Temples : The Temple Of Zeus Flashcards
Where was the temple located
It was located in the sanctuary at Olympia
When was the altar built
The altar of Zeus was built 200 years before the temple emphasising the importance of the altar itself
What was the altar made of
Ash from the thighs of sacrificed victims
How was the temple structured
Similar to standard Greek temples:
- it was oriented east to west
- Stood on a three stepped base
- It was surrounded by colonnade
- Contained a Naos (an inner chamber) and a Opisthodomos (a treasury)
What is shown on the western pediment
The Centauromachy - centaurs against humans (Lapiths) representing civilisation Vs barbarism
What is shown on the eastern pediment
The story of the Olympian hero Peplos
Centre - Zeus as judge
Left and right of centre - king of Pisa and Pelops and other key figures
Corners - Olympia’s two great rivers personified
What was the length and width of the temple
Length - 64.1 meters
Width - 27.7 meters
Who established the Olympic Games
Some historians believe it was Heracles after he completed his labour whereas some believed it was actually Peplos and Heracles had only revived them
The cult statue of Zeus was … :
- 13m tall
- Made from gold and ivory
- Carried Victory in his right hand
- Carried a sceptre with an eagle perched upon it in his left hand
- Robe embroidered with animals and flowers
- In front of the statue was a pool of olive oil which helped maintain the ivory and added a shimmering reflection of light
What did Tantalos do to his son to test the gods
He killed his son Peplos and cooked him into a dish he served to the gods. When the Gods found out they bought him back to life by finding all the pieces of his body
Who was Peplos
The grandson of Zeus
What did the metopes on the temple portray
The labours of Heracles. Six in the front, six in the back
What did the sculptor of the metopes try to achieve
Create recognisable scenes with realism and filled the squares.
How do the metopes present Athena
At the beginning with the slaying of the Nemean lion she is a young women. On the third she is seen seated in a rock. On the tenth, she is more mature helping Heracles bear the weight of the heavens. The last metope shows her armed with her helmet, Shield and spear
How did Pelops begin the Olympic Games
Pelops challenged the king of Pisa to a horse race. Pelops changed the linchpins from bronze to wax causing the king to be thrown off his chariot and dying. Pelops set up the games in the king’s honour
