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Hellenism In Ancient Greece

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In ancient Greece, around 500 B.C.E, the culture was revolving around gods and goddesses. The lifestyles and actions of the people of Greece had an interdependence with the common belief of Hellenism. By understanding that many Greeks looked to their gods and goddesses in most aspects of their life, we can better understand how Greek culture worked as a whole. This can be seen specifically in Athens Greece. In Athens they looked to the Goddess Athena in particular because she was their patron Goddess. During this time a sculptor, named Phidias, sculpted a grand statue called the Athena Parthenos. The Athena Parthenos was viewed as an actual incarnation of the Goddess Athena, and symbolize victory in wars that ultimately create peace and harmony. …show more content…

The statue was a staggering 40 feet tall, which is a remarkable height. Things that have a grand stature are normally associated with being of greater power or importance, and in the case of the Athena Parthenos it portrays a Goddess like aura. The statue was also made of gold and ivory which are very esteemed and sought after materials. They are extremely valuable materials, and Phidias had made a whole 40 foot tall statue out of them.*footnote* Gold and ivory are often associated with importance and power, and are thought to be very valuable and pure. These are all qualities that would also be associated with a figure that is Goddess-like. The size and the choice of material suggest that the statue was of great importance and power, which are qualities that should be associated with a …show more content…

The Parthenon was home to the Athena Parthenos, but where it was located in the Parthenon is crucial. It was located in a special chamber called the cella.*footnote* The only people that were actually allowed into the Parthenon were priests, who are could be considered the holiest of all people in their culture.*footnote* This elevates the Athena Parthenos to a very high level of holiness, that most would consider to be Goddess-like. Normal citizens of Athens had to worship in a courtyard outside of the Parthenon, which means that they couldn’t even be under the same roof as the Athena Parthenos.*footnote* The placement of the statute clearly indicates a very high level of religious standing, that could be best described as Goddess-like. Athena is the Goddess of war and craftsmanship.*footnote*Athena, the Goddess of war, was depicted holding the Goddess of victory, which one could interpret the two Goddesses together as meaning victory in war.*footnote* Also Athena was portrayed in full military attire, which can clearly be seen as another symbol of war. The Goddess Athena was very intelligent and powerful in war, and viewed war as a way to achieve peace, versus just fighting to be violent. *footnote* This very powerful statute was a beacon to greeks, that helped them to achieve victory in war and achieve peace through

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