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Post by Daphne on Jan 6, 2008 9:15:23 GMT -5
The Acropolis of AthensThe Acropolis hill, so called the "Sacred Rock" of Athens, is the most important site of the city. During Perikles' Golden Age, ancient Greek civilization was represented in an ideal way on the hill and some of the architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its ground. The first habitation remains on the Acropolis date from the Neolithic period. Over the centuries, the rocky hill was continuously used either as a cult place or as a residential area or both. The inscriptions on the numerous and precious offerings to the sanctuary of Athena (marble korai, bronze and clay statuettes and vases) indicate that the cult of the city's patron goddess was established as early as the Archaic period (650-480 B.C.). Most buildings on the Acropolis still were under construction at the year 450, only few of them were finished building at this time already. The most important monuments on the Acropolis are: The Parthenon (ancient Greek: Ðáñèåíþí) is a temple built for the Greek goddess Athena built in the 5th century BC on the Acropolis of Athens. It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece, generally considered to be the culmination of the development of the Doric order. Its decorative sculptures are considered one of the high points of Greek art. The first endeavour to build a sanctuary for Athena Parthenos on the site of the present Parthenon was begun shortly after the battle of Marathon (c. 490-88 BC) upon a massive limestone foundation that extended and leveled the southern part of the Acropolis summit. This building replaced a hekatompedon (meaning "hundred-footer") and would have stood beside the archaic temple dedicated to Athena Polias. The Older or Pre-Parthenon, as it is frequently referred to, was still under construction when the Persians sacked the city in 480 BC and razed the Acropolis. In the mid-5th century BC, when the Athenian Acropolis became the seat of the Delian League and Athens was the greatest cultural centre of its time, Pericles initiated an ambitious building project which lasted the entire second half of the fifth century BC. The most important buildings visible on the Acropolis today, the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike, were erected during this period. The Parthenon was built under the general supervision of the sculptor Phidias, who also had charge of the sculptural decoration. The ninety-two metopes on the Parthenon were carved in high relief, a practice employed until then only in treasuries (buildings used to keep votive gifts to the gods). According to the building records, the metope sculptures date to the years around 450 BC. Their design is attributed to the sculptor Kalamis. The metopes of the east side of the Parthenon, above the main entrance, depict the Gigantomachy (mythical battles between the Olympian gods and the Giants). The metopes of the west end show Amazonomachy (mythical battle of the Athenians against the Amazons). The metopes of the south side—with the exception of the somewhat problematic metopes 13–20, now lost—show the Thessalian Centauromachy (battle of the Lapiths aided by Theseus against the half-man, half-horse Centaurs). On the north side of the Parthenon the metopes are poorly preserved, but the subject seems to be the sack of Troy. The metopes present surviving traces of the Severe Style in the anatomy of the figures' heads, in the limitation of the corporal movements to the contours and not to the muscles, and in the presence of pronounced veins in the figures of the Centauromachy. The Athena Promachos , a colossal bronze statue of the war, strategy and wisdom goddess Athena, was one of Pheidias' earliest recorded works: it was placed in about 456 BCE. It was made with the spoils of the Battle of Marathon, won several years earlier. Parts of the marble base remain; according to the preserved inscription, it measured about 30 feet (9 m) high. It showed Athena standing with her shield resting upright against her leg, and a spear in her right hand. The statue was so big it was possible to see the tip of the spear and her helmet crest at sea off Cape Sounion. An Athenian temple to Demeter, the Eleusinion was the place where all sacred objects associated with the Eleusinian Mysteries were kept between ceremonies. It was located at the base of the Acropolis. The Eleusinion played an important role in the Panathenaic festival. The Chalkotheke was a building located on the Acropolis of Athens which housed the treasury of Athens. Named for the bronze (chalkos) and other metals it contained it was located south-west of the Parthenon and adjacent to the Brauroneion. The Pandroseion was a sanctuary dedicated to Pandrosus, one of the daughters of Cecrops I, the first king of Athens, located on the Acropolis of Athens. The sanctuary was a walled rectangular courtyard containing the altar of Zeus Herkeios (protector of the hearth). The south-east corner gave access to the tomb of Cecrops. The sanctuary also contained the sacred olive tree which was presented by Athena to the city of Athens, after her victory over Poseidon in the contest for the land of Attica. The Theatre of Dionysus was a major open air theatre in ancient Greece, built at the foot of the Athenian Acropolis and forming part of the temenos of "Dionysus Eleuthereus". Dedicated to Dionysus, the god of plays and wine (among other things), the theatre could seat as many as 17,000 people, making it an ideal location for ancient Athens' biggest theatrical celebration, the Dionysia. It became the prototype for all theatres of ancient Greece. It was the first stone theatre ever built — cut into the southern cliff face of the Acropolis — and the birthplace of Greek tragedy. The remains of a restored and redesigned Roman version can still be seen at the site today. In Classical Athens, when the theatre was the venue for the Greater Dionysia , competitions were held between Greek dramatists as part of the occasion. The categories that could be entered were Greek Tragedy, Comedy and Satyr play. The plays were performed by a Chorus, and the audience served as judges. Amongst those to have competed are all the renowned dramatists of the Classical era, such as Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes and Aeschylus.
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Post by Alcander on Jan 6, 2008 14:53:38 GMT -5
As Daphne stepped out of the palace, so did he. With hands linked together they enjoyed the fresh air, great the sight of the outside world was as none skies could be seen. Shortly after they entered out, they stopped as his queen wished to breath in the air. He himself turned to look up, watching as he got eye on a eagle above. This was a sign of the gods, Zeus was watching them and it was good he believed.
Careful his eyes turned back upon his queen, glad to see her beside him as he loved her greatly. In return to the wise words she had spoken, he answered."Thats a good idea and wise too, I shall do what you say cause Rome indeed is a growing power."He said with a smile, thinking about sending Stratos their loyal messenger as he in years had served them well."You are wise, my love. It pleases me to have you around, you make me happy."Alcander said happily, watching her as she stood beside him in the new dress she had on. After a moment in peace, they went on. Slowly walking, but gracefully up the road to the temples of Acropolis.
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Post by Daphne on Jan 6, 2008 16:26:29 GMT -5
"I am glad you agree with this idea, I really have hoped so. And no, I am not, don't say that. All I might be is selfish, for if we ally with Rome, I probably will have closer contact to my cousins." Daphne answered, adulated by his sweetness, although she did not agree. This was one of the many reasons why she loved him so much, that he complimented her on each and every possible occasion. He cared for her so much and showed it to her that she was his one and only love, and so did she. He had made her happy.
Slowly their path rose, grew steeper and steeper by each step, but not yet breathtaking. Athenians were used to this path, to visiting the gods and praying to them from their childhood on. They would not lose their breath. "So, who will you send to Rome then? Your messenger, Stratos?" She asked, but continued to walk, her hand still linked to his, holding together. The odour of Olive trees was surrounding them now, with little birds nesting in them, and now and then chirping.
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Post by Alcander on Jan 6, 2008 16:47:53 GMT -5
"Well I do think your lovely and I am glad it makes you happy that we strengthen the bond with Rome threw alliance, hopefully you may see your cousins again then."Alcander returned in answer, thought sonly kept on speaking as she asked further on."I will send our messenger Stratos yes, if you wish. Or maybe, you yourself should go? That way you for sure would see your family members again, and Stratos could go with you." He said gentle, but kept on walking to the great gates of Acropolis. Still he held her hand in his, watching her with a smile as they went as he also watched the great trees beside them.
Athens surely was a great place to live, with great gardens and buildings who amazed everyone. The people who lived there was both respectful and kind, for years the city had stood stand against any threats that had fallen upon it, but never had the people fled in disgrace. Strong fighters they were, with great minds that studied war and philosophy. Many saw them as boy lovers and philosophers, but that was not true as a great people they truly were.
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Post by Daphne on Jan 8, 2008 15:16:05 GMT -5
"Thank you, my love. But me..." Daphne had not yet thought of going to Rome herself, but now that Alcander had mentioned it, why not she asked herself. She missed the only relatives she had left, and wished to see them again for sure. And it certainly would impress the Romans and they would see her seriousness with wishing the alliance between the two countries. Of course, she would have to take many guards as well as servants with her to guarantee her safety and comfort.
"It is a very good idea, Alcander, Stratos can accompany me to Rome, if you truly wish." Daphne spoke, not sure if he wanted her to travel there. It was a long and dangerous way to Rome, many pirates waited on the way to sea, and thieves awaited any travellers on the road. Daphne was fond of the idea to see Rome, many rumours of it's pride and wealth were spread in the ancient world.
She contined walking up the hill to the temples, soon they would have arrived the great entrance door to Athen's small city of gods and goddesses.
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Post by Alcander on Jan 8, 2008 15:38:06 GMT -5
"Yes, well if you went with guards and maybe Stratos, then maybe Romans would see the seriousness in our wishes. I am glad you like the idea, however it is a dangerous road to take for a lady like you but with the right protection you would be safe. I would of course make sure myself that everything is secure before your leave, but its up to you if you wish it or not?"He spoke on, wondering what she would answer in return but hoped she wished cause an alliance like it would surely improve the status for Athens. Rich already it seemed to become, as many trades between market had been recently opened.
As they walked hand in hand toward the temples of Acropolis they sonly arrived the great doors, build to protect it and the people within. The monumental gateway to the Acropolis, the Propylaea was built under the general direction of the Athenian leader Pericles, but Phidias was given the responsibility for planning the rebuilding the Acropolis as a whole at the conclusion of the Persian Wars. Gracefully they walked up the stairs that lead to it, but seeing guards that stood aside to protect it.
"Its a marvelus sight isn't it, the doors of Acropolis. How our ancestors could build something like it is incredible."He said smiling as he watched the doors before them, heavy as they were they slowly opened although his eyes was ones again fixed upon her. She looked lovely were she walked beside him, she was a true beauty that he loved and with her as wife and queen their kingdom would never fall. Wise she was, but also respected among her people and others. With all the love he had, he cared and loved her the most.
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Post by Daphne on Jan 8, 2008 15:53:08 GMT -5
"Then it is decided, I will go to Rome, together with Stratos and some other people." Daphne answered, smiling. In her thoughts she noted that she needed to write a letter to her cousin Lucius so that he will know of her coming. In Rome itself she will need some guidance, as she never had been there before and the city was steadily growing.
Daphne and Alcander now stood directly below the door, and she turned to take in the view. "A breathtaking view it is from up here, you can see so far, almost to Piraeus." Daphne spoke. But she thought that this door was old, and as it was one of the major defences of Athens, maybe it should be replaced by a stronger one, out of stone, beautifully fitting to the temples of the city of temples which lay behind. "Maybe we should employ an architect, a skilled man who could rebuild the door again? I know, this one has stood for such a long time, it has seen the Persians enter, but maybe a new one would do better for our needs?" She asked her husband, wondering what he thought of her idea. Maybe it was bad, for the people were used to this gate. But maybe it was a good change.
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Post by Alcander on Jan 8, 2008 16:21:54 GMT -5
"Good then I will send you to Rome my love, but good protected with everything you need."Alcander answered in return, smiling still as he watched her beauty beside him. Easily she was dressed but still so lovely were she stood, if she had not been his wife then no one would. No one was ever fitted for a better role then her, she was a great respected queen who among others also was told to be wise in strategy and knowing what others needed the most. If she had ideas he would gladly listen to it, often her mind made her speak truthful things that he always loved to hear.
Gentle he turned looking back at the doors, thinking they were great but harmed so much threw battles that had stroked them in past. Almost broken they were and an easy target for any who wished to achieve victory, this was something Alcander would not let happen as his kingdom and home stood him close. In return to the words she spoke, he in a kind tone returned."Your right, these doors surely have been threw a lot in past. Its better we do something about it, before anything ill should happen."He said, but sonly after with linked arms they entered the great Acropolis.
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Post by Daphne on Jan 8, 2008 16:40:45 GMT -5
Daphne did not reply anymore to what Alcander spoke first about her being sent to Rome. It was for sure now, and she could not await it. A little nervous she was of course, it was a long journey and she never had travelled so far away from home before. But on the other hand, somehow she had the feeling to go to a place she knew, having Felicita and Lucius there. They surely would help her in the strange new city, would organize her coming. She would have many people around her so that nothing would go wrong, the gods surely would be on her side.
"I thought you might think so. Although it will have to be a really talented architect so that the Acropolis once again will be well known as the strong fortress of Attika that only can be taken with difficulties." Daphne told him, wondering if they would find a man worthy of this occupation, it was no easy task. They had to be careful whom to employ.
With that being said, Daphne turned now and looked further up, through the ancient gate to the temples and statues standing in front of them now, in the courtyard. She was proud of the work her and every Athenian's forefathers had done here, building these huge temples and forming the statues, painting them in gold and many other bright colors.
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Post by Alcander on Jan 8, 2008 17:36:28 GMT -5
"Yes the man who would build the gates and Acropolis stronger would have be an very talented architect and richly we would reward as thanks, however not many such people is able to find these days."He said but looked forward, upon the great statue of Athena that was before them and the great temples build for gods. It surely made him proud to see what his ancestors had done in past, thought he wished to go beyond their wishes and into further glory for his kingdom and people.
With a smile he greeted the priest and priestess within, as many of them came to greet their king and queen welcome to Acropolis. Beside them stood guards, protectors of gods and their believes. Great it surely was and amazed it made all who entered, from the far it could be seen but from it great view was also shown. Made for the gods, to protect the people. That was the principles it was build upon, any who seeked comfort or advise could easily come and ask for it.
Sonly as they entered and the thoughts about sending Daphne away to make alliances, an idea at last came to him. Maybe a architect from Rome could help them build the city to greater glory, however if such was to happen then the man would easily know everything about it. A great risk, but important for the people."Do you think it would be wise to find an architect from Rome, after all you are going there to seek friendship?" Alcander spoke, wondering what she would answer to the suggestion he made.
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Post by Daphne on Jan 9, 2008 4:44:17 GMT -5
"From Rome?" Daphne was surprised about this proposal, she was not sure if it was a good idea to find someone from Rome. "But in Rome, even when we are allied by then... Rome has a totally different architecture than we Greek people, I'm not sure if we should do that. It is the Athenian icon to which many thousands of people look up to. It should not be completed by the Romans." She spoke, hoping Alcander would drop this idea, she was not very fond of it.
She continued to climb higher, through the ancient door and towards Athene's bronze statue where she then halted. She always has been impressed by this colossal work of art. It was all built by Athenian artists, it should not become a symbol for Roman architecture.
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Post by Alcander on Jan 9, 2008 10:45:16 GMT -5
"You speak the truth, my love and I agree. To rebuild this place we would need someone from Athens itself, if not then it probably wouldn't be as wished."Alcander answered, watching the great statue and temple before them as they went closer to look. Great the architecture was and for years it had served the capital with wealth and strong defenses, if war was to come then this would be their stronghold. With a smile he looked upon Daphne, as she went to see the statue of Athena in close perspective.
He knew she was a great fan of the goddess, cause often she spoke about her and the glory it had achieved Athens for centuries. Alcander who trusted his wife in the words she spoke, thought she was the daughter of Athena herself. It amazed him cause often she knew what to be said, and helpful she was when war approached. Gentle he moved forth, his eyes fixed upon her as he went toward the temple they had wished to enter."Come, let us walk in to see what answers the gods may have for the future to come."
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Post by Daphne on Jan 9, 2008 12:01:12 GMT -5
Daphne was relieved Alcander agreed that no one from other places than Athens or Attika would fit as architect from the most important and well known buildings. "Thank you. I hope we will find someone then, worthy for this task. He would hold a great responsibility." She spoke, but did not look at Alcander, instead to the high statue of Athene, the goddess of their city. In her thoughts, she begged that nothing bad would come upon the city, neither on the people. She wished for peace, wealth and glory.
"I hope they will reveal us what future awaits Athens. Sometimes they think it wiser to keep it for themselves." Daphne said, but followed Alcander away to the great temples. High columns held up the typical greek triangle as head of each temple, the greatest was the Parthenon, the temple of the goddess Athena, which stood not far from them now.
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Post by Alcander on Jan 9, 2008 12:26:02 GMT -5
Slightly Alcander nodded to her words, cause wise and true they were. As she came over he linked his hands together with hers again, glad to have her beside him when together they would enter the temple of Athena. She was the protector of Athens, which obvious was called after her name to show respect toward the influence the goddess had on the people. Gracefully they bowed to the priest and priestess around, as slowly they stepped in while the doors before them opened.
"Let us go in and ask the goddess, what future she holds for Athens." He said with a smile, but went on walking as they were allowed in. A great sight meet them as they saw how it looked inside, the statue of Athena was easily seen before them as huge it was. Made of gold it were, decorated with the most riches people owned to give. Deeply Alcander bowed together with his queen Daphne in front of it, showing respect as respectful they were toward the goddess of Athens.
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Post by Daphne on Jan 9, 2008 12:57:56 GMT -5
Daphne did not answer Alcander, but simply entered the temple, looking up the the great statue of Athena standing in their front on the other side of the room. The priests had set golden hulls in front of the statue, white smoke rose from it to honour the goddess. Flowers were laid in front of the stonen feet of the Olympic. It was an impressive view, although Daphne was used to it, every Athenian citizen visited the Parthenon now and again.
Daphne moved towards Athene's statue. Two priestesses already were sitting there in front of it on their knees, praying. Daphne did the same now, letting go of her husband's hand. It was how women prayed to the gods, sitting on their knees, their hands folded, looking up to the god or goddess or lying in front of them. Daphne now sat down, in the middle of the two priestesses, praying that her trip to Rome would go well, and that in the meantime nothing evil would come through the unexistent city gates of Athens.
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