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Sunday, 18 April 2010
Architecture
Topic: Food

  In 432 BC, the Parthenon Temple in Acropolis was completed by the workers of Ictinus and Callicrates.

 

   The temple was constructed to replace the temple that sat on the same hilltop before it was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC.  The new and magnificent structure has been dedicated to Athena, goddess of war and wisdom.

 

  Ictinus expressed his happiness at the completion of the temple.  “The gods be praised, it is done!  This will soon be the most popular temple in all of Athens.  With the helps of the architectural techniques and methods gained in 6th century BC, Callicrates and I were able to formulate the ratios and measurements needed for construction.”

 

  Reporter of the Toga Press, Phillip, was able to schedule an interview with Callicrates.

 

  “What inspired you to build this temple?” Phillip asked.

 

“Just like all temples in Greece, they are inspired by a god.  Since Athens’ patron goddess was already Athena, it seemed suitable to build the temple in her honor.  In fact, the well known sculptor, Phidias, built a monumental statue of Athena out of gold and ivory,” Callicrates answered.

 

“Tell me about the Parthenon.” 

 

“Well,” Callicrates began. “Just like when constructing any house or even or public place, a special area is built for the offerings to the gods.  As you know how important religion is to us. The front porch was placed inside the peristyle and a back room was tucked behind the naos to hold offerings brought to the deity.  There are forty-six columns or pillars surrounded the perimeter which also holds the roof up.  We succeeded in having a proportioned and harmonized structure, the very characteristics that describe Greek architecture.”

 

“Ah, I see,” answered Phillip.  “How did you choose which type of column to use?”

 

“As you know, the architecture of Athens is almost completely based on pillars usage.  My partner and I had to choose between Doric columns, Ionic columns, and Corinthian columns.  Doric columns are sturdy and plain.  They are mostly used in the main lands and by southern colonies.  Ionic columns are thinner and more elegant, they are common in public places and the in the houses of nobles in eastern Greece and Greek islands.  Corinthian columns are rarely seen outside temples but are very elaborate and decorated with beautiful leaves.”

 

“What was your final decision?”

 

“Doric.  The 12, 00000 drachmae we received from the government was not enough to afford Corinthian columns and Ionic columns would not be strong enough to support the roof of the temple.”

 

“What is the temple made of?”

 

“The Parthenon is mostly made of marbles,

Posted by greektogapress at 4:46 PM EDT
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