Exam II Essay Questions Study Outline
The archaeological evidence for the evolution of Greek religious practice from the Submycenaean Period to the early Archaic Period. Think about the kinds of offerings made (animal sacrifices, votives, etc.), the basic elements of a sanctuary (temenos and alter), and any buildings in it. Obviously the development of early temples would be part of the answer.
Submycenaean Period: 1200-1050 BC
Religion was essential in the palace system
Mycenaean deities embodied economical authority
Redistribution of goods = gifts/offerings
Animal sacrifices, as well as wheat, oil, manufactures goods, and slaves
Religion pervaded daily life
Greek gods, including zeus and Athena, were worshipped prior.
Religion activity focused on rituals and festivals that left few archaeological remains
No large religious structures like temples
Palaces had designated cult rooms
Geometric: 1100-900 BC
The first temples appeared
Athena at Athens
Hera at Argos and Samos
Apollo at Eretria
Basic Elements of the Sanctuary – though not necessary for worship
Altar for Blood Sacrifice
Temple to House Offerings and a Cult Statue
Gated wall to demarcate the precinct
The Temple was the “god’s house”
Long, horse-shoe shaped halls
Porch at the front
Rubble foundation, mudbrick walls and thatched roofs
Orientalizing: 700-600 BC
Geometric developments continued and investments in religious sanctuaries increased
Archaic: 600-480 BC
State Intervention in Religious Life
Large Temples made of stone and funded by communities
Expansion in number and size of temples
Many cities built more than 1
Change in roofing technique (thatch to terracotta tile)
Increased political centralization
Form
Combination of stone wood terracotta, and mudbrick
Terracotta tiles were more durable, more water resistant, and less flammable
Front porch (pronaos) was balanced with a rear porch (opisthodomos) to display offerings
Row of columns or peristyle running around the building and
Submycenaean Period: 1200-1050 BC
Religion was essential in the palace system
Mycenaean deities embodied economical authority
Redistribution of goods = gifts/offerings
Animal sacrifices, as well as wheat, oil, manufactures goods, and slaves
Religion pervaded daily life
Greek gods, including zeus and Athena, were worshipped prior.
Religion activity focused on rituals and festivals that left few archaeological remains
No large religious structures like temples
Palaces had designated cult rooms
Geometric: 1100-900 BC
The first temples appeared
Athena at Athens
Hera at Argos and Samos
Apollo at Eretria
Basic Elements of the Sanctuary – though not necessary for worship
Altar for Blood Sacrifice
Temple to House Offerings and a Cult Statue
Gated wall to demarcate the precinct
The Temple was the “god’s house”
Long, horse-shoe shaped halls
Porch at the front
Rubble foundation, mudbrick walls and thatched roofs
Orientalizing: 700-600 BC
Geometric developments continued and investments in religious sanctuaries increased
Archaic: 600-480 BC
State Intervention in Religious Life
Large Temples made of stone and funded by communities
Expansion in number and size of temples
Many cities built more than 1
Change in roofing technique (thatch to terracotta tile)
Increased political centralization
Form
Combination of stone wood terracotta, and mudbrick
Terracotta tiles were more durable, more water resistant, and less flammable
Front porch (pronaos) was balanced with a rear porch (opisthodomos) to display offerings
Row of columns or peristyle running around the building and