The Parthenon And Its Sculptures Quiz

Answer: Athena

The Parthenon, located atop the Acropolis in Athens, was dedicated to the goddess Athena for a variety of compelling reasons. Athena, known as the goddess of wisdom, courage, and warfare, held a special place in the hearts of the Athenians. According to Greek mythology, Athena gifted the city of Athens an olive tree, symbolizing prosperity and peace.

This gesture showcased her benevolence and favor towards the city, making her a revered figure. As a result, the Athenians built the Parthenon as a grand homage to Athena, not only as a sign of gratitude for her gift of the olive tree but also as an embodiment of their reverence for her wisdom and protection.

Answer: Persian Empire

The construction of the Parthenon began as a symbol of gratitude and triumph for the Hellenic people following their victory over the invading Persian Empire during the Greco-Persian Wars. The Persians had sacked a previous version of the Acropolis, causing immense devastation to the sacred site and the city of Athens.

In response, the Athenians, determined to honor their gods and assert their cultural resilience, embarked on the ambitious project of building the Parthenon as a magnificent temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. This remarkable architectural marvel not only served as a tribute to the gods but also represented the unity and strength of the Greek city-states in repelling foreign aggression.

Answer: Treasury

Greek temples often doubled as city treasuries due to their architectural significance and religious importance. The Parthenon, for instance, was not only a symbol of reverence but also functioned as a repository for valuable offerings, including precious metals, artwork, and other riches.

Pictured, the Treasury of Athens served as a repository for treasures like gold, silver, and artistic creations brought as gifts. This treasury, located near the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, stood as a testament to the significance of the city as a center for spiritual and cultural exchange, where city-states like Athens showcased their affluence and piety while seeking divine guidance and favor.

Answer: Metopes

The metopes from the Parthenon are rectangular sculpted panels that adorned the frieze of the ancient Greek temple. Each metope depicted various mythological scenes and heroic battles, showcasing the cultural and artistic achievements of Athens. The pictured metope portrays the intense struggle between a man and a centaur, symbolizing the constant conflict between civilization and the forces of the wild. These metopes were originally carved in place, encircling the exterior of the Parthenon on all four sides.

However, due to the passage of time and the impact of various historical events, a significant number of Parthenon metopes were removed and are now housed in museums around the world. Notably, several metopes are currently located in the British Museum in London. Lord Elgin, a British diplomat, obtained these metopes, along with other sculptures from the Parthenon, in the early 19th century. He argued that he had obtained permission from the Ottoman authorities ruling Greece at the time, although this has been a subject of controversy and debate.

Answer: Pericles - Phidias

Pericles, a prominent Athenian statesman and military leader during the Golden Age of Greece, played a pivotal role in commissioning the construction of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. The construction of the Parthenon began around 447 BCE and took approximately 15 years to complete, while the overall development of the Acropolis spanned several decades.

Central to the Parthenon's design and execution was the sculptor Phidias, who oversaw the creation of its intricate decorative elements, including the magnificent frieze that depicted various scenes from Greek mythology. Phidias' expertise and artistic vision imbued the Parthenon with its legendary beauty and cultural significance.

The painting attached to this question is "Phidias and the Frieze of the Parthenon" by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, and it captures a moment of creative inspiration, portraying Phidias at work on the frieze, displaying it to Pericles and other important Athenians.

Answer: True

The source of the marble used to construct the Parthenon was the Pentelicus mountain range, located near Athens. This marble, known as Pentelic marble, was highly prized for its exceptional qualities that made it an ideal building material. Its pure white color, fine grain, and ease of carving allowed artisans to create intricate sculptures and architectural details, resulting in the stunning visual appeal of the Parthenon. Due to these qualities, Pentelic marble became a favored material for other significant structures and sculptures in ancient Greece as well. Later, during the Roman period, the demand for Pentelic marble persisted, and it was widely utilized in various Roman architectural projects.

Answer: Gold and ivory

The sculpting of the Athena Parthenos statue was a collaborative effort involving several skilled artisans, most notably the renowned sculptor Phidias. The statue was crafted using a combination of materials: a wooden core served as the framework, while the outer surfaces were adorned with ivory and gold sheets.

This technique, known as chryselephantine sculpture, achieved a lifelike and dazzling effect, with the ivory representing the goddess's flesh and the gold embodying her divine armor and attire.

This type of sculpture, which combines precious metals and ivory, reached its zenith during the ancient Greek Classical period, around the 5th century BCE.

Answer: Epic mythological scenes

The pediments of the Parthenon, the triangular gables located at each end of the temple, featured intricate sculptural compositions depicting mythological narratives. One pediment depicted the birth of Athena, emerging fully grown and armored from the head of her father Zeus. The other pediment depicted the contest between Athena and Poseidon for patronage over Athens, wherein they vied to provide the city with the most valuable gift. Athena's gift of an olive tree was deemed superior, securing her role as the city's protector.

Unfortunately, due to the ravages of time, war, and weather, the original sculptures of the pediments have suffered significant damage. Many fragments are now preserved in museums, offering glimpses of the remarkable storytelling and artistic achievement that once adorned the Parthenon's exterior.

Answer: Nineteenth-century archaeologists returned hundreds of marble statues to the Parthenon.

In the 6th century CE, the Parthenon was converted into a Christian church, reflecting the evolving cultural and religious shifts of the region. Later, during the Ottoman rule in the 15th century, it was transformed into a mosque. Tragedy struck in 1687 when the Parthenon suffered severe damage during an explosion caused by Venetian forces besieging Ottoman-occupied Athens. The resulting destruction marred the temple's original splendor. During World War II, the Acropolis faced further indignity as Nazi forces raised their flag over the ancient site. However, in a moving act of defiance and patriotism, two Greek students secretly removed the flag after they climbed to the top of the Acropolis.

In the early 19th century, Lord Elgin, a British diplomat, undertook the controversial act of removing a significant portion of marble sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens. Believing he had acquired permission from the Ottoman authorities, Elgin claimed he sought to preserve these artworks and protect them from further decay and damage. The marbles, known as the Elgin Marbles or Parthenon Marbles, included intricate friezes, metopes, and pediment sculptures that adorned the ancient temple. However, this removal sparked debates about cultural heritage and ownership, as Greece and various institutions have since called for their return, while the marbles remain on display at the British Museum in London.

Answer: European Union

The Committee for the Conservation of the Acropolis Monuments (ESMA) was established in 1975, dedicated to overseeing and coordinating restoration projects on the Acropolis, including the Parthenon. The European Union has played a role in supporting these efforts, offering expertise and funding to ensure the proper restoration and maintenance of this ancient masterpiece.

One notable aspect of the restoration involved bringing in new Pentelic marble to reconstruct certain sections of the Parthenon that had been damaged or lost over time. This careful process aimed to replicate the original design and maintain the temple's aesthetic integrity. Through meticulous research, advanced technology, and the expertise of archaeologists and conservators, the restoration work aims to revive the Parthenon's former glory while respecting its historical context.