User:Bethaniehart/sandbox

Metopes page only has one resource. It also is a little confusing and does not have a clear explanation or description. The article also does not have very much content and the page needs to be expanded.

Final Topic: Athenian treasury

-There was little information on the site of delphi which is very important to understanding the significance and reasoning of the athenian treasury. I am going to add more to that.

Site of Delphi

It is important to note the historical and geographical importance of the area in which the Athenian treasury is located. The Athenians, Siphnians, and the Sikyonians each had their own treasury lining the pathway to the Temple of Apollo, at the site of Delphi. The geographical location of the Temple of Apollo was significant in Greek mythology as it was the destination where two eagles, placed at opposite ends of the earth by Zeus, met.

This temple was considered an oracle, where Apollo could communicate to humans through the Pythia. The greeks, their leaders and other foreign leaders journeyed to the temple of Apollo seeking advice from the Pythia, despite misinterpretations often leading to twists in fate.

Much like the Olympics today, the site of Delphi hosted the Pythian games as a dedication to Apollo, in the site’s Greek theater. As well as athletic competitions, the Pythian games also held poetry, dance and music contests, drawing in spectators and crowds. The presence of the oracle and the Pythian games, allowed the Athenians to showcase their treasury on an international scale.

According to archeological records, the Athenian treasury metopes display the earliest known presence of Theseus in a large-scale sculpture. Prior to this treasury, Theseus had been depicted on vase paintings, but never before on architecture. Among other firsts, the Athenian treasury was also the first Panhellenic sanctuary that was dedicated by Athenians.

The treasury was also a statement about the wealth of their new government. After transitioning from a tyrant ruled city-state into a democracy, the Athenians sought to internationally display their increased military success, wealth and prosperity.