How far is it possible to explain the differences between the Parthenon and the Temple of Zeus at Olympia?

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Maryam Ilmass                20062218

How far is it possible to explain the differences between the Parthenon and the Temple of Zeus at Olympia?

I am going to weigh the differences between two Greek temples, and explain how far it is possible to distinguish between the two, based on sources, primary and secondary. The first Greek temple is the Parthenon, which is also related to as the Temple of Athena.

The second Greek temple is the temple of Zeus at Olympia.

I will outline the following elements which help to differentiate the two Greek temples:

  • Architecture
  • Symbolic Value
  • Purpose/Religious, cultural elements
  • Social Space
  • Political Functions

Architecture: The Parthenon was built on the Acropolis and replaced an older model of the Temple of Athena that had been eradicated by the Persians in 480BC.The Parthenon is an octostyle peripteral Doric temple with Ionic architectural features. 

Doric columns stand directly on the stylobate of a temple without the base, their vertical

shafts are fluted with parallel concave grooves, and they are topped by a smooth capital

that flashes from the column to meet a square abacus at the intersection with the horizontal

beam that they carried.

        The Ionic style is thinner and more elegant. Its capital is decorated with a scroll-like

    design (volute). Unlike the Greek Doric order, Ionic columns normally stand on a base

    which separates the shaft of the column from the stylobate. The capital of the Ionic column

    has attribute paired scrolling volutes that are laid on the moulded cap of the column, or

    leap from within it.

Even back then antiquity, its architectural refinements were legendary, especially the subtle correlation between the curvature of the stylobate, the taper of the naos walls and the entasis of the columns. The stylobate is the platform on which the columns stand. It curves upwards slightly. Entasis refers to the slight tapering of the columns as they rise, to counter the optical effect of looking up at the temple. The symmetrical side is portrayed through the effect of the subtle curves, making the temple look more symmetrical that what it actually is. The roof was covered with large overlapping marble tiles

        However the Temple of Zeus at Olympia was built using funds provided by the Elean defeat of neighboring Pisa, this is an example of the ongoing struggle for power in Ancient Greece. The architect was a local man named Libon who designed the structure in the pure Doric style. The temple stood on a 3 step stylobate with a masonry ramp leading upto the centre of the east façade. There were 6 columns on each façade, 34 in total in the entire colonnade. Local limestone, coated with fine stucco and marble roof style were used in the construction of the temple. The throne on which Zeus was sitting was made out of gold, ebony, ivory and inlaid with precious stones. Compared to the Parthenon the Temple of Zeus at Olympia was made with a range of different materials, nevertheless, the Parthenon was made in a more graceful and decorative manner. With every little detail taken care of and the structure made to perfection. More visual elements and illustrations were used in the making. Whereas the Temple of Zeus at Olympia didn’t use many graphical details but was made like a normal Greek style building.

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The statue of Zeus at Olympia is one of the classical Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and seemed as a focal point for visitors to Olympia. A source says that ‘the statue of Zeus at Olympia was an ideal representation of the high Classical style of art, and a significant reminder of the strength of Greek religion’. The seated statue occupied the whole width of the aisle of the temple that was built to house it, and was 40 feet (12m) tall, to create an image that Zeus were to stand up, the clearly articulated qualities of early ...

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