The cella is the central chamber of a Greek or Roman temple, where the cult statue of the deity was housed. The cella was usually rectangular in shape, with a door at one end and a window at the other. It was often decorated with sculptures and paintings, and sometimes contained a large altar. The cella was the most sacred part of the temple, and only priests were allowed to enter.
Delve into the Cella: The Heart of Ancient Greek Temples
The cella, also known as the naos, is the innermost chamber of an ancient Greek temple. This sacred space served as the sanctuary for the temple’s deity, housing its cult statue and embodying the intangible presence of the divine.
Architectural Features
- Dimensions: The cella was typically rectangular or square in shape, with varying dimensions depending on the temple.
- Walls: The walls were constructed of limestone or marble and often featured elaborate carvings or paintings.
- Entrance: The cella was accessed through an entrance portico or pronaos. This entrance could be flanked by columns or decorated with sculptures.
- Adyton: In some temples, the cella had an inner sanctum known as the adyton. This was a restricted area, reserved for priests and high-ranking officials.
Sacred Significance
- Cult Statue: The cella was home to the cult statue of the deity venerated in the temple. This statue was the physical representation of the god and was believed to embody their power and presence.
- Offerings: Devotees made offerings to the deity within the cella, including gifts, libations, and sacrifices.
- Rituals: The cella was the setting for religious ceremonies and rituals conducted by priests. These ceremonies included prayers, hymns, and offerings.
Structural Variations
- Double Cella: Some temples, such as the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, had two cellas—one for the main deity and one for a subsidiary deity.
- Triple Cella: Temples with three cellas, known as tripartite temples, were dedicated to multiple deities.
- Hekatompedon: A type of temple with a cella that measured exactly 100 feet in length.
- Opisthodomos: In some temples, the cella was followed by a smaller chamber known as the opisthodomos. This chamber was used to store temple treasures or as a treasury.
Question 1:
What is the definition of a cella?
Answer:
A cella is the main chamber of an ancient Greek or Roman temple, where the cult statue of the deity was housed.
Question 2:
What characterizes the architectural features of a cella?
Answer:
The cella is typically rectangular in shape with a single entrance and is surrounded by a colonnade or peristyle.
Question 3:
What was the primary function of the cella in an ancient temple?
Answer:
The cella served as the sanctuary for the cult statue, where rituals and ceremonies honoring the deity took place.
And there you have it, folks! The cella: the heart of the ancient Greek temple. It may not be the flashiest or most impressive part of the building, but it’s where the real magic happened. So next time you’re admiring a Greek temple, take a moment to think about the cella. It’s a reminder that even in the most impressive structures, it’s often the unseen parts that make all the difference. Thanks for reading, and be sure to drop by again soon for more fascinating history and architecture!