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What is the theme of the Eastern Frieze of the Parthenon?

Option 1: Greek Victory
Option 2: Gigantomachy
Option 3: Trojan War
Option 4: Centauromachy

User Salvador
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Final answer:

The Eastern Frieze of the Parthenon showcases the Gigantomachy - a mythological battle between the Giants and the Olympian gods. This is one of the themes on the Parthenon, along with the Amazonomachy, the sack of Troy, and the Centauromachy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theme of the Eastern Frieze of the Parthenon is Option 2: Gigantomachy. This frieze depicts the mythological battle between the Giants and the Olympian gods. It is one of the four main thematic battles represented on the Parthenon's frieze, each side of the temple showing a different aspect of Greek mythology or history which symbolizes the Greeks' pride and victory. The other sides depict the Amazonomachy, the sack of Troy, and the Centauromachy, correlating to various narratives of conflict between the Greeks and mythical or historical ‘others’.

The metopes of the Parthenon are sculpted reliefs that show scenes from Greek mythology, specifically battles where the Greeks are depicted as victorious against distinctive adversaries. These metopes are seen as a testament to the artistic skill of Phidias and are symbolic of Greek victory over barbaric creatures or non-Greek enemies, often representing Greek dominance or Athenian military power during historical events.

Moreover, while the Eastern Frieze showcases the Gigantomachy, the pediment sculpture on the same side depicted the birth of Athena, providing a significant mythological context to the overall structure, which is dedicated to the goddess Athena.

User SayantanRC
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