🏛️ El PARTENÓN de ATENAS

Summary

The video explores the history and architectural magnificence of the Parthenon, a symbol of ancient Greece and Western civilization. Located on the Acropolis of Athens, this temple dedicated to the goddess Athena represents the peak of Greek architectural and artistic achievement. It traces the temple's construction, from its early foundations through various reconstructions, and examines its design, materials, and the genius behind its creators, such as Ictinos and Phidias. The video also delves into the Parthenon's sculptural masterpieces and its role throughout history, from its pagan origins to its transformation under Christianity and Islam, culminating in modern restoration efforts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Parthenon is not only a symbol of Greece but also of Western culture and thought, embodying the ideals of Greek art and classical architecture.
• 😀 It is located on the Acropolis of Athens, an ancient site with a history dating back to the 12th century BCE, long before the Parthenon itself was constructed.
• 😀 The first temple dedicated to Athena in the Acropolis was built during the Geometric period (9th century BCE), and later replaced by the Parthenon after various conflicts.
• 😀 After the Persians destroyed the previous temples, Pericles led the effort to rebuild, using the funds from the Delian League’s treasury.
• 😀 The Parthenon was completed in 438 BCE, with its decorative and sculptural works finalized by 432 BCE, designed to be a symbol of Athens' power and unity.
• 😀 The Parthenon is a Doric temple with 17 columns on the long sides and 8 columns on the short sides, representing the peak of classical Greek temple architecture.
• 😀 The temple's foundation and design were meticulously engineered, with optical refinements such as a slight curvature in the stylobate to correct visual imperfections.
• 😀 The interior of the Parthenon housed a massive gold and ivory statue of Athena, designed by the sculptor Phidias, which stood 11.5 meters tall.
• 😀 The Parthenon’s decorative program included sculptures by Phidias and his team, including the famous frieze, metopes, and frontons, all crafted in marble.
• 😀 After centuries of use, including as a Christian church and a mosque, the Parthenon suffered significant damage, particularly in 1687 during the Venetian siege of Athens.
• 😀 The Parthenon remains a symbol of Greek heritage and has undergone several restoration projects, most recently employing the method of anastylosis to preserve the structure and its original materials.

Q & A

What was the Parthenon initially constructed to symbolize?

The Parthenon was constructed as a symbol not only of Greece but also of Western culture and thought, representing the pinnacle of Greek art, architecture, and harmony.

What was the significance of the Acropolis in ancient Athens?

The Acropolis of Athens was a sacred site with a history dating back to the 12th century BCE, initially used for a palace and later for a sanctuary dedicated to Athena, a role it maintained through various stages of Athenian history.

Why was the Parthenon built on the same site as earlier temples?

The Parthenon was built on the same site as earlier temples to continue the symbolic and ideological connection to the victory over the Persians, as well as to utilize the existing foundation of the earlier Hekatompedon temple.

Who were the architects responsible for the Parthenon’s design and construction?

The architects responsible for the Parthenon’s design and construction were Ictinos and Callicrates, with the famous sculptor Phidias supervising the project.

What architectural style does the Parthenon represent?

The Parthenon represents the Doric style of architecture, which is characterized by its simplicity, strength, and harmonious proportions.

What are some of the optical corrections made to the Parthenon’s design?

The Parthenon incorporates optical corrections such as slight curvatures in the stylobate and the entasis of the columns, which prevent the structure from appearing imperfect due to the distortions of perspective.

How does the Parthenon’s frieze enhance its visual effect?

The frieze of the Parthenon, a continuous band of sculpted figures, depicts a lively procession of the Panathenaic festival, and it is designed to be viewed from an elevated perspective, making it almost invisible to human eyes but intended to be seen by the gods.

What was the function of the Parthenon during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods?

During the Byzantine period, the Parthenon was converted into a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and later, under Ottoman rule, it was transformed into a mosque. In the 17th century, it was severely damaged during a Venetian siege.

How did the Parthenon suffer during the Venetian siege of 1687?

During the Venetian siege of 1687, the Parthenon was struck by a cannonball, causing an explosion of the stored gunpowder within, which severely damaged the structure and led to the destruction of many sculptures and parts of the temple.

What is the current state of the Parthenon, and what efforts have been made for its restoration?

The Parthenon is currently undergoing an ambitious restoration project, known as 'anastylosis,' which aims to reconstruct the temple using as many original materials as possible. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.