Temple of Apollo (GT)
unknown (Greek (ancient))
Download112619_cp.jpg (1.075Mb)
Alternative Titles
Temple GT
Temple G
Temple of Zeus Olympios
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Treasury of the Athenians
The Athenian Treasury
Date
530-460Description
not completed; The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympieion; see fig.) in the south-west of the town is the largest ever built in the Doric style (stylobate 52.74×110.10 m). It was inspired by gigantic Ionian temples, such as the third Temple of Hera at Samos, and by the earlier Temple G at Selinus, and probably commemorated Theron’s victory over the Carthaginians at Himera in 480 bc. The exterior has the unique form of a closed wall with engaged columns (7 by 15) rendered as pilasters on the inside of the wall and a normal Doric entablature with pediments; giant male figures (telamones) standing on ledges between the engaged columns of the exterior (the precise arrangement is disputed) helped to support the architrave. The interior consists of three long, narrow spaces of equal width, separated by two rows of square pillars connected by walls; the central space was open to the sky. Relief sculpture in the pediments (only insignificant fragments remain) showed the Fall of Troy and the Battle of the Gods and GiantsThe Athenian Treasury (c. 490 bc) was entirely of Parian marble. The metopes on its prominent south side depict the Exploits of Theseus, the Athenian national hero, thus raising him to the status of the panhellenic hero Herakles. The Labours of Herakles adorn the north and west sides, while the Amazonomachy on the east side apparently alludes to the Battle of Marathon (490 bc). The sculptural technique and the compositions mark the transition between the Archaic and the Early Classical styles . plan (drawing), colossal Sicilian temples: plans: a) temple of Apollo b) temple of Zeus Olympios at Akragas; c) Treasury of the Athenians at Delphi
Type of Work
Temple; TreasurySubject
Apollo (Greek deity), Doric order, Athens (Greece), Zeus (Greek deity), Treasuries, Greece --Antiquities, Architecture, Ancient --Greece, Temples, Greek, Architecture, Classical
Rights Statement
All rights reserved
Item is Part of
131121131202131203