The Erechtheion: Architectural Masterpiece of the Acropolis

The Erechtheion

Historical Context and Origins

The Erechtheion was built in the 5th century BC (421–405 BC) during the Classical Age. It is located on the Acropolis of Athens.

Situated at the north end of the Acropolis, its construction was entrusted to the architect Mnesicles. The first phase began in 421 BC, following the Peace of Nicias. Upon the resumption of the war, work was disrupted and did not resume until 409 BC, with the building finally completed in 406 BC.

This significant Greek Ionic temple was commissioned under Pericles to rebuild the Acropolis after its destruction by the Persians. It is dedicated to Poseidon and Athena, as well as the legendary king Erechtheus, who introduced the worship of Athena and founded the Panathenaic Festival. He is said to be buried where the Erechtheion stands today.

Architectural Style and Design

The work belongs to the Ionian style, characterized by capitals with volutes and an Ionic entablature featuring a smooth frieze.

The Caryatids

The temple features a distinctive type of support known as caryatids—load-bearing columns in the form of isolated female figures. There are six figures in total:

• Four are in the front row.
• Two are positioned behind the side, enclosing the space where the tomb of Cecrops is located.
• All caryatids face the Parthenon.

The six figures are unique. While all are dressed in peplos and belts, they rest on the leg farthest from the axis of the building, leaving the other relaxed. They feature long hair in braids over their shoulders, which provides structural strength to the neck and offers a wide seat for the capital. Five figures are original; the sixth was removed by Lord Elgin (now in the British Museum) and replaced with a cast. These figures are believed to be the work of Kallimakos.

All figures exhibit a graceful contrapposto, which breaks the vertical axis of the lift. While the hands are not preserved, they likely held liturgical elements.

Structural Elements

Greek architecture is primarily architrave-based. The Ionic capitals support an entablature consisting of:

• Architrave: Composed of three bands, with the top band standing out.
• Frieze: A smooth band decorated with reliefs.
• Cornice: Formed by an upper curved molding and a lower straight molding.

The entablature supports a two-slope roof, creating triangular spaces (pediments) at the front and rear facades, which feature sculptural decoration. The interior roof was lintel-based with two overseas sides. Key formal elements include the Ionic column capitals with volutes, the shaft, and the stretched Attic base.