Arcropolis Architecture
Parthenon, 448-432 (Iktinos, Kallikrates, architects)
Propylaia, 437-432 (Mnesikles)
Erechtheion, 425? 421? 409-405 (architect unknown)
Nike Temple, 420s; parapet, ca. 405 (Kallikrates, architect)
Sources name Perikles, Athenian statesman and general, as "overseer",
Pheidias named as sculptor of Parthenon cult statue, Plutarch says of all
building in Athens & Attica.
Parthenon, temple to Athena Parthenos, i.e. 'the Virgin';
on south side of acropolis, replacing Older Parthenon, an unfinished building
wrecked by the Persians in 480 (when they were, however defeated in the
sea battle of Salamis). Doric order, 8 x 17 columns, with Ionic elements,
i.e. Ionic frieze on outer cella wall and Ionic columns in the opisthodomos,
no longer extant. Full complement of architectural sculpture.
Propylaia, double gateway to the Acropolis on its western
end, replacing the archaic Propylon. Northern wing called the Pinakotheke,
"picture gallery", because later travellers saw panel paintings on display
there. Doric order, Ionic columns on inner passage. Plan altered at least
once from original concept; no sculpture and not completely finished. 6
columns west and east; inner porch on east, 4 columns.
Erechtheion (or Erechtheum), properly speaking shrine
of Erechtheus, early king of Athens, but actually intended to house the
ancient image of Athena Polias and replace the function of the Old Athena
Temple. A hybrid building, mostly Ionic, with exterior frieze. Odd plan
designed to take in various ancient cult sites, tombs, and shrines. South
porch of building (Porch of the Maidens, with caryatids) overlaps
Dörpfeld foundations, i.e. those of the Old Athena Temple.
Nike Temple, small Ionic shrine on western bastion, with
continuous frieze and sculpted base for bronze railing (the parapet). 4
columns on each porch. (For this historical problems surrounding the cult
of Nike and the date of the construction of this building, see Tim
Richard's web page).
Terms:
entasis - swelling of columns
anathyrosis - band of smoothly finished stone left on bearing
surfaces to ensure a close fit between building elements (e.g. columns)
akroteria (sg. akroterion) - roof ornaments
chryselephantine - literally "gold & ivory"
Pentelikon, Pentele - marble quarries northeast of Athens
Hymettos - source of Hymettian limestone, dark colored and used for
decorative accent