Cella

Definition

The cella is the inner chamber of a temple, which houses the cult statue of the deity being worshipped. This sacred space is often seen as the heart of a temple, where rituals and offerings take place, serving as a direct connection between the divine and the worshippers. The architectural design of the cella not only reflects the importance of the deity but also influences how the temple is experienced by visitors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The design of the cella often varies based on the style of temple, such as Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian, which all have different architectural elements.
2. In many temples, the cella is surrounded by a colonnade, which provides structural support while also creating a transition space between the sacred interior and the outside world.
3. The size and decoration of the cella can indicate the importance of the deity being worshipped, with larger and more elaborately decorated cells often dedicated to major gods like Athena or Zeus.
4. The cella typically contains not just a statue of the deity but also altars and other elements for ritual offerings, making it central to religious practices in ancient Greece.
5. Many famous temples, such as the Parthenon in Athens, feature an opulent cella that reflects both religious devotion and artistic achievement in ancient Greek culture.

Review Questions

• How does the design of the cella influence the overall experience of worshippers in ancient Greek temples?
  • The design of the cella plays a crucial role in shaping how worshippers experience their connection to the divine. Its size and decoration are intentionally crafted to create an atmosphere of reverence and awe. As visitors enter, they are often met with elaborate sculptures or paintings that enhance their understanding of the deity's power and presence. This design emphasizes that the cella is not merely a room but a sacred space where human and divine realms interact.
• In what ways do notable examples like the Temple of Hera at Samos and Temple of Artemis at Ephesus illustrate the importance of the cella in temple architecture?
  • Both the Temple of Hera at Samos and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus showcase impressive cells that highlight their respective deities' significance. In these temples, the cellas are spacious and richly adorned, reflecting their prominence in worship. The architectural innovations seen in these examples demonstrate how temples were designed not just for aesthetics but also to facilitate religious practices centered around the cult images housed within their cells.
• Evaluate how changes in cella design over time reflect broader shifts in religious practices and cultural values in ancient Greece.
  • Changes in cella design throughout ancient Greece mirror significant shifts in religious practices and cultural values. Early temples featured simpler cells reflecting local customs and smaller deities, while later developments, like those seen in major sanctuaries, showcased grander designs with intricate decorations emphasizing civic pride and collective identity. As worship evolved from personal rituals to more public ceremonies involving large gatherings, cells became larger and more elaborate. This evolution not only reflects changing attitudes towards divinity but also indicates how religious architecture adapted to meet communal needs.

Related terms

Naos: Another term for the cella, specifically referring to the main room of a temple that holds the cult image.

Entablature:

The horizontal structure supported by columns in classical architecture, which often rests above the cella and adds to the temple's grandeur.

Adyton:

A restricted area within the cella, typically considered sacred, where only certain priests or individuals were allowed to enter for special rites or rituals.