Freedom
Statuary Hall

The Parthenon glorified Athens by its use of three elements: realistic pediment sculptures, metopes, and the ionic frieze.

The pediment sculptures on the east pediment depict the birth of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens and on the west end of the temple, her battle with Poseidon for supremacy over Athens.

The metopes were sculptural blocks that were carved around the exterior of the Parthenon. There were 14 at each end and 32 on each side of the temple. In sum, there were 92 scenes each featuring two figures and representing the 192 warriors that died in combat at Marathon defending Greece against the Persians.

The were four types of battles represented; the Centaurs, the Amazons, the Trojans, and the Giants. Those metopes on the south side depicts the mythical battle between the Lapiths and the Centaurs where the drunken Centaurs, who had been invited to the Lapith wedding party, tried to make off with the Lapith women. These metopes represent Greek rationality overcoming animal passions. The Battle with the Amazons (a bellicose tribe of women descended from Ares, the god of war)is on the west side and represents the triumph of the Greeks over previous matriarchal societies. The metopes on the north side show the Greeks (representing western culture) defeating the Trojans (representing the east). Finally, the last series of metopes on the east side of the Parthenon show the Greeks battling with the Giants of antiquity, who were cannibalistic and antagonistic to humans. Their vistory shows the Greeks ability to wrestle the universe from the old gods and create a human centered religion. The Greek gods are represented as fully human.

Most researchers believe that the ionic frieze located in the interior of the Parthenon represents everyday Athenians, horsemen, musicians, and sacrificial animals being prepared for the Panatheanic festival that occurred every four years. The entire community of men, women, young and old are shown celebrating as they bring Athena her new robe. You have some of these friezes in your text. This sculptural ban is 525 feet long and runs along the ceiling line for the entire interior.

Located inside the Parthenon was the statue of Athena which was designed by master Greek sculptor Pheidias in the fifth century BC. Pheidias' forty-foot high statue of Athena Parthenos consisted of a frame made of wood, metal, clay, and plaster. Athena's clothing was gold plate -- made removable in case of emergency. Athena's face, hands, and feet were of ivory, her eyes of precious jewels. The statue was taken to Constantinople during the Crusades, where it was later destroyed.

Each of these architectural elements reflected Greek values (the forces of order and justice vs. criminal chaos) and both ancient and contemporary history for the citizens of Athens.

The Capitol from north to south, is 751 feet 4 inches in length and its height above the base line on the east front to the top of the Statue of Freedom is 288 feet. See "Handouts" for information on the statue. The Capitol houses the Senate chambers (in the north wing) and the House of Representatives (in the south wing).

There are 3 pediments on the capital building of the United States.

The central pediment (1825-28) is titled "The Genius of America" and features from left to right: Justice with scales and a scroll inscribed with the Constitution 17 Sept. 1787, American shield resting on an altar dated July 4, 1776, an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch in his talons, and finally, Hope leaning on an anchor with her arm raised toward America

The left pediment (1911-15) which represents the House portion of the capitol is titled "Apotheosis of Democracy" and features from left to right: a spinner representing industry, and iron founder. In the central area Peace is portrayed protecting a young winged genius, who holds the torch of immortality, an altar and olive tree. On the right portion there is a reaper, husbandman, child with grapes, and a mother with child. The theme is of agricultural wealth. On the far left are waves representing the Atlantic ocean while on the far right are waves representing the Pacific ocean.

The right pediment (1855-89) which represents the Senate portion of the capitol is titled " The Progress of Civilization" and features from left to right: a woodsman, a hunter, and Indian chief and a squaw and her child, and an Indian grave. To the far left is an anchor, which represents hope. The central area features an eagle representing America with the sun at his back. On the right portion is a soldier, merchant, two youths and a schoolmaster, a child, and a mechanic. To the far right is a bundle of wheat, which represents fertility.