Temple Trivia

I'm reading about Greek temples. (Saucy!)

The Parthenon is probably the most famous and perfect example of Greek architecture. But how much do you know about it?

Here is a pop quiz that you can surprise a friend with in order to show off how much you know about Greek architecture!

1. Where was the Parthenon situated?

2. To which deity was it dedicated?

3. What were the three kinds of columns found in Greek temples?

a) Corinthian, Ionic and Ephesian
b) Corinthian, Cretan and Ephesian
c) Corinthian, Ionic and Doric

4. What was the scandal on the sandal?

5. Where was a giant statue of Athena kept?

(a) on the steps, where the public could view her
(b) behind the first row of columns, just before the temple entrance
(c) in a walled room inside the temple

6. Who were depicted on the outer edge of Athena's shield?

7. Of what was the Parthenon chiefly constructed?

8. Of what material were Athena's face, neck, hands, arms and feet constructed?

9. What was remarkable about Athena's drapery, aside from the fact that it was made of pure gold?

10. When was the parthenon completed?

ANSWERS

1. In Athens, on the Acropolis.

2. Pallas Athene, primary protector of Athens and the Attic country.

3. (c) Corinthian, Ionic and Doric

4. It is said there were portraits of Phidias (chief sculptor) and Perikles (Athenian statesman) carved on Athena's sandal, which later caused some outrage as this was considered impious.

5. (c)

6. Amazons

7. Pierian marble

8. ivory

9. It was removable

10. 438 BC, by the architects Iktinos and Kallikrates after the Persians destroyed the older Athena temple.


Novel word count: 11, 321