The Panathenaia Flashcards
What was the road that was walked on in the Panathenaic procession?
The Panathenaic Way
How do we know that the procession was considered significant to religion and civic life?
It was the inspiration for the frieze of the Parthenon
Who does the Parthenon sculpture show partaking in the Panathenaic procession?
Horsemen (aristocracy), elder citizens, women, animals for sacrifice, ritual objects, Olympic gods present as spectators
What does the participation of all areas of society mean for the Panathenaia?
It was a unifying experience and caused civic pride
What was the climax of the Panathenaia?
The presentation of the peplos
What is a peplos?
A rectangular piece of clothing worn by women, Athena always depicted wearing
What does the depiction of the presentation of the peplos on the Parthenon show about the event?
It was significant as is the first time a real life event was depicted on a temple
Who wove the peplos?
Ergastinai- maidens from aristocratic families
What was the difference in the peplos presentation for the Greater Panathenaia?
A second larger one woven by male weavers, depicting Athena and Zeus, used as sail on wooden ship rolled along in procession
Why was a wooden ship part of the procession?
Celebration of Athen’s naval strength
How wide was the Panathenaic way?
10 metres to accommodate the boat and large crowds
Where was the peplos draped?
The Athena Polias statue in Erectheion
What types of contest were there at the Panathenaic festival?
Musical, rhapsodic, athletic, equestrian, chariot, torch race, boat race at Greater
Who received the portions of sacrificial meat from the Panathenaia?
All participants- communal enjoyment provided unity. However civic officials and important participants received more, and ate it on the Acropolis
