What does every carving on the Parthenon depict?
Every carving on the Parthenon depicts mythological stories, religious scenes, and significant historical events. The sculptures found on the pediments, metopes, and frieze tell different narratives.
- The pediments (triangular gables) feature scenes from Greek mythology. The East Pediment displays the birth of the goddess Athena, while the West Pediment depicts the contest between Athena and Poseidon for the city of Athens.
- The metopes (rectangular panels) depict various mythological battles and scenes, including the Centauromachy (battle between Lapiths and Centaurs), the Gigantomachy (battle between gods and giants), Amazonomachy (battle between Greeks and Amazons), and the Trojan War.
- The frieze, located around the exterior of the cella (main chamber) of the Parthenon, portrays the Panathenaic procession. This was a significant religious festival dedicated to the goddess Athena, showcasing the Athenians' piety and pride. The procession shows various individuals and groups engaged in different activities, including musicians, horsemen, priests, and sacrificial animals.
Overall, the carvings on the Parthenon depict a combination of religious, mythological, and historical scenes, showcasing the cultural and civic identity of ancient Athens and its reverence for the gods.