Ane Lazkano 2H

ERECTEION

Introduction:
This piece of architecture is a Temple in
Honor to Athena, Poseidon and Erecteo.
The architect is Filocles, and the sculptor is
Fidias. Belongs to the Greek architecture,
concretely to the Classical period (V
century b.c.). Is located in the north of the
hill of the Athens Acropolis, and it’s made
from marble.

Description:
This temple has an ionic order and hexastyle, as well
as a prostyle structure. Is made to be seen by the
human eye, but for gods, so it’s big, but not as big as
the Parthenon. We know it has an ionic style, as the
columns have a base, on top of the crepidoma, and
the shaft has high-blunted flutes. The capital of the
columns have volutes, and the frieze is continuous
and decorated with reliefs. We can notice that it used
to have a triangular pediment and also the façades
are made with perfect regular ashlars. The main
feature of this temple is the north porch, where columns are replaced by caryatids made by
Fidias, using the wet clothes technique.
Commentary:
As I said, this temple is in honor of Athena, Poseidon and Erecteo, the temple's design and
sculptures incorporated various mythological narratives. The construction started in 421 b.c.
and ended in 405 b.c., that is the classical period of Greek art, that was focused on human
perception, but also religious. They have a big influence from Mycenaean architecture, and
had an impact on the Renaissance, replying to the harmony, balance and idealism of Greek
architecture. Is placed on the acropolis, as it was a place for gods, full of temples.
The Classical Period represented the maturation of Greek design which s characterized by
its elegance, harmony, and enduring influence on Western architectural traditions.

Conclusion:
The Erecteion Temple, as other structures on the Athens Acropolis, symbolizes the cultural
and historical legacy of ancient Greece. It represents the achievements of ancient Greek
civilization in art, architecture, and religion. The temple inspires and influences artists,
architects, and scholars to this day.