Parthenon

Definition

The Parthenon is an ancient temple on the Acropolis of Athens, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patroness. Built in the 5th century BCE during the height of the Athenian empire, this architectural marvel symbolizes both the power and cultural achievements of ancient Athens. It is celebrated for its stunning Doric design and intricate sculptures that illustrate various aspects of Athenian mythology and history, specifically honoring Athena's wisdom, warfare, and crafts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Construction of the Parthenon began in 447 BCE and was largely completed by 432 BCE, showcasing the wealth and power of Athens at that time.
2. The temple was primarily built as a tribute to Athena and housed her statue, which was a significant cultural symbol for Athenians.
3. The Parthenon is renowned for its optical illusions, designed to appear perfectly symmetrical and proportional to enhance its aesthetic appeal.
4. The frieze of the Parthenon depicts a Panathenaic procession, an important festival celebrating Athena and showcasing Athenian civic pride.
5. Over centuries, the Parthenon has served various roles, including a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and a mosque during Ottoman rule.

Review Questions

• How does the architectural design of the Parthenon reflect the values and beliefs of ancient Athenians?
  • The architectural design of the Parthenon embodies the values of harmony, beauty, and order that were central to ancient Athenian society. Its use of the Doric order emphasizes strength and simplicity, reflecting the military prowess and resilience of Athens. Additionally, its elaborate sculptures and friezes celebrate Athena’s virtues—wisdom, warfare, and crafts—demonstrating how deeply intertwined religion and civic identity were for Athenians.
• Discuss the significance of the Parthenon's sculptures in relation to Athenian mythology and identity.
  • The sculptures of the Parthenon play a crucial role in illustrating Athenian mythology and identity by depicting key myths associated with Athena. The frieze showcases a procession honoring Athena during the Panathenaic festival, reinforcing civic pride. The pediments tell stories like the contest between Athena and Poseidon for patronage over Athens, emphasizing Athena’s importance as a protector and symbol of wisdom for the city-state.
• Evaluate how historical events have influenced the current perception and preservation of the Parthenon.
  • Historical events such as wars, conquests, and changes in religious practices have significantly shaped how we perceive and preserve the Parthenon today. Originally constructed as a temple to Athena, it underwent transformations into a church and then a mosque, impacting its structural integrity. Modern preservation efforts are complicated by damage from past conflicts, including explosions during a Venetian attack in 1687. These layers of history add complexity to our understanding of the Parthenon as not only an architectural masterpiece but also as a symbol of cultural resilience amid changing times.

Related terms

Acropolis: A fortified hilltop in Athens that served as the center for religious and civic life, housing several important temples, including the Parthenon.

Doric Order: One of the three classical orders of ancient Greek architecture characterized by simple, sturdy columns and a plain capital.

Athena Parthenos: The colossal statue of Athena made by the sculptor Phidias, originally housed inside the Parthenon and made of gold and ivory.