What was Erechtheion used for?
The Erechtheion was named after the demi-god Erechtheus (Cartwright). The primary function for the Erechtheion was to to house the ancient wooden cult statue of Athena, but also served other purposes as discussed below (Cartwright).
Why was the Erechtheion important to the Athenians?
The Erechtheion, named after the demi-god Erechtheus, the mythical Athenian king, was conceived as a suitable structure to house the ancient wooden cult statue of Athena, which maintained its religious significance despite the arrival of the gigantic chryselephantine statue within the nearby Parthenon.
Why is the Erechtheion unusual?
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.
When was Erechtheion destroyed?
The Erechtheion along with the Parthenon suffered a further major destruction at some point in the 3rd or 4th century AD, whether this was due to Herulian or Visigoth attack or a natural disaster is unclear.
How was the Erechtheion destroyed?
During the Greek War of Independence the building was bombarded by the Ottomans and severely damaged, the ceiling of the north porch was blown up and a large section of the lateral walls of the cella was dismantled. The Erechtheum went through a period of restoration from 1977 to 1988. References: Wikipedia.
Is the Erechtheion the same as the Parthenon?
The Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena. The western part of the Erechtheion was dedicated to the worship of Athena Polias (patron deity of Athens), while the eastern part was devoted to Poseidon-Erechtheus (Wycherley 1978).
Who constructed the Erechtheion?
architect Mnesikles
The Erechtheion, designed by the architect Mnesikles, was a complex building constructed in the last twenty years of the 5th century BC. It replaced the “Archaios Neos” (Ancient Temple) of Athena Polias, part of which had been destroyed by the Persians sixty years earlier.
Is the Erechtheion part of the Parthenon?
How do you pronounce Erechtheion?
Phonetic spelling of erechtheion
- Erech-theion.
- erechtheion. Mavis Kuhlman.
- ih-rek-thee-uh m. Ray Cruickshank.
What is the relation of the Erechtheion to the Parthenon?
What is the Poseidon’s trident mark in the Erechtheion?
Named after Erechtheus, a mythical king of Athens, the temple housed the cults of Athena and Poseidon. It was here that, so the myths told, the god and goddess had a contest for the city’s affections. Poseidon struck the ground with his trident, making a salt spring, but Athena won by producing an olive tree.