Siphnian Treasury, Delphi

Summary

This video explores the grandeur of the Siphnian Treasury at Delphi, showcasing its rich history, architecture, and the mythological narratives depicted in its sculptures. The treasury, built by the wealthy Siphnian people, features elaborate friezes and pediments with scenes from Greek mythology, including Herakles attempting to steal Apollo's tripod, gods battling giants, and the Trojan War. The artwork displays a blend of archaic and emerging classical styles, demonstrating the evolving complexity of human interaction and storytelling in ancient Greek art. The video offers a deep dive into both the artistic and religious significance of these sculptures.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Siphnian Treasury at Delphi was a prominent structure, dedicated to the god Apollo, and housed treasures from the Siphnian people.
• 😀 The Siphnian people, from a small island in the Aegean, were wealthy due to their silver and gold mines, which they used to fund their offerings to the gods.
• 😀 Ancient Greek religion was transactional; people offered sacrifices to the gods in exchange for favor and blessings.
• 😀 The Siphnian Treasury was noted for its intricate and elaborate sculptures, making it one of the most beautifully decorated buildings at Delphi.
• 😀 The frieze on the east side of the treasury depicted a myth involving Herakles attempting to steal Apollo's tripod, a symbol of the oracle at Delphi.
• 😀 The sculptures around the treasury were in the archaic style, with stiff, profile or frontal poses, typical of the late sixth century.
• 😀 The east frieze also depicted a scene from the Iliad, where Achilles and Memnon fight over the body of Antilochus, with gods on Mount Olympus deciding their fate.
• 😀 The north frieze of the treasury depicted the mythological battle between the Olympian gods and the giants, showcasing the gods' power over the chaotic giants.
• 😀 The gods in the frieze are depicted individually, each fighting with their unique strengths, while the giants are portrayed as a collective, emphasizing their hubris.
• 😀 The Siphnian Treasury's frieze demonstrated the shift from static, symbolic representation of the archaic period to a more dynamic and complex portrayal of action and interaction, leading towards classical Greek art.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the Siphnian Treasury at Delphi?

The Siphnian Treasury was a small building meant to house treasure, dedicated to the god Apollo, and was located in the Panhellenic Sanctuary at Delphi.

Why did the Siphnian people build such an elaborate treasury?

The Siphnian people, who came from a small island in the Aegean, could afford to build the treasury because they had silver and gold mines. They dedicated a tenth of their profits from these mines to Delphi as part of the transactional nature of religion in ancient Greece, where sacrifices and offerings to the gods were expected to bring divine favor.

What style was the Siphnian Treasury built in?

The Siphnian Treasury was built in the Ionic style, characterized by decorative features like a continuous frieze that encircled the building.

What is depicted in the pediment of the Siphnian Treasury?

The pediment of the Siphnian Treasury depicts a scene where Herakles attempts to steal the tripod from Apollo, a significant symbol of the oracle at Delphi, while Zeus intervenes in the conflict.

What role does the tripod play in the scene from the Siphnian Treasury's pediment?

The tripod in the pediment is a sacred object associated with the oracle at Delphi. The oracle sat on it and channeled Apollo's pronouncements. The scene depicts Herakles trying to steal the tripod, which Apollo and Zeus attempt to stop.

How do the figures in the pediment represent the archaic style?

The figures in the pediment have characteristics of the archaic style, with a certain stiffness, seen in the profile or frontal views and lack of twisting or turning in space. However, there is a sense of energy in the depiction of Herakles, emphasizing his struggle to pull away with the tripod.

What does the east side of the frieze depict?

The east side of the frieze depicts a scene from the Iliad, showing the battle between Achilles, a Greek hero, and Memnon, a Trojan hero, over the body of Antilochus. The gods on Mount Olympus are shown to be deciding the fate of the two warriors.

What is the significance of the gods' portrayal in the frieze on the east side?

The gods in the frieze represent the divine influence on the outcomes of mortal battles. On the left, gods favor the Trojans, and on the right, gods favor the Greeks. Zeus, seated in the center, is shown as the final arbiter, with the gods pleading for his attention.

What mythological battle is depicted on the north side of the frieze?

The north side of the frieze depicts the battle between the gods and the giants. The giants, who represent hubris, challenge the gods of Mount Olympus, leading to their defeat. The gods, including Hephaestus, Dionysos, and others, are shown triumphing over the giants.

How does the depiction of the gods and giants reflect Greek views on hubris?

The depiction of the gods' victory over the giants in the frieze reflects the Greek belief in the importance of humility and the destructive nature of hubris. The giants, representing overweening pride, are shown as being defeated by the gods, who are the embodiment of divine order.