The highlight of the grand procession was the peplos, the garment typically used by women in ancient Greece , which was presented to the goddess. The peplos was woven by a group of Athenian craftswomen known as the ergastinai , whose work was supervised by a priestess of Athena.
The garment depicted the Gigantomachy the mythical battle between the gods and the giants , in which Athena played a significant role. Each year, a new peplos would be taken into the Erechtheum after the procession and placed on the life-size wooden statue of Athena Polias. During the Great Panathenaea, a giant peplos would also be prepared for the colossal statue of Athena Parthenos.
The garment was suspended from the mast of a ship on wheels. This peplos was probably just hung in the Parthenon, as it would have been quite impossible to have it placed on the cult statue. Representatives of each deme were chosen by lot to partake of the feast. Athena of the Parthenos wearing a peplos. Atsma, A. Panathenaic Festival. The Panathenaia. Although his primary interest is in the ancient civilizations of the Near East, he is also interested in other geographical regions, as well as other time periods Read More.
Ancient Origins has been quoted by:. At Ancient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. Most were also religious festivals, as well. The Panatenaic Games were part of this long-standing tradition.
The Panathenaia was held regularly every year. However, over the times the Panathenaic games gained popularity. The Panathenaic sports or games were organized every 4 years in the great city of Athens, situated in the Ancient Greece. The games took place from the BC to the third century AD. These sports incorporated athletic competitions.
What is unique about them is that these games were hosted in one stadium, and this includes the ceremonies and religious celebrations that were also associated with them. The Olympic Games. The Panathenaic Games. Ancient Rome Citations. Ancient Rome Picture Citations. Another myth wants Hercules to be the founder of these Panhellenic Games, after defeating the Nemean Lion.
The contests included competitions like race, boxing, pentathlon, pankration, wrestling, chariot race and others. The prize for the victors was a wreath of wild celery. It is of interest that during the later years of the festival women were also allowed to compete in the games.
Today, there is a movement to try and revive the Nemean Games in the modern world. The Society for the Revival of the Nemean Games is working towards that end and are organizing every 4 years the modern Nemean Games at their birthplace. The modern games are open to all people, not just elite athletes, and include ancient athletic competitions. The stadium and the colossal Temple of Zeus can be visited today and makes for a perfect day trip from Athens.
The Nemea region produces some of the most famous Greek wines and you can combine the cultural trip with a wine tasting experience in one of the estates in the area. We will be happy to create a bespoke travel itinerary for Nemea and arrange a guided trip for you. Please contact us for more details. The Panhellenic Games were closely linked to the religious festivals of the ancients, who also included sacrifices to their gods and honored their dead. This is why they are also known as Sacred Games.
Participating in the games was not regarded as a profession but it was considered a great honor to win the Games. The victors were considered local heroes, bringing pride to their town or village. Athletes were also called fighters. Every fighter had their opponent, the competitor. There were also people in charge of supervising and coordinating the games that were called Ellanodikes.
And so the games began! The venues of the Panhellenic Games did not look much different than today. Each Game had its stadium Stadio. Ancient Greeks used the stadium as a measuring distance, so it became equivalent to the building where spectators watched sporting events. Initially, the stadiums were simple, sometimes built near slopes to give viewers a clear view of the events.
However, from the beginning of the 5th century BC, stadiums started to become more elaborate. First, artificial embankments slopes were added and later stone or marble docks seats for more comfort. Today, thanks to the archaeological excavations, we can admire these magnificent stadiums. An ancient stadium that is still used today for events is the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, which is also accessible. It is the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble and someone can feel like a spectator or an athlete of the Ancient Games just by walking on it.
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