HECATOMPEDON Meaning and
Definition
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Hecatompedon is a term derived from the Greek language that refers to an ancient Greek architectural form, primarily associated with the temples of the Archaic period. The word "hecatompedon" itself translates to "hundred-footed" or "hundred-foot," highlighting the characteristic length of these temples.
In ancient Greek architecture, a hecatompedon typically denoted a rectangular temple layout with a length of about 100 Greek feet, equivalent to approximately 31 meters or 102 feet. This architectural design represented a significant shift from the earlier megaron-style, circular, or polygonal temples prevalent during the Bronze Age.
A hecatompedon temple often featured a pronaos, which served as the entrance porch, and a naos, or the main chamber, housing the cult statue or religious artifacts. The exterior walls were usually adorned with decorative elements, such as friezes, metopes, or sculptures, depicting mythological scenes or events.
Notable examples of hecatompedon temples include the Temple of Hera I at Samos, and the Temple of Athena at Posidonia in Greece. These structures stood as symbols of religious devotion, architectural innovation, and artistic expression in the ancient Greek world.
The term "hecatompedon" is primarily used within the domain of architectural history and Greek archaeology to classify and identify temples that conform to the specific dimensions, layout, and stylistic features associated with this architectural form.
Common Misspellings for HECATOMPEDON
- gecatompedon
- becatompedon
- necatompedon
- jecatompedon
- uecatompedon
- yecatompedon
- hwcatompedon
- hscatompedon
- hdcatompedon
- hrcatompedon
- h4catompedon
- h3catompedon
- hexatompedon
- hevatompedon
- hefatompedon
- hedatompedon
- hecztompedon
- hecstompedon
- hecwtompedon
Etymology of HECATOMPEDON
The word "Hecatompedon" has its origins in ancient Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: "hekaton" (ἑκατόν) meaning "hundred" and "pous" (πούς) meaning "foot" or "measure".
In ancient Greece, the term "Hecatompedon" referred to a specific architectural type of building that had a length of 100 Greek feet. It was commonly used to describe temples or other important structures. For example, the Hecatompedon of the Acropolis in Athens was an ancient temple dedicated to Athena.
The word "Hecatompedon" can be broken down as follows: "hekaton" (hundred) + "pous" (foot) + "pedon" (building or structure). The combination of these elements gives the word its specific meaning of a 100-foot building.
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