What is the Erechtheum and what was it believed to enshrine?
Definition. The Erechtheion (or Erechtheum) is an ancient Greek temple constructed on the acropolis of Athens between 421 and 406 BCE in the Golden Age of the city in order to house the ancient wooden cult statue of Athena and generally glorify the great city at the height of its power and influence.
Is the Temple of Athena Nike still standing?
In 1834 the temple was reconstructed after the independence of Greece. In 1998 the temple was dismantled so that the crumbling concrete floor could be replaced and its frieze was removed and placed in the new Acropolis Museum that opened in 2009. The Temple of Athena Nike is often closed to visitors as work continues.
Is the Temple of Zeus still standing?
The temple suffered over the centuries and much of its material was re-used in other buildings so that today only 15 of the temple’s columns are still standing, 2 in the south-west corner and 13 at the south-east corner.
Why is the Erechtheion an unusual building?
The Erechtheion is often described as ‘unusual’ or ‘complex’ and this is because of its multifaceted purpose. The site is sacred ground and said to be the burial place of two important characters.
What is the Erechtheum famous for?
ionic temple of Athena
Erechtheum, ionic temple of Athena, built during 421–405 bc on the Acropolis at Athens, famous largely for its complexity and for the exquisite perfection of its details.
What style of building is Erechtheum?
Classical architectureÉrechthéion / Architectural style
Who destroyed the temple of Athena?
the Ottoman Turks
In the 5th century C.E. the temple was converted into a Christian church, then in the 17th century it was completely dismantled by the Ottoman Turks who needed its material to build fortifications. The temple was later reconstructed after Greece regained independence in 1832.
Who destroyed Temple of Zeus?
– The temple was burnt by order of Theodosius II in AD 426. Badly damaged by the fire, it was finally thrown down by the earthquakes of AD 551 and 552. Excavations at the temple began by the French in 1829, and were completed by the German School.
What is the most famous feature of the Erechtheum?
On the south side of The Erechtheion, you will see one of the most well known parts of the building and its structure, the Caryatid Porch.
Why was the porch of maidens built?
The Erechtheion was built as a replacement for the “Old Temple” (the foundations of which now lay between it and the Parthenon), and to house all the shrines and rituals that once took place there.