The Parthenon and the Temple of Dendur were similar in they ways that they were used, both temples of worship. The Greek Parthenon was created, under the order of Pericles, to replace the existing temple that had been destroyed by the Persian war. The temple was created so Athena Partheos’ cult could worship her. It wasn’t the only location for them, but it was the primary site. Since it was the primary location of worship, the Greeks created a statue from gold and silver that stood almost 38 feet high, being the tallest known statue of Athena. The statue was protected within the temples cella, the rectangular chamber within the columns. On the outside of the temple, the columns, many statues and different friezes’ were placed. The 160 meter long frieze is one thing that barely still stands along with many columns. The frieze explains a very important festival that took place every four years for twelve days, The Great Panathenaea. This festival was created for the city to show their love and appreciation for The Goddess Athena. Taking the days to bring her statue offerings to win her approval into her cult.
Similar to The Parthenon, The Temple of Dendur is decorated with many reliefs along it’s walls, mostly explaining different scenes with pharaoh’s. Most Egyptian temples were used for the passing of a god or goddess, a place where their followers could help them continue onto their next lives. Many people would bring them clothes, food, drinks and other items that they could bring into the next life. These temples were created to make their gods and pharaohs happy. Each structure was built exactly how the ruler wanted it, from the stone used, to the shape, to what reliefs were on the walls. I believe this must’ve helped the common people to believe their ruler’s passing was made easier.
Both temples were created to worship a female figure, Athena Partheos and Isis, the mistress of a southern Egyptian. Even tho many others were honored at these structures, such as Pedesi and his brother Pihor, the buildings were created for honoring woman. That being said, I believe that the people back then knew that they could not survive without women in their lives.
wc: 374
Both Menkaure and Augustus were powerful men who show it proudly within their statues. Both showing the ideal male figure within their time. Menkaure stepping with his left foot forward, as well as his queen but not as much. He is shown wearing a traditional royal kilt, known as a shendjet. Wearing only a kilt, and headdress, this gives the audience a view of his non-defined upper body. The Egyptians showed their people more lean, never overweight or overly built. Along with his kilt, he wore a headdress, which you see that many Egyptian kings wear, as well as a beard. Menkaure stands with his arms to his side, fists clenched, which could mean that he was holding a crook and flail. To his left side stands his queen, who stands straight with one arms wrapped around her king and the old holding his left arm. She wears a clinging garment that shows her lean, healthy body.
As for Augustus, he stands with an angel riding a dolphin, giving this statue two additional meanings; a great naval victor and a descendant of a god. Augustus is dressed in full armor, with many details of gods and battles encrusted on his breastplate. It is also in a defined matter, showing off the idea of a strong upper body, which gives the look of power and dependency to his followers, but also intimidating to his rivals. Augustus stands with power, with his right foot forward, left slightly lifted behind. He points forward either motioning towards land for his soldiers or to the town people he is speaking to. Showing himself to his people as a strong ruler, large muscles with no signs of aging.
These two statues show to the public what a ideal male figure looked like back in these two rulers times. A strong, youthful king, who will fight for his people. Both were honored by the creation of these two statues and many others. They did have these created to show their good characteristics, not so much their bad ones, but it is known that they were great rulers.
wc: 350
