Why was the Erechtheion important to the Athenians?
The Erechtheion (or Erechtheum) is an ancient Greek temple constructed on the acropolis of Athens between 421 and 406 BCE in the Golden Age of the city in order to house the ancient wooden cult statue of Athena and generally glorify the great city at the height of its power and influence.
What is in the Erechtheion?
There is also a building [in Athens] called the Erekhtheion . . . Inside the entrance are altars, one to Poseidon, on which in obedience to an oracle they sacrifice also to Erekhtheus, the second to the hero Boutes, and the third to Hephaistos . . . here is also inside–the building is double–sea-water in a cistern.
What are the most distinguishing features of the Erechtheum Athens?
The temple’s Ionic capitals are the most beautiful that Greece produced, and its distinctive porch, supported by caryatid figures, is unequaled in classical architecture.
What makes the Erechtheion unique?
The Erechtheion is an intricate temple. The temple is unusual in that it incorporates two porches (prostaseis); one at the northwest corner which is supported by tall Ionic columns, and one at the south-west corner which is supported by six massive female statues, the famous Caryatids.
What was the purpose of the Erechtheion?
The Erechtheion was named after the demi-god Erechtheus (Cartwright). The primary function for the Erechtheion was to to house the ancient wooden cult statue of Athena, but also served other purposes as discussed below (Cartwright).
What was the function of the Erechtheion?
Ancient Greek temple
Érechthéion/Function
Who created the Erechtheion?
Mnesikles
Érechthéion/Architects
The Erechtheion, designed by the architect Mnesikles, was a complex building constructed in the last twenty years of the 5th century BC. It replaced the “Archaios Neos” (Ancient Temple) of Athena Polias, part of which had been destroyed by the Persians sixty years earlier.
Who was the Erechtheion dedicated to?
The Erechtheion was a complex marble building in the Ionic order, an exceptional artwork. The eastern part of the Temple was dedicated to Athena, whilst the western part was dedicated to local hero Boutes, Hephaistos and other gods and heroes.
What were the different uses of the Erechtheion?
How old is the Erechtheion?
2,441c. 421 BC-406 AD
Érechthéion/Age
Where did the Erechtheion of Athens get its name?
The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens, in Greece. The temple takes its name from Poseidon Erechtheus, the mythical king of Attica, but it is actually the Temple of Athena Polias (guardian of the city) and it is also the place of worship of other very ancient deities…
When was the Erechtheion Temple in Athens built?
The Erechtheion or Erechtheum ( / ɪˈrɛkθiəm, ˌɛrɪkˈθiːəm /; Ancient Greek: Ἐρέχθειον, Greek: Ερέχθειο) is an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens in Greece which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon . The temple as seen today was built between 421 and 406 BC.
Why was the Erechtheion built in ancient Greece?
The Erechtheion was built as a replacement for the “Old Temple” (the foundations of which now lay between it and the Parthenon), and to house all the shrines and rituals that once took place there. The east end of the Erechtheion was dedicated to Athena Polias (protector of the earth and fertility)…
Who was worshipped at the Erechtheion in Athens?
The Erechtheion was where Athena Polias was worshipped, but there were also altars devoted to Zeus Hippatos, Poseidon, Hephaestus, Erechtheus and his brother Voutes. The tomb of Erechtheus, the sacred snake of the Acropolis, the tomb of Cecrops and the Erechteias Sea were also to be found there.