The Acropolis Flashcards
What does the word ‘acropolis’ mean?
The high point of the city
Derived from two Greek words: acr- (High) and polis (city)
What was the religious centre of Athens in the fifth century?
The Acropolis
It housed significant religious buildings.
Name one of the four key buildings on the Acropolis.
- The Parthenon
- The Erechtheion
- The Temple of Athena Nike
- The Propylaea
What are the two distinct styles of architecture in Greece?
- Doric
- Ionic
How can Doric and Ionic columns be distinguished?
By the capitals of their columns
Doric capitals are simple and circular, Ionic capitals have curls known as volutes.
Which architectural style is considered more elaborate or ‘feminine’?
Ionic style
Who provided a detailed account of the Acropolis buildings?
Pausanias
What was the function of the Propylaea?
It served as the formal entrance to the Acropolis
It divided the profane from the sacred.
What challenges did the architect Mnesikles face while constructing the Propylaea?
It was placed on the steep side of a rock
What features did the Propylaea have?
- A central hall (gateway)
- Four wings (two on each side)
- Made of marble
- Dark blue ceiling studded with golden stars
What was the name of the statue that greeted visitors at the Propylaea?
Athena Promachos
What does ‘Athena Promachos’ represent?
Athena who fights in the front line
What did Pausanias say about the size of the Athena Promachos statue?
It was so large that the tip of its spear and the crest of its helmet could be seen miles away from Sounion
To whom was the Erechtheion dedicated?
Athena Polias
What was housed inside the Erechtheion?
A sacred olive-wood statue of Athena
