Type to Search
The Role of Greek Mythology
in the Creation of Athenian Wonders

Greek Mythology & the Creation of Athenian wonders

Date
28 January 2020

Greek mythology has never ceased to be a source of inspiration to many artists around the world, a fact that underlines its crucial role in the creation of culture. Tales from Greek mythology can be traced in many countries of the West; grand monuments and landmarks around various capitals have been decorated with statues of Olympian gods or scenes from Greek mythology. What we today call mythology, ancient Greeks perceived as their religion, reflecting their beliefs and understanding of the world that surrounded them. The essence of the buildings we admire today in Athens is traced within the hearts of the people that created them. Let’s discover the essence, let’s look behind the obvious.

Image after introtext
The Parthenon - Credit: Martin Cígler [CC BY-SA]

1. The Parthenon and the Virgin Goddess

For almost 2.500 years, the temple of the Parthenon stands on the Acropolis Hill, dominating over the city of Athens. Few buildings endured more in time than the Parthenon. When UNESCO was founded after World War II, it chose the façade of the Parthenon as its emblem. The architectural complexity and the artistic supremacy of the Parthenon are well known; fully equipped with marble, with curves and slopes to give the illusion of being not a building but a living being instead. And someone can argue that it truly is a ‘living being’ because monuments in ancient Greece aimed to evoke memories. Memories are what defines a human and peoples' culture, thus, the building of the Parthenon is ‘alive’, sustained by the myths, the legends and the memories of the people of Athens.

The Parthenon

The Parthenon has rich symbolic values for the culture of Greeks. Everything important for the Athenians is depicted in the Temple. Goddess Athena, the Virgin (virgin means ‘parthenos’ in Greek, thus the naming of her Temple), fought against Poseidon for the patronage of the city of wonders. By offering to the people of Athens the olive tree as a gift, she won the vote and gave her name to the city. The ancient Athenians built several temples in honor of their favorite goddess, with the Parthenon being the most majestic!

The Caryatids

The Great Panathenaea was the most important celebration of Athens in honor of their patron goddess. The whole city was taking part in the procession that would start from Pompeiion in the Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos and would end on the Rock of Acropolis, carrying Athena’s sacred veil and her wooden statue. This great celebration was captured by Phidias on the frieze of the Parthenon. The depicted procession featured 360 humans and divine figures as well as more than 250 animals, mainly horses. It is the biggest votive relief in history and its two rows, while they look contradictory, miraculously converge at the east side, with the delivery of Athena’s veil. The fact that, for the first time in history, human figures are imprinted on the body of a temple is another reason for the Parthenon’s revolutionary character. Until then, tradition required gods, demigods or legends and heroes to be depicted on sculptural decorations of temples. Consequently, the Parthenon can be thought of as constituting renewal and evolution, something that can be reflected in the time of its creation and the society then. Athens endured immerse disasters during the Persian Wars, with the older Temple of the Parthenon being utterly destroyed. Athens was ready to start again, to begin a new chapter, with Pericles and his propaganda on the wheel. When you look at the Parthenon today, look behind the ruins and the marble; listen to the human stories through the centuries; share the memories of the ancients; they can be found in every corner of this great temple.

2. Temple of Zeus and the Hubris

Τhe Temple of Olympian Zeus is a Wonder with no doubt. The spectator can understand the reason even today, by just standing next to its columns. The construction of the colossal temple began by Peisistratus, a tyrant of Athens, but the works stopped with the abolition of tyranny. The design of the temple predicted 104 colossal columns of Doric order, something much bigger than anything that existed at the time. The Democratic city of Athens thought that the construction of such a huge human project would be seen as hubris by the gods, a disregard of the divinely fixed limits on human action.

The remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus

The works continued again much later, by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The Roman Emperors had no such limitations, often comparing themselves to gods. Emperor Hadrian, who loved Athens and was a great benefactor to the city, finished the temple some 638 years after the project had begun! The temple’s order was changed to Corinthian, the most ornate of the Greek orders. In the interior of the temple, there was the colossal Chryselephantine statue of Zeus and behind the building, there was a colossal statue of Hadrian, built by the people of Athens in honor of the emperor’s generosity, who was also worshipped as a god. Worshiping a mortal man as a god was considered an insult to the gods, great hubris.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Hubris was the reason, according to the beliefs of ancient Athenians, that led to the destruction of the temple, partly from invasions and partly from nature itself. The great monarch wanted the temple of Zeus to inspire greater awe than the Parthenon did. Hadrian wished to impose the presence of a new Athens, his Athens. In his work Politics, Aristotle uses the temple as an example of how tyrannical regimes compel the population to engage in enormous works, leaving them no time, energy, and means of reaction. Today, only sixteen of the original gigantic columns of the temple survive. The ruins invite you to imagine the thirst for power and the hubris. Stand next to the columns and imagine the struggle of ancient Athenians!

The Arch of Hadrian that separated the “old city of Theseus” from the “new city of Hadrian”

3. Temple of Hephaestus and Athena Ergani

In the ancient market of Athens, one will find the temple of Hephaestus, one of the most beautiful Doric temples of antiquity and best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Constructions began in 449 BC and the temple was dedicated to the Hephaestus, patron god of metallurgy and craftsmanship.

Temple of Hephaestus

The architect who undertook the construction was greatly influenced by the Parthenon, which was built in the same period. The interesting story is that the archaeologists researching the reliefs of the temple found out that they were depicting the labors of the hero Theseus thus, they believed it was dedicated to the Athenian hero. Due to this belief, the surrounding area of Athens was named ‘Theseio’, after the hero’s name. That was a misconception since ancient Greeks would never dedicate a temple to a mortal, even to one with legendary labors. They soon realized that the temple was dedicated to Hephaestus. According to Pausanias, the temple housed two bronze statues, one of Hephaestus and one of Athena. The statues did not survive but the temple escaped the vandalism and pillage that similar buildings suffered, mainly because it was converted to an orthodox church in the 7th century.

Temple of Hephaestus in Ancient Agora

The temple of Hephaestus was built on the hill of Agoraios Kolonos, surrounded by the Ancient Agora, the marketplace of ancient Athens, and the pottery workshops. Positioned on such a unique place, the patron god of craftsmanship could provide inspiration and protection to the craftsmen of the area and their business. Pausanias attributes the presence of the statue of Athena Ergani next to that of Hephaestus’ to the mythological story of Erichthonius, the first king of Athens and son of Hephaestus and Athena, birthed by Gaia, the Earth. However, this may not be the reason, or at least the only reason. Athena had many faces and one of her names was ‘Ergani’. As Ergani, Athena is the inventor of all arts and helped humans to acquire the necessary knowledge for creation. Her presence was essential in all major projects. She could not be absent from the heart of the working life of Athens.

Temple of Hephaestus

When you visit the Ancient Agora, climb the stairs to the Temple of Hephaestus and marvel at the well-preserved details of the ancient Greek creation. Walk around it and look at the surrounding area and the craftsmen who continue to create their art under the gaze of Hephaestus and Athena Ergani in Thiseio, thousands of years later.

Greek mythology consists mainly of epic stories of love and war, of good and evil; timeless values that are part of human life. They mirror the society that created them and prove an excellent source of knowledge for them. You can read the 30 most famous tales from Greek mythology to get inspired or come closer to our past. But besides the vast knowledge we have for the Ancients, there are still great mysteries of Ancient Greece that remain unsolved. If you wish to bring Greek mythology back to life when you visit Athens, here is a list of sights you can tour to do that and mythology tours that you can join.

Prev Article Next Article

Other articles you may like...

23 Feb 2024
Weather in Greece in June: Best Destinations and Tips
7 Feb 2024
Weather in Greece in May: Best Destinations and Tips
6 Sep 2023
All Percy Jackson Tours in Greece with Practical Info
5 Jul 2023
Greek Mythology behind Percy Jackson: All the Connections
23 Nov 2022
Athens Street Art Guide and Which Neighborhoods to Visit
19 Aug 2022
Women in ancient Greece: The role of women in the Classical Period
12 Jul 2022
Best Time to Visit the Acropolis and Why
6 Jun 2022
The Most Famous Greek Dances (video)
23 Mar 2022
One Day in Hydra: Best Things to Do (Insider Guide)
17 Feb 2022
Travel to Greece from USA: All the Direct Flights to Start Off 2022
17 Jan 2022
Kallos: The Ancient Greek Ideal for Beauty
22 Nov 2021
Sparta: Things to do and see in the Greek city
3 Nov 2021
A Sightseeing Itinerary for your Holiday to Mykonos
26 Oct 2021
Things to Do in Athens: The ‘must-see’ and the local vibes
24 Sep 2021
Customs in Ancient Greece Associated with September
16 Sep 2021
How Athens got its name: The name-giving myth
16 Aug 2021
Eat Like a Local in Athens: 5 Rules to Follow
30 Jun 2021
The Hills of Athens and the Myths Connected to them
17 May 2021
Greek Mythology Monsters: Full list and description
14 Apr 2021
Castles of Peloponnese: Discover Medieval Greece
24 Feb 2021
Greek Mythology Books you need to read (for adults & kids)
20 Jan 2021
Best Places to Eat in Athens - Food Guide (by Locals)
23 Dec 2020
Merry Belly! Authentic Greek Christmas Meal (with recipes)
2 Dec 2020
Hercules: The Life and Labors of the Greek Hero
18 Nov 2020
One day in Athens: How to make the most of it
31 Oct 2020
The Greek Gods: Full List and Background
1 Oct 2020
Athens in October: Reasons to Visit Athens This Month
16 Sep 2020
The Parthenon: 10 Surprising Facts about the Temple
2 Sep 2020
Creating your Dream Vacation with Tailor-made Tours in Greece
20 Aug 2020
Day Trips from Athens - Where the Locals Go
5 Aug 2020
Caryatids: The Daughters of Athens
22 Jul 2020
Monastiraki: Complete Guide and Things to Do
15 Jul 2020
The Buried Rivers of Athens
8 Jul 2020
300: Movie Vs. Reality
24 Jun 2020
Athens Cultural Highlights Off The Beaten Path
17 Jun 2020
Athens City Break For Foodies
10 Jun 2020
6 Greek Myths to Know Before Visiting Athens
3 Jun 2020
10 Landmarks and Monuments You Should Not Miss in Athens
27 May 2020
Greece from Home: 10 Ideas for a Virtual Athens Tour
20 May 2020
Books on Greek Food and Culture That We Love
13 May 2020
The Apple of Discord and the Fairest of Them All
6 May 2020
20 Most Famous Greek Mythology Movies
29 Apr 2020
The Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece
22 Apr 2020
Basic Greek Words to Know Before Traveling to Greece
15 Apr 2020
Interview With a Local: Ancient Greek Rituals and the Alternative Athens
8 Apr 2020
The Delphic Idea
1 Apr 2020
Meet the Olympian Gods
24 Mar 2020
The Great Plague of Athens: Lessons from the Past
18 Mar 2020
Best Walking Tours in Athens, Magical Walking Routes
11 Mar 2020
Private Tours in Athens: The Benefits of Booking in Private
4 Mar 2020
Acropolis Tour: Why a Guided Tour is Necessary
26 Feb 2020
9 Things to Know About Eleusis The European Capital of Culture 2023
19 Feb 2020
Battles of Ancient Greeks That Shaped Western Civilization
12 Feb 2020
The Best Places to Enjoy Vegan Food in Athens
7 Feb 2020
9+1 Unique Things to Do in Athens this Summer for Free
4 Feb 2020
Interview With a Local: Athens Through the Prism of Art
25 Jan 2020
Mysteries of Ancient Greece You Didn't Know About
21 Jan 2020
10 Reasons Why You Should Join a Food Tour in Athens
14 Jan 2020
Top 10 Alternative Destinations in Greece
8 Jan 2020
The 10 Best Places to Visit in Greece
4 Jan 2020
10 Sights to Tour in Athens and Bring Greek Mythology to Life
30 Dec 2019
Top 10 Tips to Know Before Traveling to Athens
27 Dec 2019
10 Things to Do in Delphi Home to the Oracle of Apollo
24 Dec 2019
Symposia in Ancient Greece: Reviving the Ancient Custom
19 Dec 2019
30 of the Most Famous Tales from Greek Mythology
17 Dec 2019
Interview with a Local: Greek Neoclassicism and the Unseen Athens
14 Dec 2019
10 Things you didn't Know about Ancient Greeks
12 Dec 2019
48 Hours in Athens: Full Itinerary by Locals - Greek TravelTellers
10 Dec 2019
10+1 Traditional Greek Foods and Drinks to Try when you Visit Greece
7 Dec 2019
10+3 Things to Do in Athens on a Rainy Day
5 Dec 2019
Alternative Things to Do in Athens: Getting Off the Beaten Path in the City of Wonders
3 Dec 2019
Christmas in Athens: Top Things to Do and Know
30 Nov 2019
December in Athens: 4 Reasons why you Should Choose this Month for your Greek Getaway
28 Nov 2019
Interview with a Local: Greek Gastronomy and Athens for Foodies
26 Nov 2019
10+1 Things to Do in Athens to Time Travel to Ancient Greece
23 Nov 2019
How to Travel in Greece Differently: a Guide for Delving Deeper into the Greek Culture