QUESTION: What building is this?

ANSWER: The Parthenon

QUESTION: Approximately when was it built?

ANSWER: 5th century BC -- toward the end of the period of development + flowering of Greek Art.

QUESTION: In what city is the Parthenon located?

ANSWER: Athens, Greece

QUESTION: How did the Parthenon become the ruin it is now?

ANSWER: Turks + Venetians were at war in the 17th century. Turks used the main room to store ammunition. The Venetians scored a direct hit

QUESTION: Before it was blown up, how long was it a functioning religious building?

ANSWER: About 2,000 years: First as a Greek temple, then as a Christian church, then as a mosque.

QUESTION: When was it reassembled so that it looks as it does today?

ANSWER: 19th century

QUESTION: To what pagan god/goddess was the Parthenon dedicated?

ANSWER: The Goddess Athena

QUESTION: What is one thing or activity that the god/goddess of the Parthenon is associated with?

ANSWER: Athena is known primarily as goddess of orderly war, and of wisdom. She's also associated w/ some other activities (click on book icon labeled "sacred to..."

QUESTION: What does the word "Parthenon" mean?

ANSWER: The Maiden's Apartment (parthenos = maiden)

QUESTION: Did the Ancient Greeks hold most of their sacrifices and sacred rites inside or outside of their temples?

ANSWER: Outside.

QUESTION: W/ regard to the design of the Parthenon, was the inside or the outside of the building more important?

ANSWER: Outside.

QUESTION: Why? What is there in the design of the building that supports the idea that the outside was more important?

ANSWER: Since they tended to have their religious rites outside, it would make sense to have the outside of the building more interesting visually. And so it is. Click on the inside/outside "Book Icon" for details. There are 4 main points you should know: sculpture, approachable from all sides, colonnades invited walking, colonnade produced strong contrast of light + shadow.