As the sun rises over ancient Athens in 432 BCE, Pheidias, the chief architect of the Parthenon, finds himself in a race against time. Tasked with overseeing the construction of Athens’ grandest temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, Pheidias faces an unexpected challenge. Upon arriving at the construction site, he is met by five city officials, known as epistatai, who accuse him of embezzling gold intended for the temple’s central statue. With a deadline looming at sundown, Pheidias must account for every expense and prove his innocence.
The accusations against Pheidias are not entirely surprising. The Parthenon project, commissioned by the influential politician Pericles, has stirred controversy within the city government. While the public anticipates a traditional Doric temple, Pheidias’ vision is far more ambitious. His design integrates Doric columns with an elaborate Ionic frieze, depicting the Great Panathenaic festival—a bold artistic statement that places humans and gods side by side, and significantly increases the project’s cost.
Pheidias’ journey to clear his name begins with a consultation with his architects, Iktinos and Callicrates. Unlike modern construction, the Parthenon is built without a detailed blueprint. Instead, the team relies on a syngraphai, or general plan, and a 3D model known as a paradeigma. This approach requires real-time problem-solving and a keen sense of symmetry, especially given the temple’s unique curvature and inward-leaning columns. To maintain the illusion of straightness, the architects employ entasis, a slight bulging of the columns.
The construction of the Parthenon is a logistical marvel. Immense marble blocks for the temple’s pediment arrive from Mount Pentelikon, necessitating the creation of new pulleys to handle their weight. Meanwhile, Pheidias oversees the carving of 92 metopes, each depicting mythical battles symbolizing Greece’s triumph over Persia. This unprecedented number of metopes further escalates the temple’s expenses.
Central to Pheidias’ responsibilities is the creation of the statue of Athena Parthenos. This towering figure, adorned in gold and intricately detailed, will stand as the temple’s focal point. As the day progresses, Pheidias meticulously plans the statue’s finishing touches, aware that its completion will draw worshippers to offer prayers and sacrifices to the goddess of wisdom.
As dusk approaches, the epistatai return to scrutinize Pheidias’ records. Although he accounts for the temple’s general expenses, the gold for the statue remains unrecorded. At this critical moment, Pericles intervenes, proposing that the gold on the statue be removed and weighed to verify Pheidias’ integrity. With laborers assigned to the task and officials overseeing the process, Pheidias and Pericles leave the scene, entrusting their fate to the divine protection of Athena.
In the end, Pheidias’ dedication and innovative spirit not only safeguard his reputation but also contribute to the creation of one of history’s most iconic architectural wonders—the Parthenon.
Using materials like clay, cardboard, or LEGO bricks, build a model of the Parthenon. Pay attention to the Doric columns and the unique curvature of the structure. This hands-on activity will help you understand the architectural innovations and challenges faced by Pheidias and his team.
Divide into groups and role-play the key figures involved in the Parthenon project: Pheidias, Pericles, the epistatai, and the architects. Debate the accusations of embezzlement and discuss the political and artistic implications of the Parthenon’s design. This will help you grasp the political intrigue and the significance of the temple.
Design your own general plan (syngraphai) for a temple or a public building. Include key elements like columns, friezes, and statues. Present your plan to the class and explain your design choices. This activity will enhance your understanding of ancient architectural planning and the importance of symmetry.
Simulate the logistical challenges of transporting marble blocks from Mount Pentelikon to the construction site. Use small objects to represent marble blocks and create a pulley system to move them. This activity will illustrate the logistical hurdles and the engineering solutions developed by Pheidias’ team.
Draw or sculpt your own version of the statue of Athena Parthenos. Focus on intricate details and the use of gold. Present your creation to the class and explain how it represents the goddess of wisdom. This will help you appreciate the artistic endeavors and the cultural significance of the statue.
Pheidias – Pheidias was a famous ancient Greek sculptor known for creating large statues, including the statue of Athena in the Parthenon. – Pheidias used his incredible skills to make the statue of Athena, which stood proudly in the Parthenon.
Parthenon – The Parthenon is a large temple in Athens dedicated to the goddess Athena, built in the 5th century BC. – The Parthenon is considered one of the greatest examples of ancient Greek architecture.
Athens – Athens is the capital city of Greece, known for its rich history and as the birthplace of democracy. – Many important philosophers and artists lived in Athens during ancient times.
Temple – A temple is a building used for worship, often dedicated to a specific deity or goddess. – The ancient Greeks built many temples to honor their gods and goddesses.
Goddess – A goddess is a female deity or divine figure in mythology, often associated with specific aspects of life or nature. – Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, was highly revered in ancient Greek culture.
Architecture – Architecture is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings and other structures. – The architecture of the Parthenon showcases the beauty and skill of ancient Greek builders.
Columns – Columns are vertical pillars that support a structure, often used in classical architecture for decoration and stability. – The Parthenon features tall columns that give it an impressive and grand appearance.
Statue – A statue is a three-dimensional representation of a person or animal, often made from materials like stone or metal. – The statue of Athena created by Pheidias was made of gold and ivory and was a symbol of Athenian pride.
Pericles – Pericles was an influential leader of Athens during its Golden Age, known for promoting arts and democracy. – Under Pericles’ leadership, the construction of the Parthenon was completed, showcasing the power of Athens.
Marble – Marble is a type of stone that is often used in sculpture and architecture because of its beauty and durability. – Many ancient Greek statues and buildings, including the Parthenon, were made from fine white marble.
