Temple of Athena Nike facts for kids
The Temple of Athena Nike is a stunning ancient temple located on the Acropolis of Athens, a famous rocky hill in Athens, Greece. It was built to honor Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war. The name "Nike" means "victory" in Greek, so the temple is dedicated to Athena as the goddess of victory. This temple was built around 420 BC and is known for being the very first fully Ionic style temple on the Acropolis.
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What is the Temple of Athena Nike?
The Temple of Athena Nike is a small but important building. It stands proudly at the entrance to the Acropolis, near the grand gateway called the Propylaea. The Athenians built it to celebrate their victories in wars, especially against the Persians. It was a place where people could worship Athena and ask for her help in future battles.
Who Built This Temple?
The famous architect Callicrates designed the Temple of Athena Nike. He was also involved in building the Parthenon, another magnificent temple on the Acropolis. The temple was built during a time when Athens was very powerful and wealthy, led by the statesman Pericles. Building such beautiful structures showed the strength and artistic skill of the Athenians.
When Was It Built?
Construction of the temple began around 421 BC and was finished by 407 BC. This was during the Peloponnesian War, a long conflict between Athens and Sparta. Even during wartime, the Athenians continued to build and beautify their city, showing their dedication to their gods and their culture.
The Design of the Temple
The Temple of Athena Nike is a great example of Ancient Greek architecture. It is built in the Ionic style, which is one of the three main styles of ancient Greek temples.
Ionic Style Features
The Ionic style is known for its elegant and slender columns. These columns have a special base and a capital (the top part) decorated with scroll-like shapes called "volutes." The Temple of Athena Nike has four Ionic columns at both its front and back. Unlike the larger Doric temples, Ionic temples often look lighter and more graceful.
Materials and Size
The temple is made entirely of beautiful white Pentelic marble, which was quarried from Mount Pentelicus near Athens. It's quite small, measuring about 8 meters (26 feet) long and 5.5 meters (18 feet) wide. Inside, there was a single room called the cella, which likely housed a statue of Athena Nike.
The Frieze and Parapet
Around the top of the temple, there was a decorative band called a frieze. This frieze showed scenes of battles, including the Athenians fighting against other Greeks and Persians. There was also a stone railing, or parapet, around the edge of the temple's platform. This parapet was decorated with beautiful carvings of Nike, the goddess of victory, in various poses. One famous carving shows Nike adjusting her sandal.
Why Was This Temple Important?
The Temple of Athena Nike was very important to the people of Athens for several reasons.
Symbol of Victory
As its name suggests, the temple was a powerful symbol of victory. Athenians believed that Athena Nike would help them win battles and protect their city. They would offer prayers and sacrifices here, hoping for success in their military campaigns.
Religious Significance
The temple was a sacred place for worship. It was dedicated to Athena in her role as a bringer of victory, which was crucial for a city-state like Athens that was often involved in conflicts. The rituals performed here were an important part of Athenian religious life.
Architectural Masterpiece
Beyond its religious meaning, the temple is also an amazing example of ancient Greek art and engineering. Its elegant design and detailed carvings show the incredible skill of the Athenian artists and builders. It remains a testament to the golden age of Athens.
Restoration and Today
Over thousands of years, the Temple of Athena Nike has faced many challenges, including wars, earthquakes, and even being taken apart and rebuilt. In the 17th century, it was actually dismantled by the Ottoman Turks to use its stones for fortifications. However, it was later carefully reconstructed in the 19th century and again in the late 20th century.
Today, the Temple of Athena Nike stands as a beautifully restored monument. It is one of the first sights visitors see when they enter the Acropolis, offering a glimpse into the glorious past of ancient Athens. It reminds us of the power of art, architecture, and the enduring spirit of a civilization.
Images for kids
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Painting of the Temple of Athena Nike, by Werner Carl-Friedrich, from 1877
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Scene of the Battle of Plataea, from the south frieze of the Temple of Athena Nike, British Museum (London)
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Temple of Athena Nike is on the right from the Propylaea
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Floor plan
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A relief from the parapet around the temple which shows an ancient goddess fixing her sandal. It is housed at the Acropolis Museum
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An 1893 photograph of the Acropolis showing the Beulé Gate, Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike
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See also
In Spanish: Templo de Atenea Niké para niños
