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Temples
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A temple was built as a home for a god. Cities competed with each other to build the largest and best-decorated temples.
There would be a large statue of the god or goddess inside the temple and often the city treasure would be stored there. This picture is a reconstruction of the Parthenon, which was a temple in Athens. Not all temples were in cities. Some were built in remote spots.
(A) PANATHENAEA
The main festival to Athena was held every year. It was called the Panathenaea, and included a great procession.
(B) PEDIMENT
Legends were carved onto the pediment - the triangular upper part of the wall, close to the roof.
(C) TREASURE STORE
The Athenians kept the money collected from cities in their empire inside the temple.
(D) COLUMNS
Greek temples were always surrounded by columns. Those of the Parthenon were in the finest marble, brought from the nearby quarries of Pentele.
(E) STATUE OF ATHENA
The massive statue of Athena in the Parthenon was sculpted by Phidias. The outside of the wooden statue was coated in gold, and Athenas skin was made of ivory.
(F) CELLA
The cella housed the statue to Athena. There was only light from one door so the statue must have looked rather frightening.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
The Greeks
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Section:
Spotlight on Ancient Greeks
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Chapter:
Temples
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