Cella

Definition

The cella is the inner chamber of a temple in ancient Greek and Roman architecture, designed to house the cult statue of the deity to whom the temple is dedicated. It serves as the focal point of worship and is typically surrounded by a colonnade, with access often granted through a grand entrance. This sacred space was crucial for rituals and offerings, reflecting the connection between the divine and the physical realm within these cities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The cella was typically rectangular and located at the heart of the temple structure, providing an intimate setting for worship.
2. In many temples, the cult statue within the cella was often lavishly decorated and symbolized the presence of the deity, making it a vital element of religious practices.
3. Access to the cella was generally restricted to priests or certain individuals during rituals, emphasizing its sacred nature.
4. Architectural features like windows or openings in the cella allowed for natural light to illuminate the cult statue, enhancing its visual impact during ceremonies.
5. Different architectural styles influenced how cellas were designed, with variations evident between Greek and Roman temples based on cultural significance and religious practices.

Review Questions

• How does the design of the cella contribute to its function as a sacred space in Greek and Roman temples?
  • The design of the cella plays a crucial role in its function as a sacred space by being centrally located within the temple structure. Its rectangular shape allows for an intimate atmosphere where worshippers can focus on the cult statue. The surrounding colonnade adds grandeur while creating a sense of enclosure that heightens the sacredness of this inner chamber. The careful architectural design ensures that this space remains a direct link between worshippers and their deity.
• Compare and contrast the significance of the cella in Greek temples versus Roman temples.
  • In Greek temples, the cella typically housed a large cult statue made from materials like gold or ivory, reflecting both artistic prowess and religious devotion. These statues were often viewed during festivals or special rituals. In contrast, Roman temples incorporated more varied architectural styles and sometimes included additional rooms for other functions, leading to a different interpretation of sacred space. However, both cultures regarded the cella as central to their religious practices, highlighting its importance in worship.
• Evaluate how the concept of the cella reflects broader religious beliefs in ancient Greek and Roman societies.
  • The concept of the cella reflects broader religious beliefs by illustrating how integral deities were to daily life in ancient Greek and Roman societies. The design emphasizes accessibility for worshippers while maintaining a separation from the divine's sacred presence. This arrangement showcases not only reverence for gods through elaborate structures but also indicates that worship involved personal interaction with divine figures. As cities expanded, cellas became symbolic spaces where community identity intersected with spiritual belief, reinforcing social cohesion through shared rituals.

Related terms

Naos: Another term often used interchangeably with cella, referring specifically to the inner chamber of a temple that contains the cult statue.

Cult Statue: A statue representing a deity, placed within the cella to which worshippers would offer prayers and sacrifices.

Pronaos: The front porch or entrance area of a temple that leads into the cella, often marked by columns and providing a transition between the sacred interior and the outside world.