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Description
Using specially shot film, Dr Colin Cunningham looks in detail at the architectural and sculptural qualities of the buildings on and around the acropolis of Athens. The programme follows the route ...once taken, annually, by the panathenia procession, as is commemorated on the frieze of the Parthenon itself, and looks at each building in the order in which a worshipper of the 5th century B.C., might have seen it. The religious significance of the Parthenon, Erevhtheion, Propylaea and their surrounding areas are thus illustrated, and are related to the details which can be seen on the buildings today.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: A292, Greece 478-336BC
Item code: A292; 03
First transmission date: 09-05-1979
Published: 1979
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:30
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Producer: Mary Hoskins
Narrator: Garard Green
Contributor: Colin Cunningham
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Architecture; Parthenon; Religion
Footage description: Aerial views of the Acropolis, over which Cunningham describes the site and explains its purpose. Shots of each of the Periclean buildings on the Acropolis. Cunningham briefly comments on each one. Shots of the agora and of the Panathenaic Way as depicted on the Parthenon frieze. Cunningham describes the Panathenaic procession. Further details of the procession from the Parthenon frieze are explained. Film of the processional route up to the Acropolis and of the Klepsydra and sacred caves. Cunningham explains the purpose of the spring. Shots of water-bearers on the frieze. Shots of the processional route through the great gateway and onto the Acropolis platform. The view back over the plain of Attica is shown. A model reconstruction of the Acropolis shows the Panathenaic procession. Detailed examination of the foundations of the Propylaea with commentary over from Cunningham. Then the stylobate, columns and overall composition of the Propylaea are examined. The temple of Athene Nika is examined from various angles. Cunningham considers its over all design as well as sculptured details. Further shots of the Propylaea gateway, over which Cunningham describes processional sacrifices made at this point. The interior of the gateway is examined, particularly its columns and ceiling. With the help of drawings Cunningham describes the 5th century view of the Acropolis platform from inside the Propylaea. He describes the statue of Athene Promachos. View back over Attic plain. The Parthenon is seen from a variety of positions, over shots of relevant details Cunningham describes pediment, metopes and frieze. Particular attention is paid to sculptures on the frieze. Film showing the colonnades and stylobate of the Parthenon. Cunningham comments on features of these and then describes the pediment sculpture, columns and capitals. Shots of the inside of the temple. A drawing shows the original appearance of the interior including the statue of Parthenos by Pheidas. Cunningham comments on the few remains of the interior. Shots of the Acropolis platform over which Cunningham describes the route of the Panathenaic procession to the Erechtheion. The climax of the procession is seen on the Parthenon frieze. The Erechtheion is examined in detail by Cunningham. Aerial shots of the Acropolis. Shots of the Acropolis taken at different times of day. Brief comment on the beauty of the site.
Master spool number: HOU3115
Production number: FOUA012J
Videofinder number: 816
Available to public: no