Opisthodomos

Definition

The opisthodomos is the back room of a classical temple, typically located behind the cella (the main inner chamber) and often used for storage of sacred items or offerings. This architectural element was significant in religious practices, as it held items that were not meant for public view and emphasized the sanctity of the temple. Its design and placement contributed to the overall layout and function of temples in ancient Greece.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The opisthodomos served as a storage area for valuable items related to the temple's rituals and offerings, keeping them secure and away from public access.
2. Often adorned with columns or decorative elements, the opisthodomos contributed to the overall architectural beauty of the temple.
3. In some temples, such as the Parthenon, the opisthodomos also had a role in the display of certain ceremonial objects during festivals.
4. While not all temples had an opisthodomos, its presence reflected the importance of separation between sacred and profane spaces in religious architecture.
5. The architectural design of the opisthodomos influenced later religious buildings, as it became a model for how sacred spaces could be organized and utilized.

Review Questions

• How does the design of the opisthodomos enhance the functionality of a temple?
  • The design of the opisthodomos enhances the functionality of a temple by providing a dedicated space for storing sacred items and offerings that should remain hidden from public view. This separation reinforces the sacredness of these items and maintains a clear boundary between the divine and secular spaces within the temple. Additionally, its architectural features, such as columns and decoration, contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal while serving practical storage needs.
• Discuss how the presence of an opisthodomos reflects broader religious practices in ancient Greek culture.
  • The presence of an opisthodomos reflects broader religious practices in ancient Greek culture by indicating a strong emphasis on ritual and sanctity. The need for storage of sacred items shows that these objects held significant spiritual value and required protection from everyday life. Furthermore, this architectural feature demonstrates how Greeks structured their places of worship to not only honor their deities but also to organize their religious activities more effectively.
• Evaluate the impact of architectural features like the opisthodomos on our understanding of ancient Greek religious life and temple construction.
  • Evaluating architectural features like the opisthodomos provides valuable insights into ancient Greek religious life and temple construction. It illustrates how Greeks valued the distinction between different spaces within their temples, emphasizing sanctity and ritual importance. By analyzing such features, we can understand how architecture was not merely functional but also deeply intertwined with cultural beliefs and practices. This helps us appreciate how religious life was organized around specific spaces designed for interaction with the divine, influencing both worship and societal norms.

Related terms

cella: The inner chamber of a classical temple where the cult statue of the deity was housed, central to the worship practices.

peristyle: A row of columns surrounding a space within a building, often found in temples, which supports the structure and enhances its aesthetic appeal.

naos: Another term for the cella, specifically referring to the main room of a temple that houses the statue of the deity being worshiped.