ash.p4.t7.Greek/Roman Synthesis Question 2

During the Greek/Roman era, the seminal catalyst to the western world, architecture served as a major form of art that distinguishes the unique culture and society that prospered. One such work of architecture is the Valley of the Temples which consists of seven temples all built in the Doric style. The seven temples: Juno, Concordia, Heracles, Zues Olympic, Castor and Pollux, Vulcan and Asclepius illustrate the importance of religion, science and aesthetics in the Greek Culture. The Temple of Juno was built in the 5th century B.C. and was used for wedding ceremonies until it was burned down by the Carthaginians in 406 B.C. The Temple of Concordia was built in the 5th century B.C. and remains the most intact of all the structures, providing tangible inspiration for modern Neoclassical design. The oldest of the temples, Heracles, is named after Heracles-commonly referred to as Hercules, a Greek hero who personifies strength, courage and glory. The Temple of Heracles was destroyed by an earthquake and consequently little remains. The Temple of Zues Olympic, built in 408 B.C. as to honor the victory of Cathage, demonstrates a concurrence between the Gods and the Greeks through several atlases. The Temple of Castor and Pollux, pays homage to the twin brothers who shared different fathers. When the mortal born Castor was killed, his immortal brother and son of Zeus, Pollux, asked his father to allow him to share his immortality with his twin brother resulting in their formation of the constellation Gemini-Greek for twin. The Temple of Vulcan, dedicated to the God of Fire, was built in the 5th century B.C. and is currently the most devastated by natural disasters and age. The Temple of Asclepius, in honor of the God of Medicine, was a gathering of the ill in search of better health. The specific dedication of the temples to certain Gods illustrates the Greeks appeal to religion. While the intricate designs and cratfsmanship indicate an appeal to aesthetics while the scientific methods of construction and the signs of astronomical study though the constellation display a well rounded society that remains astounding today.