TED-Ed: A day in the life of an ancient Greek architect | Mark Robinson

In 432 BCE, Phidias, the chief builder of the Parthenon, faces accusations of embezzling gold meant for the temple's statue. Despite the controversy, he continues his work, incorporating innovative architectural techniques. The Parthenon combines Doric and Ionic styles, featuring a unique frieze and numerous metopes. Phidias manages construction challenges, including transporting massive marble blocks. As the day ends, he is confronted by officials, but Pericles intervenes, offering to weigh the statue's gold to prove Phidias's innocence.

What accusation do the city officials make against Phidias?

• Delaying the construction

• Hiring unskilled laborers

• Embezzling gold for the statue

• Stealing marble blocks

What makes Phidias's design for the Parthenon controversial?

• It uses only Doric columns

• It lacks a triangular roof

• It combines Doric columns with an Ionic frieze

• It is smaller than traditional temples

How do Phidias and his team maintain symmetry in the Parthenon?

• Using exact blueprints

• Incorporating entasis in columns

• Building on a flat surface

• Using only Doric columns

What is the purpose of the new pulleys ordered by Phidias?

• To lift the gold statue

• To adjust the columns

• To transport workers

• To move heavy marble blocks

What do the metopes carved by Phidias's sculptors depict?

• Scenes from daily Athenian life

• Epic battles representing Greece's victory over Persia

• The construction of the Parthenon

• The life of Athena

What is the primary focus of Phidias's work in the Parthenon?

• The marble pediments

• The temple's columns

• The statue of Athena Parthenos

• The temple's roof

How does Pericles help Phidias prove his innocence?

• By dismissing the city officials

• By delaying the court judgment

• By removing and weighing the gold on the statue

• By providing additional funds