The Erectheion Flashcards
What was the site of the Erectheion known for?
Where contest between Athena and Poseidon allegedly took place; where Athena’s sacred olive tree was; housed grave of mythical Athenian king Kekrops
Who was Erectheus?
The only semi-offspring of Athena, an Athenian king and hero all Athenians claimed descent from, Erectheion dedicated to him
How many caryatids were on the Erectheion?
6
What did the caryatids on the Erectheion face?
The Parthenon and the altar where the sacrifice happened in Panathenaia
What is a caryatid?
A statue of a female that acts as a column
What are the three theories as to the inspiration for the caryatids?
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
What was the Erectheion believed to be home of?
A serpent, representation of Kekrops
What is the story related to the great snake that lived in the Erectheion?
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
What happened in the Plyntēria festival?
Cleansing festival to Athena and Aglauros; temples closed and temple of Athena roped off- believed she was absent for this period
What was housed in the Erectheion?
Statue of Athena Polias, olive wood and so old nobody knew where it came from
