Supervisors info:
Δημήτριος Πλάντζος Καθηγητής Κλασικής Αρχαιολογίας Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών
Χρύσανθος Κανελλόπουλος Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής Κλασικής Αρχαιολογίας Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών
Στυλιανός Κατάκης Επίκουρος Καθηγητής Κλασικής Αρχαιολογίας Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών
Summary:
The present master thesis presents the development and use of the architectural type of treasure. Treasures were votive buildings with exclusive usage of protecting valuable objects-offerings, having closed configuration. Their superstructure is made of expensive and valuable materials which in many cases originate from the land of the contractor – cities, follows a particular architectural rhythm and is completed by a richly decorated entablature and roof.
For the most effective research of treasures, the examination of buildings from three big ritual centers of Peloponnese, specifically Olympia, Nemea and Epidaurus, is effected. The main targets of the thesis is to analyze the reason of foundation, use and function of this type of buildings, as it is mentioned in the introductory chapter.
In the second chapter, through the definitions of ancient and present writers, the architectural type of these buildings as well as their evolution from ‘oikous’ to treasures is being studied. In addition, the issue of how their configuration serves their purpose and what are the problems emerging from their bibliographic examination is being analysed. In chapter three, the placement and organisation of treasures in the sanctuaries is mentioned, where they are located, with emphasis on the ones that are examined. In chapter four, the references of ancient literature to the treasures are studied, sorted by writer chronologically. The purpose is to make the interpretation and value of these buildings during antiquity understood, through the quote of mentions or incidents that took place in them, as well as to clarify how rich their content was and which of this content is not preserved today.
From chapter five the analysis of treasures of Peloponnese begins, with the sanctuary of Olympia being the first one studied. Through their description, an effort is being made to identify, date and connect these treasures to historical incidents, as well as to examine theories that have been expressed by researchers. Consequently, the description of Nemea’s ‘oikous’ follows in order to examine if they were capable to protect valuable offerings in their interior, operating as treasures. Afterwards, by using the proven model of the treasures of Olympia, the corresponding buildings of Epidaurus, that are mentioned in the current bibliography as “oikoi-treasures” are examined so as to determine whether they are qualified for the category of treasures.
The thesis is completed with general and specific conclusions concerning the individual buildings of every sanctuary and a comparison among them. Finally, the text provides pictures showing the organisation of the treasures in the sanctuaries and their rich decoration.
Keywords:
treasures, oikoi, Peloponnese, Olympia, Nemea, Epidauros, Epidaurus
