Opisthodomos

Definition

Opisthodomos refers to the rear room of a classical Greek temple, often serving as a space for the storage of valuable offerings or sacred items. This part of the temple is typically located behind the main cella and is distinguished from other architectural elements, such as the pronaos (front porch) and the cella itself. The opisthodomos played an important role in both the functional and ceremonial aspects of temple design, providing a hidden area for significant religious artifacts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The opisthodomos was often designed to be a visually distinct part of the temple, featuring different architectural elements compared to the cella.
2. In temples like the Parthenon, the opisthodomos served as a space for storing valuable offerings to the gods, reflecting its significance in religious practices.
3. Some temples featured an open opisthodomos with columns, while others enclosed it, indicating variation in design across different sites.
4. The architectural placement of the opisthodomos at the rear of the temple allowed for privacy and security for important items and artifacts.
5. The presence of an opisthodomos in temple design highlights the complexity and multifaceted nature of ancient Greek religious architecture.

Review Questions

• How does the design and function of the opisthodomos enhance our understanding of religious practices in ancient Greek temples?
  • The design and function of the opisthodomos reveal that it was a crucial area for storing valuable offerings and sacred items, suggesting that these artifacts were highly regarded in religious practices. Its separation from the cella indicates a deliberate architectural choice aimed at enhancing security and sanctity. This space allowed priests and worshippers to maintain a clear distinction between everyday activities and those directly related to worship, thus emphasizing the importance of ritual in ancient Greek society.
• Discuss how the presence of an opisthodomos influences the overall architectural composition of a Greek temple.
  • The presence of an opisthodomos contributes significantly to the overall architectural composition by adding depth and complexity to the temple's layout. It creates a symmetrical balance with the pronaos at the front, enhancing both visual appeal and functional capacity. The design also reflects cultural priorities, such as ensuring that important offerings were safeguarded within an integral part of the temple's structure. As such, this feature underlines how architecture served both aesthetic and spiritual purposes in ancient Greece.
• Evaluate the significance of varying designs of opisthodomos across different temples in relation to their cultural and historical contexts.
  • The varying designs of opisthodomos across different temples indicate how local customs, resources, and historical contexts influenced architectural choices. For instance, some temples embraced open designs to showcase their treasures while others opted for enclosed spaces prioritizing protection. This diversity reflects broader societal values regarding wealth display versus security. Understanding these differences allows us to appreciate how specific historical events or regional beliefs could shape temple architecture, providing insight into the unique identities of various city-states in ancient Greece.

Related terms

cella: The main inner chamber of a Greek temple, where the cult statue of the deity was housed.

pronaos: The front porch of a Greek temple, situated before the entrance to the cella.

Doric Order: One of the classical orders of ancient Greek architecture characterized by its sturdy columns and simple, unadorned style.