classical civilisation - temples Flashcards

Greek temples were built as homes for the gods and goddesses, where they could be worshipped and honoured by the community.

Roman temples were places to honour the gods and perform rituals, often located in prominent public spaces like forums.

Greek temples had a rectangular shape, columns (Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian), a naos (inner room), and a pronaos (porch).

Roman temples often had a raised podium, a deep porch (pronaos), and a single set of steps leading to the entrance.

The naos (or cella) is the inner chamber of a Greek temple where the cult statue of the god or goddess was housed.

The pronaos is the porch or entrance area of a temple, located in front of the naos.

The opisthodomos is the rear room of a Greek temple, often used to store offerings or treasures.

The pediment is the triangular space at the end of a temple roof, often decorated with sculptures depicting myths.

The frieze is a horizontal band of decoration, often sculpted or painted, found on Greek and Roman temples.

The altar was located outside the temple and was the focal point for sacrifices and offerings to the gods.

The Temple of Zeus is located in Olympia, Greece, within the sanctuary of Zeus.

The temple was dedicated to Zeus, king of the gods, and housed a massive chryselephantine statue of Zeus by Phidias.

The Temple of Zeus was built in the Doric style, with six columns at the front and back and thirteen along the sides.

The statue of Zeus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, symbolising his power and majesty.

The Parthenon is located on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

The Parthenon was dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, and celebrated her role in the city's success.

The Parthenon is a Doric temple with some Ionic features, such as the frieze running around the inner building.

The Parthenon frieze depicts the Panathenaic procession, a key religious festival in honour of Athena.

The east pediment shows the birth of Athena, while the west pediment depicts her contest with Poseidon for Athens.

The Temple of Portunus is located in the Forum Boarium in Rome, Italy.

The temple was dedicated to Portunus, the Roman god of harbours and ports.

The Temple of Portunus combines Greek and Etruscan elements, with Ionic columns and a high podium.

The Pantheon is located in Rome, Italy.

The Pantheon was dedicated to all Roman gods and later converted into a Christian church.

The Pantheon features a large dome with an oculus, a portico with Corinthian columns, and a circular cella.

The dome symbolises the heavens and is an architectural marvel, with its oculus allowing light to enter.

The word 'Pantheon' means 'all gods,' reflecting its dedication to all Roman deities.

The Temple of Bacchus is located in Baalbek, Lebanon.

The temple was dedicated to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, fertility, and theatre.

The Temple of Bacchus is a Roman Corinthian temple, known for its elaborate decoration and large size.

The temple's decoration includes detailed carvings of vines and grapes, symbolising Bacchus' association with wine.

A sanctuary is a sacred area dedicated to a god or goddess, often containing temples, altars, and other religious buildings.

The temenos is the sacred boundary that marks the area of a sanctuary, separating it from the secular world.

Priests performed rituals, sacrifices, and maintained the temple, acting as intermediaries between the gods and worshippers.

Sacrifices, often of animals, were made at the altar to honour the gods and seek their favour or guidance.

A votive offering is a gift given to a god or goddess, often left in a temple or sanctuary as thanks or a request for help.

A chryselephantine statue is made of gold and ivory, such as the statue of Zeus at Olympia.

A cult statue is the central image of a god or goddess housed in the naos of a temple.

The Panathenaic procession was a religious festival in Athens, depicted on the Parthenon frieze, celebrating Athena.

The Acropolis is a sacred hill in Athens, home to important temples like the Parthenon dedicated to Athena.

The Forum Boarium was a cattle market in Rome, also home to temples like the Temple of Portunus.

Baalbek was a major Roman religious site, home to the Temple of Bacchus and other grand temples.

The oculus is the circular opening at the top of the Pantheon's dome, allowing light and air to enter.

Doric columns are a simple, sturdy style used in Greek temples like the Parthenon and Temple of Zeus.

Corinthian columns are ornate, with acanthus leaf designs, often used in Roman temples like the Pantheon.