The Erectheion Flashcards

1
Q

What was the site of the Erectheion known for?

A

Where contest between Athena and Poseidon allegedly took place; where Athena’s sacred olive tree was; housed grave of mythical Athenian king Kekrops

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2
Q

Who was Erectheus?

A

The only semi-offspring of Athena, an Athenian king and hero all Athenians claimed descent from, Erectheion dedicated to him

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3
Q

How many caryatids were on the Erectheion?

A

6

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4
Q

What did the caryatids on the Erectheion face?

A

The Parthenon and the altar where the sacrifice happened in Panathenaia

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5
Q

What is a caryatid?

A

A statue of a female that acts as a column

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6
Q

What are the three theories as to the inspiration for the caryatids?

A

Basket carriers involved in Panathenaic procession; mourners for King Kekrops; Vitruvius says they represent the enslaved women of Carya, Greek city that betrayed Athena in the Persian Wars

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7
Q

What was the Erectheion believed to be home of?

A

A serpent, representation of Kekrops

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8
Q

What is the story related to the great snake that lived in the Erectheion?

A

During the Persian Wars it stopped eating the monthly honey-cake offerings to it- interpreted as sign that the Goddess had abandoned the city and the Athenians should evacuate

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9
Q

What happened in the Plyntēria festival?

A

Cleansing festival to Athena and Aglauros; temples closed and temple of Athena roped off- believed she was absent for this period

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10
Q

What was housed in the Erectheion?

A

Statue of Athena Polias, olive wood and so old nobody knew where it came from

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