Historical Veracity: A Virtual Pilgrimage to Archaic Greek Temples
The "Assassin's Creed Odyssey" video game, set in ancient Greece, offers a vivid recreation of the era's architecture and culture. Among its numerous features are the wooden temples, which prompt an intriguing question: to what extent do these digital constructions correspond to historical reality?
The Prevalence of Wood in Ancient Construction
In ancient times, particularly in Egypt and Greece, wood was a primary material for various constructions, including statues and temples. A notable example is the statue of Zeus by Phidias, crafted from ebony wood and adorned with gold and ivory, standing at a remarkable 12.40 meters. This use of wood extended beyond statues to buildings, including temples and houses.
Images courtesy of Ubisoft graphic designers Alexis Harrisson and Pierre Fleau.
Transition from Wood to Stone in Greek Temples
The game's depiction of wooden temples aligns with historical evidence suggesting that early Greek temples were primarily wooden structures. The temple of Apollo in Thermo of Aetolia, which represents the primary temple building during the time period, serves as an example of this. However, the transition to stone architecture began in the late 7th century BC, rapidly becoming the norm during the 6th century. This shift made the structures more durable, as seen in the enduring stone monuments that define ancient Greek architecture today.
Case Studies: The Temple of Hera at Olympia and Orthia Artemis in Sparta
The temple of Hera at Olympia serves as a prime example of this gradual shift from wood to stone. Its initial wooden structure underwent centuries-long transformation, reflecting the evolution of the Doric column. Similarly, the temple of Artemis Orthia in Sparta, dating back to the 9th or 8th century BC, followed this wooden template, demonstrating the prevalent use of wood in early Greek temple architecture.
Influence of Material Change on Architectural Style
The replacement of wood and clay with stone, particularly tufa or marble, initiated a significant evolution in Greek temple architecture. The transformation of the Mycenaean wooden column into the stone Doric column marked a pivotal change in architectural style, leading to the widespread establishment of Doric temples across Greece and Greater Greece. Concurrently, Ionic temples, characterized by their distinct column style, emerged in Asia Minor, particularly in Ionia.
Images courtesy of Ubisoft graphic designers Alexis Harrisson and Pierre Fleau.
"Assassin's Creed Odyssey" accurately reflects the historical reality of wooden temples in ancient Greece to a significant extent. The game's portrayal of these structures is consistent with archaeological findings and historical records, showcasing the early use of wood in temple construction and its gradual replacement by stone. This historical accuracy not only enriches the gaming experience but also provides an educational glimpse into ancient Greek architecture and its evolution over time.
