Opisthodomos

Definition

Opisthodomos refers to the rear chamber of a Greek temple, typically located behind the main cella or naos, and often served as a storage area for valuable offerings and sacred items. This space is also characterized by its decorative features, which often mirrored the temple's façade, contributing to the overall aesthetic and symbolic coherence of the structure. The opisthodomos played a crucial role in the ritual and functional aspects of temple worship, acting as both a sacred repository and a space reflecting the wealth and piety of the community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The opisthodomos was typically accessed from both inside the temple and through an exterior entrance, allowing for versatile use in rituals.
2. In many temples, such as the Parthenon, the opisthodomos was designed with decorative sculptures that matched those found on the exterior, enhancing visual appeal.
3. The space often contained votive offerings dedicated to deities, showcasing the community's devotion and financial contributions.
4. The architectural design of the opisthodomos was integral in creating symmetry within the temple's overall layout, complementing both its front and side aspects.
5. While primarily functional, the opisthodomos also served a ceremonial role during specific rituals, reinforcing its importance in religious practices.

Review Questions

• How does the design of the opisthodomos contribute to the overall aesthetics of a Greek temple?
  • The design of the opisthodomos contributes significantly to the aesthetics of a Greek temple by mirroring decorative elements found on the façade and enhancing symmetry in architecture. Its integration with other parts of the temple, like the pronaos and cella, creates a cohesive visual experience that reflects harmony and order. This design not only serves practical functions but also elevates the spiritual significance of the entire structure through its careful architectural considerations.
• Discuss how the function of the opisthodomos reflects the religious practices in ancient Greek culture.
  • The function of the opisthodomos reflects key aspects of religious practices in ancient Greek culture by serving as a sacred storage area for votive offerings and items dedicated to deities. This highlights how communities demonstrated their devotion through material contributions. Additionally, its use during specific rituals indicates that it held ceremonial importance, bridging everyday life with divine worship while emphasizing the relationship between citizens and their gods.
• Evaluate how changes in architectural styles over time influenced the evolution of spaces like the opisthodomos in temples.
  • Changes in architectural styles over time influenced spaces like the opisthodomos by introducing new designs and functions that reflected evolving religious beliefs and cultural priorities. For instance, as temples became more monumental during periods like Hellenism, there was a greater emphasis on elaborate decorations and larger storage areas to accommodate increased offerings. This evolution underscores how shifts in societal values around worship, community identity, and artistic expression directly impacted architectural choices within sacred spaces.

Related terms

cella: The main inner chamber of a temple that housed the cult statue of the deity, serving as the focal point for worship.

pronaos: The entrance or front porch area of a temple, located before the cella, often supported by columns and serving as a transitional space between the outside world and the sacred interior.

entablature: The horizontal structure supported by columns, consisting of the architrave, frieze, and cornice, which decorates and defines the upper part of a temple.