Art and Architecture

Parthenon in Athens

Mythology is such a central part of culture that it is often featured in artwork and architecture. Pieces of art such as pottery, sculptures, paintings, and engravings are often some of the best records of an ancient religion that modern scholars have. The way in which people portray their gods and myths says a great deal about how those gods were both worshipped and fit into every day life.

An artist’s recreation of the statue to Athena

Now that we have learned what a myth is, let’s look at one of the most well-know examples of art and architecture devoted to the gods of Ancient Greece. Visit http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/architecture/parthenon.htm and read through all five available pages about the Parthenon. Answer both questions below and submit them to your teacher by e-mail in a Word Document attachment.

1) Describe some of the characteristics of the Parthenon. What do you feel the Greeks hoped to accomplish by building such a great structure and statue to Athena?

2) How do you think the Parthenon fit into Athenian life and society? What makes you believe your answer?