A day in the life of an ancient Greek architect - Mark Robinson

Summary

In 432 BCE Athens, Pheidias, the chief builder of the Parthenon, faces false accusations of embezzling gold intended for the temple's statue of Athena. With a deadline to account for every expense, he navigates political intrigue while managing radical design changes that increase costs. As he collaborates with architects to maintain the temple's symmetry, he oversees the carving of metopes depicting Greece's victories over Persia. Just as the city officials confront him, Pericles arrives to defend Pheidias, proposing that the statue's gold can be weighed to prove his innocence, leaving the outcome in the hands of the goddess Athena.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Pheidias is the chief architect of the Parthenon, tasked with its design and construction.
• ⏰ The story is set in 432 BCE, highlighting the historical context of ancient Athens.
• ⚖️ Pheidias faces accusations of embezzling gold meant for the temple's statue of Athena.
• 📜 The epistatai, or city officials, demand an accounting of all expenses related to the temple.
• 🏗️ Pheidias' innovative design combines Doric and Ionic styles, challenging traditional architectural norms.
• 📐 Maintaining symmetry and resolving design issues is crucial for the construction process.
• 🪨 Heavy marble blocks from Mount Pentelikon require new pulleys for their transportation due to their weight.
• ⚔️ The temple will feature 92 metopes depicting battles, emphasizing Greece's historical victories over Persia.
• 👷‍♂️ Pheidias spends significant time on the statue of Athena Parthenos, the temple's focal point.
• 🤝 Pericles intervenes to support Pheidias, suggesting that the statue's gold can be removed to verify expenses.

Q & A

Who is Pheidias and what is his role in the construction of the Parthenon?

Pheidias is the chief architect (architekton) responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of the Parthenon, which is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena in Athens.

What accusations do the city officials make against Pheidias?

The city officials accuse Pheidias of embezzling gold that was intended for the temple's central statue of Athena.

What is the deadline given to Pheidias to account for the temple's expenses?

Pheidias has until sundown to provide a detailed account of all the temple’s expenses and the gold used.

How do Pheidias’ architectural plans differ from traditional designs?

Pheidias' plans combine Doric columns with an Ionic frieze, depicting a panorama of the Great Panathenaic festival, which is a radical departure from the simpler, traditional Doric style expected by the public.

What challenges do Pheidias and his team face in constructing the Parthenon?

They face challenges related to maintaining symmetry and resolving design issues in real time, as they do not work from a precise blueprint and must calculate adjustments as construction progresses.

What is entasis and why is it used in the Parthenon’s columns?

Entasis is a slight bulging in the columns designed to create an illusion of strength and to make the columns appear straight when viewed from a distance.

What are metopes and what do they depict in the context of the Parthenon?

Metope refers to the decorative panels on the Parthenon that depict scenes from mythical battles, specifically representing Greece's victories over Persia, which symbolize Athenian pride.

How does Pheidias respond to the accusations of embezzlement?

Despite feeling insulted, Pheidias remains focused on proving his innocence and works to compile the necessary financial records to demonstrate the temple’s expenses.

What role does Pericles play in the confrontation with the city officials?

Pericles intervenes to support Pheidias, suggesting that the gold on the statue can be removed and weighed separately to prove Pheidias' innocence against the accusations.

What is the significance of the statue of Athena Parthenos in the Parthenon?

The statue of Athena Parthenos is the focal point of the temple, symbolizing the city's patron goddess and serving as a centerpiece for worship, reflecting both the artistic achievement and religious devotion of the Athenians.