Sacred Space
The Acropolis, the complete ancient monumental complex in existence, is an architectural treasure belonging to the Greek patrimony. Looking at the present image of the Acropolis of the Athens from the exterior, it is difficult to discern the original masonry of the monument. This is because of thick revetments, strong buttresses, and recent repairs made using new mortar facing that displeasingly makes it invisible (Egglezos & Moullou, 2008).
Accurate geographic information showing the three dimensional model of the circuit wall of the Acropolis of Athens and the underlain supporting rock are analyzed in this paper. This is achievable through answering numerous questions related to the Acropolis of Athens. To begin with, it is important to accept the fact that the Acropolis is a group of building comprising of sacred precinct that differentiates it from the profane spaces in both symbolic and physical ways. In that regard, the idea that requires the Acropolis to be elevated is very crucial, and it is execution was very splendid; symbolically, this holy place was elevated above the trivia of Athens’ everyday life. In fact, it is peculiarly interesting and informative to watch a landscape once considered as holy (Egglezos & Moullou, 2008).
This place had an Olive tree that the Athena gave to the people of Athens, which served as the habitat to the sacred snake of Cecrops. It also contained tomb of Cecrops , the Pandrosion sanctuary, and the Erechtheum which was ornately designed using stones. It is well known because of the south-west porch where the roof is supported by six , massive female statues called Caryatids. The Propylaia is the entrance to the Acropolis and its design is similar to the Parthenon with its Doric columns. Such a convoluted doorway was used to control the access into the Acropolis and therefore it served as a fortification in case invasion of the Acropolis. It also a had a thematic organization in the Parthenon rieze that emphasized the tradition of procession in the religion.
It also showed beauty and human perception in regards to the sculptural program. Plans of both the temples of Athena Alea at Tega and Apollo at Bassai were very instrumental in the process creating a well structure to serve for religious purposes.Secondly, the anesthetization of Greekness is a product of the establishment of the Greek state. This is why it needs a wall to act as an element that creates harmony, moderation, and light. During the construction, a lot had to be taken into consideration in the original plans to include a wall, which would lead to demolition of a given portion.
When an individual stands in the Parthenon on the place where once a Pheidias’ ivory and gold statue of Athena stood, it becomes apparent that the temple was oriented rightly and towards the sunrise over the mountain and currently it faces the sun and Hilton, which signifies harmony. Within this style, the Parthenon attains a synchronization that nearly surpasses understanding (Egglezos & Moullou, 2008). Lastly, the complex structure of the building performs numerous tasks, including enhancing religious people’s perception of worshipping. Different parts of the building that create numerous effects upon viewing are very instrumental in the sense that they aid in performance of certain rituals. Numerous images within the building and those that surround it have symbolic importance that creates a special effect on those viewing the complex.
The well constructed Parthenon was a temple that was built in honor of Athena, the virgin goddess. Her wooden-frame statue of almost 35 feet tall is situated in her cult chamber. The statue is decorated with ivory and gold plate, showing how the goddesses were adored by the Greek people. The figure had many charms, bracelets, and some other decorations on; her eyes are made of precious gems, thus showing the real image associated with the goddesses. She had a gorgon’s heead on her breast made of ivory.
Athena’s priestesses also had a special chamber in the temple. In fact, the word Parthenon is translated as the “virgin’s chamber.” The Parthenon offered two services which included; a) it served as a temple to Athena and inside this half of the Parthenon, stood a wooden sculpture of Athena referred to as the Athena Parthenos and, b) the Parthenon was to become a treasury for the sacred funds for both the state fund and the Delian League fund. Part of the funds helped during the construction of the Parthenon. In addition, the ancient monument acted as the basis of numerous practices, including religious ones.
As in religious system of thought, the attitude to and the behavior within a sacred site is full of perceptions of purity and pollution. In that regard, nothing is done to permit the disruption of the viewing of certain areas and the landscape surrounding the Acropolis, which should be clean and humble. Few entablature blocks have been assigned to the building; for instance, those that lie near the Beule Gate at the ascent to the Propylaea, showing frieze doves that are Aferodite’s sacred birds (Egglezos & Moullou, 2008). Evidently, the Erechtheum house symbolized every spiritual and mythical belief associated with traditions and religion in Athens.Finally, undoubtedly, the Athenian Acropolis has a peculiar architectural meaning. It is an architectural complex that is generally an outstanding achievement of the Western civilization.
Through the buildings and sculpture of the Acropolis, students are capable of learning numerous important historical and cultural aspects in regard to the architect. In fact, the Erechtheum acts as an invariable reminder of Athens’ beginnings and the Gods believed to have favored and blessed the city. It is evident that planning and construction of the architecture was religious and artistic grounded on religious and ancestral beliefs of the Athens.
