Sanctuaries and Temples

Question 1

What were the key features of a Greek temple?

Answer 1

• simple rectangular shape
• columns in rows on all sides
• 3 rooms: the naos/cella, the pronaos, the opisthodomos
• altar at the front outside
• built on an east-west axis
• pitched roof with friezes at each end
• murals on 4 sides above columns

Question 2

Where did all religious rituals take place?

Answer 2

outside the temple, in front of its steps. Partly as sacrifices weren’t very clean and partly because the temple was seen as the god’s home

Question 3

Naos

Answer 3

the dwelling place. the main room with the cult image. Athenians would very rarely enter this part of the temple - this was supposed to delight the worshippers and the god

Question 4

Pronaos

Answer 4

in front of the naos. the entry porch housing the temple’s most valuable offerings such as booty from war

Question 5

Opisthodomos

Answer 5

behind the house. at the back to house the rest of the offerings

Question 6

The altar

Answer 6

were the sacrifice took place. some were very simple (natural slab of flat rock), others were elaborate (carved from marble or made of bricks whitewashed with lime). an important temple would need a huge altar for sacrificing large numbers of animals.

Question 7

What was a pediment?

Answer 7

The traditionally triangular section at the top of a temple’s entrance

Question 8

What were the functions of a Greek temple?

Answer 8

• to house statues of gods and goddesses representing the deities of ancient Greek religion
• to store offerings that had been made to the gods

Question 9

Why did the Greeks build such magnificent temples?

Answer 9

• Greeks believed very strongly in their gods, so wanted to honour them greatly to show respect.
• If they give things to the gods, they will give back.
• It also shows wealth