The Erechtheion 421-405 B.C.E.

The Construction Designed by Philokes Constructed during 421-405 B.C.E. Located on the Acropolis in Athens Considered an Ionic masterpiece Erechtheion Site Plan

Site Significance The Erechtheion temple sits on a mythical site According to the Legend, a contest between Athena and Poseidon was held to claim Athens in which Poseidon caused salt water to spring at the site. Athena won the contest by making an olive tree to sprout The olive tree still stands! Statue of Poseidon Statute of Athena

Erechtheion Highlights Built on a sloping site and accommodates to it Separate porticos with different sized columns The Porch of the Maidens Erechtheion Elevation View

The Porch of the Maidens Located on the southern portion of the Erechtheion Statues of women are used instead of the typical Ionic column Columns are referred to as “caryatids” after beautiful, captive women of Caria Carya, a city of Peloponnese, joined the Persians in their war against the Greeks. These in return for the treachery, after having freed themselves by a most glorious victory from the intended Persian yoke, [Greece] unanimously resolved to levy war against the Caryans. Carya was, in consequence, taken and destroyed, its male population extinguished, and its matrons carried into slavery. That these circumstances might be better remembered, and the nature of the triumph perpetuated, the victors portrayed these women as draped, and apparently suffering under the burden with which they were loaded, to expiate the crime of their native city. Cast mold caryatids stand in place of the originals Original caryatids in a Greek Museum Stolen caryatid in the British Museum

Final Reflections… Any Questions???

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