The Parthenon and Pheidias' Challenges

In 432 BCE Athens, Pheidias, the chief builder of the Parthenon, faces accusations of embezzling gold meant for the temple's statue. Despite the controversy surrounding the temple's innovative design, Pheidias works to prove his innocence by gathering records and overseeing construction. The Parthenon combines Doric and Ionic elements, featuring a unique frieze and numerous metopes. As the day ends, Pericles intervenes, suggesting the gold on the statue can be weighed to clear Pheidias' name.

What was Pheidias accused of by the city officials?

• Stealing marble blocks

• Embezzling gold

• Hiring unskilled workers

• Delaying construction

What style did the public expect for the Parthenon?

• Corinthian

• Ionic

• Composite

• Doric

What unique feature did Pheidias incorporate into the Parthenon's design?

• A golden dome

• A glass roof

• A combination of Doric and Ionic styles

• A circular base

What tool did the architects use instead of a blueprint?

• A verbal description

• A detailed sketch

• A syngraphai and paradeigma

• A digital model

What is entasis in the context of the Parthenon?

• A slight bulging in columns

• A decorative frieze

• A type of column

• A method of painting

Where did the marble blocks for the Parthenon come from?

• Mount Helicon

• Mount Parnassus

• Mount Pentelikon

• Mount Olympus

What do the metopes on the Parthenon depict?

• Famous philosophers

• Mythical battles

• Natural landscapes

• Scenes from daily life

What is the primary responsibility of Pheidias in the Parthenon project?

• Designing the roof

• Carving the metopes

• Managing the laborers

• Creating the statue of Athena Parthenos

How did Pericles help Pheidias prove his innocence?

• By providing an alibi

• By removing and weighing the gold

• By bribing the officials

• By delaying the trial

What was the purpose of the statue of Athena Parthenos?

• To serve as a meeting point

• To symbolize Athenian power

• To honor the goddess Athena

• To attract tourists