene. The sacred ground on which the Temple of nike is located shows the Athenians devotion to the ancient world and how important their patron goddess is to them. The nike was said to have wings however the Athenians cut off these wings as they believed that if they didn't, then they were letting victory escape them because the nike would fly away so by cutting off these wings on the statue, Athens can always be victorious. The visitor that approaches the Propylaea is greeted by the Temple of Nike first, its elegant ionic features creates a sense of balance as they are not completely obscured by the dominating doric features of the Propylaea, in fact this makes the feminine and decorated features stand out even more. A visitor is confronted by a very strong statement before even stepping out of the Propylaea as they see the Temple of Nike, the Athenians wish to emphasise the importance of victory to them, creating a great impact on the visitor as they are mesmerised by the strong force of their religion, victory and pride from the Temple of Nike. The visitor is also moved by the mythological beliefs of the Athenians that are expressed on the friezes, which intensifies the impact of their link to religion and the ancient world even more, this temple was a specific reminder of victory for the Athenians.
Materials: Pentelic marble, terracotta and wood.
Architect: Kallikrates.
Dates: 427-424 BC.
Decoration: Sculpted relief frieze and possible pediment sculptures.
Plan: Ionic prostyle
Dimensions: 8.27 x 5.64 m on the stylobate.
Function of the Temple of Nike: This temple was dedicated to Athens patron goddess Athene nike ‘the bringer of victory,’ it was known that the finest heifer in the panathenaic procession was sacrificed to Athene nike. The Temple was meant to be something to look at and believe that they would win. The people would look up it because they could see it and have confidence The decision to build Athena Nike was an expression of Athens' ambitions to defeat Sparta and become a world power. It was part of Pericles plan to showcase the power and glory of Athens.
How is the order linked to the function of The temple of Nike:
Ionic order: The temple of Nike's arrangement was very simple, its plan was Ionic prostyle with only one almost square cella and no back door. It simply consisted of four ionic columns which stood prostyle at each end. The columns were not made of drums like all the other columns on the Acropolis but instead from a single block of stone. The superstructure was a little heavier than the usual ionic column and the elevation is a little broader, this was designed to harmonise with the propylaea which was below the temple of nike. Ionic columns were used because they symbolise a feminine form which was more slender and had finer decoration than doric columns, to represent Athene as a goddess of fertility, sensuality and emotion in the form of a female. It was appropriate as the temple was constructed for the purpose of a gift to their patron. The decorative frieze on the Temple of Nike was decorate of all four sides with sculpted relief, the northern frieze depicted a battle between the greeks entailing cavalry, the southern frieze represented the victory over the persians at the battle of Marathon and the eastern frieze showed the assembly of the Olympian gods Athene, Zeus and Poseidon. The frieze expressed the Athenian's religious beliefs and the power that they possessed, as well as the favour of the gods towards Athens.
Parapet frieze: The bastion around the temple of Athena Nike was protected by a parapet of Pentelic marble to prevent people from falling off the steep slope. The parapet frieze consisted of slabs with sculpted relief which personified Nikai set up trophies. The sequence of the slabs are not part of a continuous narrative. Instead, each one represents an independent scene, however each slab consisted of a similar composition of winged Nikai, which was either driving bulls to sacrifice or holding weapons and victory trophies with Greek or Persian weapons. The patron goddess Athene is seated in their with her weapons laid down at each end of the frieze. Although the relief is not very high, the figures are still very strongly expressed with the drapery that they are attired with which cling to the body and reveal the fine outlines of the figures beneath, giving the effect of being blown by the wind to create detailed decorative folds. From this frieze, the figures of nike are represented for their meaning and importance from the detailed ornamentation and beautiful relief. Inside the temple was said to have housed a cult statue, this was wooden figure that was adorned with a helmet and a pomegranate, it symbolised war and natural abundance.
What was the message conveyed by the Temple of Nike: It was intended to be an embodiment of the true meaning of victory for the Athenian's themselves, to showcase the power and glory of Athens through their friezes, which depicted battles that they had won. Its been suggested that the sculpted relief was meant to be a distraction for the Athenians brutal reality of having endured war for so long or was intended to bring the accurate representation of the figures to life, to show others the their world in its most natural form and how they were victorious in all of these battles, Athenians wished to show their glory to all of Athens but more so to their patron goddess, as a symbol of respect and loyalty to Athene nike for protecting them in their battles and allowing them to gain these victories.
How might people have reacted to it: A visitor would feel the victory that resonated within the small temple that was dedicated to their patron goddess Athene. The sacred ground on which the Temple of nike is located shows the Athenians devotion to the ancient world and how important their patron goddess is to them. The nike was said to have wings however the Athenians cut off these wings as they believed that if they didn't, then they were letting victory escape them because the nike would fly away so by cutting off these wings on the statue, Athens can always be victorious. The visitor that approaches the Propylaea is greeted by the Temple of Nike first, its elegant ionic features creates a sense of balance as they are not completely obscured by the dominating doric features of the Propylaea, in fact this makes the feminine and decorated features stand out even more. A visitor is confronted by a very strong statement before even stepping out of the Propylaea as they see the Temple of Nike, the Athenians wish to emphasise the importance of victory to them, creating a great impact on the visitor as they are mesmerised by the strong force of their religion, victory and pride from the Temple of Nike. The visitor is also moved by the mythological beliefs of the Athenians that are expressed on the friezes, which intensifies the impact of their link to religion and the ancient world even more, this temple was a specific reminder of victory for the Athenians.
Propylaea
Order: Doric
Materials: Pentelic marble, eleusinian limestone, terracotta and wood.
Architect: Mnesikles.
Dates: 437-432 (abandoned - the building was never completed)
Decoration: no sculptural program.
Plan: T-shape.
Ionic features: Ionic columns.
Dimensions: Irregular.
Function of the Propylaea: This was a monumental gateway through which you entered onto the Acropolis to be greeted by the parthenon, it was the normal way to enter the sanctuary of the temple. The propylaea also was a statement of Athens power, superiority and status in the Greek world.
How is the order linked to the function of the Propylaea:
Doric order: The Propylaea consists of a central porch in the doric order, with a six column facade and then another six doric columns on the west side exit. Its complex structure, was designed to make a lasting impression for the approaching visitor. The Propylaea had five entrances, four of which were for pedestrians to enter through and one larger central entrance which was transporting sacrifices from the city of Athens onto the Acropolis. Although the ground plan of the Propylaea was not symmetrical because of the sacred ground where the Temple of Nike was located and Athenians were always careful not to offend the goddess, it was designed to appear symmetrical to anyone walking through it. The northern wing was decorated with painted compositions on the wall, it is larger than the southern wing on the Propylaea. The southern wing has only a single stoa because it was restricted by the position of the sanctuary of the Temple of Nike, however it was enough to provide balance for the whole structure. The doric columns represent the solidity and permanence of the Propylaea which was built to last, with wide and solid columns, it symbolised the idea of masculine gods of male figures and their respect towards the gods.
Ionic order: The main columns on the Propylaea are of the Doric order, however the columns inside the central area are Ionic, with a corridor of three ionic columns either side supporting the roof of the central wing. It was suggested that by incorporating ionic order into the structure, Pericles' was intending to show respect for Athen's allies during the peloponnesian war, however it is not certain that this is true as over time evidence has been lost but ionic columns were used in both the Parthenon and the Erechtheion.
What was the message conveyed by the Propylaea: The intended effect was very similar to that of the Parthenon. The propylaea was the Athenian's embodiment of protection from the gods, an Athenians self-confidence could not be broken unless the propylaea was stolen and set before the fortress walls of Thebes. The monumental gateway showed Athens superiority, wealth, stature, their political and military dominance.
How might people have reacted to it: Visitors to the Acropolis would enter through the monumental gateway of the Propylaea. They would ascend the ramp of stairs towards the central entrance of the Propylaea, the impression you have is of two large structures and a smaller central one. You would be engulfed by six massive doric columns that flanked the entrance. Confronted by its proportion when catching a glimpse of the Parthenon beyond it, with full view of the western pediments and the northern colonnade, intensifying the impact that the building has on its visitor. As they approach the inside of the central hall, they are surrounded by towering walls which are lined on each side with three finely decorated ionic columns, at last the visitor would be confronted with a large central gate creating a sense of anxiousness for they are about to capture the full length of the Parthenon just beyond the doors, impressing the visitor before even stepping out of the propylaea.
Materials: Pentelic marble, eleusinian limestone, terracotta and wood.
Architect: Mnesikles.
Dates: 437-432 (abandoned - the building was never completed)
Decoration: no sculptural program.
Plan: T-shape.
Ionic features: Ionic columns.
Dimensions: Irregular.
Function of the Propylaea: This was a monumental gateway through which you entered onto the Acropolis to be greeted by the parthenon, it was the normal way to enter the sanctuary of the temple. The propylaea also was a statement of Athens power, superiority and status in the Greek world.
How is the order linked to the function of the Propylaea:
Doric order: The Propylaea consists of a central porch in the doric order, with a six column facade and then another six doric columns on the west side exit. Its complex structure, was designed to make a lasting impression for the approaching visitor. The Propylaea had five entrances, four of which were for pedestrians to enter through and one larger central entrance which was transporting sacrifices from the city of Athens onto the Acropolis. Although the ground plan of the Propylaea was not symmetrical because of the sacred ground where the Temple of Nike was located and Athenians were always careful not to offend the goddess, it was designed to appear symmetrical to anyone walking through it. The northern wing was decorated with painted compositions on the wall, it is larger than the southern wing on the Propylaea. The southern wing has only a single stoa because it was restricted by the position of the sanctuary of the Temple of Nike, however it was enough to provide balance for the whole structure. The doric columns represent the solidity and permanence of the Propylaea which was built to last, with wide and solid columns, it symbolised the idea of masculine gods of male figures and their respect towards the gods.
Ionic order: The main columns on the Propylaea are of the Doric order, however the columns inside the central area are Ionic, with a corridor of three ionic columns either side supporting the roof of the central wing. It was suggested that by incorporating ionic order into the structure, Pericles' was intending to show respect for Athen's allies during the peloponnesian war, however it is not certain that this is true as over time evidence has been lost but ionic columns were used in both the Parthenon and the Erechtheion.
What was the message conveyed by the Propylaea: The intended effect was very similar to that of the Parthenon. The propylaea was the Athenian's embodiment of protection from the gods, an Athenians self-confidence could not be broken unless the propylaea was stolen and set before the fortress walls of Thebes. The monumental gateway showed Athens superiority, wealth, stature, their political and military dominance.
How might people have reacted to it: Visitors to the Acropolis would enter through the monumental gateway of the Propylaea. They would ascend the ramp of stairs towards the central entrance of the Propylaea, the impression you have is of two large structures and a smaller central one. You would be engulfed by six massive doric columns that flanked the entrance. Confronted by its proportion when catching a glimpse of the Parthenon beyond it, with full view of the western pediments and the northern colonnade, intensifying the impact that the building has on its visitor. As they approach the inside of the central hall, they are surrounded by towering walls which are lined on each side with three finely decorated ionic columns, at last the visitor would be confronted with a large central gate creating a sense of anxiousness for they are about to capture the full length of the Parthenon just beyond the doors, impressing the visitor before even stepping out of the propylaea.