The Parthenon frieze is a continuous 1 meter high, 160 meters long, and 6 centimeters deep band of relief sculptures, created specifically to crown the entirety of the temple’s exterior wall.
The sculptures are executed in low relief and depict the people of Athens in two processions that begin at the southwest corner and parade in opposite directions until they converge over the door of the cella at the east end of the Parthenon.
In ancient times all the sculptures as well as the buildings were vividly painted and were embellished with metal attachments in the form of spears, swords, horse reins and other appropriate accessories. In its original state, the frieze must have been dazzling with an array of three dimensional shapes and vivid colors high on the temple’s exterior.
Fragments of the Parthenon frieze today are found in the Acropolis Museum in Athens, the British Museum in London, in Paris, Copenhagen, Munich, Vienna and Würzburg.
Main Theme
The majority of scholars agree that the Parthenon frieze represents the Panathenaic procession, which was a central festival in Athens during Classical times.
The iconography of the frieze and context makes this interpretation highly probable. A small controversy remains with some scholars debating whether it represents an ideal or a specific Panathenaic procession.
East Frieze: The Central Scene
The east frieze over the Parthenon door has the “peplos scene” at the center: Two persons examine a piece of folded cloth and next to them gods and heroes are engaged in conversation. Several women are standing in their flaks.
The peplos was a central item in the Panathenaea ritual, and was woven by the virgins dedicated to the goddess Athena exclusively for use during the procession.
The gods are seated, making them twice as large as the rest of the figures who are standing or riding, and they appear in the typical realistic mortal form we are accustomed to seeing in Classical art.
West Frieze
The sculptures of the west frieze depict groups of people and horses getting ready for the procession. A large number of cavalry dominates the west end of the frieze, with many horses appearing agitated, adding an atmosphere of energetic unrest.
South Frieze
In the south frieze citizens of Athens move in procession through the south wall of the cella towards the east end and the peplos scene. The sculptures depict several calvary groups in different attires, chariots, and people leading sacrificial animals.
North Frieze
In the north frieze citizens of Athens move in procession towards the peplos scene on the east end of the temple. Horesemen, a host of elders, musicians, and people escorting sacrificial animals appear in the scenes towards the east end.
