The Panathenaea Flashcards
On a scale of 1 to Olympics, how important was the Panathenaea to Athenians?
A high 9! Of over 120 festival days in Athens, this was the most important (besides the Olympics, and Zeus beats Athene), especially the Greater Panathenaea.
How often was the Panathenaea held?
The Greater Panathenaea was quadrennial (held every four years, while its sister festival, Lesser Panathenaea, was held every year (that wasn’t the Greater). - Greater like the Olympics like that!
What were the two main parts to the Panathenaea?
The procession and the Panathenaic Games.
Describe the route of the opening procession.
It ran from the Dipylon Gate, leading along the Dromos/ Panathenaic Way, which cut diagonally across through the city, up to the Acropolis and finally the Parthenon. (e.n. that was the mistake)
What month was the Panathenaea held in, and why?
The end of July, because that was supposed to be Athene’s birthday, and this festival was in honor of her.
How long did the Greater Panathenaea last?
8 days.
What happened when the procession reached the Parthenon?
A peplos, woven by young Athenian women (kore), would be put on a 6m high statue of Athene by the Priestesses. Then sacrifice of a hecatombe would be made, then a feast.
What was the most important part of the Panathenaea?
The procession- showed reverence to Athene, the goddess.
What was embroidered into Athene’s peplos?
Scenes of the Olympians overthrowing the Titans, showing order over chaos.
What was the order of procession? (8)
- Young Athenian women with the peplos
- The priestesses of Athens
- Metics ( Greek? foreigners)
- Musicians
- Old men
- Foot soldiers
- Horsemen
- The hecatombe (100 sacrificial animals/ oxen)
Why did the procession cut through the centre of the city?
To show off Athens’ power/ wealth to metics.
Who was allowed onto the Acropolis, and why?
Only the Athenians, no metics, so as to encourage more metics to become Athenian, boosting the economy. Also to emphasise the importance of Athenian citisens.
In what ways did the Panathenaic festival differ to the Olympic festival? (2)
The Panathenaea included musical and poetic competitions, as well as being dedicated to Athens’ patron Athene, not to Zeus.
How were metics encouraged to become Athenian during the Panathenaea? (4)
- They were not allowed on the Acropolis
- The procession displayed Athens’ wealth/ power
- There were certain competitions that only Athenians could enter
- Acropolis looked really cool and stood out above city (true always but still)
