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"Pagan" Architecture and Structures
By request I am making a thread on "pagan" temples, sites, and statuary including some of those structures erected in more recent times based on the ancient models (Renaissance, Napoleonic etc.) If I had the money, I would buy up plots of land and build several of these structures based upon the old models. I would install images, and ritual niches inside. I would establish (religious) colleges to train priests in liturgies and rites.
I see no reason why a group of dedicated "pagans" with some extra money to throw around could not combine and achieve this. Indeed, it only takes funds to bring about a "pagan" renaissance.
OK to begin, here are pontential models:
To start, the Pantheon, which has been converted into a church. Notice how the oculus and high patterned ceilings are elements which have been incorporated into many churches.
Pantheon Oculus
Pantheon Interior
Next, the Parthenon. Note: Despite the present decrepitude of the original Parthenon, an exact replica of the Parthenon fully intact has been built in Nashville Tennessee complete with the statue of Athena Parthenos in the interior, although smaller.
Here is a blueprint of the Jupiter Capitolinus temple which contained a sacred stone, the Jupiter Lapis:
Temple of Antoninus:
Here is an example of a Romano-Celtic Temple found in Britain:
Blueprint of Apollo Temple in Aachen Germany:
Here are some ideas for interior decoration, and structures, gazebos, shrines, friezes etc:
House with Neptune mural in the dining room:
Niche to Juno, Jupiter and Minerva:
Jupiter Column with goddess Ceres below:
Sanctuary to Attis, many small Hindu shrines are similar to this
Lararium, or household shrine to the Lares (Household spirits), who would be propitiated with little offerings and prayers every morning by the paterfamilias, head of the Roman household.
Niche to Cybele, the Great Mother (Magna Mater)
Cybele with Lion
Cybele with children
Cybele complete with what seems to be a bloodstain (paint?)
Romano-Germano-Celtic Matronae "mother spirits" comparable to the Disir in Norse religion:
Here are some examples of more recent structures based on "pagan" models:
Place de Concorde Obelisk
Renaissance church of S. Pietro, based on Roman temples. There were many churches like this built during the renacimento.
Notice how Roman temples had small doors leading to the interior. Often the interior contained a statue of a god were offerings could be made. Many Hindu temples also contain a small space with a statue where offerings can be made.
Gazebo with Venus inside:
German American "Temple of Music" in Buffalo NY, with classical influences:
Plaza de Cibeles (Cybele) in Madrid:
There is also a park with many modern gazebos with bronze Roman deities, but I still can't find pics.
I was watching a program and a Greek man said that Greeks take an interest in their ancient history and philosophy because there are so many ruins and ancient structures around. The theocrats in the Orthodox Church do not want to see the temples rebuilt because they know that imagery will stir up the ancient consciousness of the population. Archaeologists can talk all they want about authenticity, but allowing ruins to fall is downright ridiculous. In Japan, the authorities rebuild their shrines every 20 years. The old temples might be off limits to us now, but there is no reason why we can't buy land and build some new ones.
Anyhow, please post images of ancient ("Heathen/Pagan") structures, and tell us about them if you can.
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Originally Posted by Óttar
:
!), from George Scott Robertson's 1896 'The Kafirs of the Hindu-Kush'.
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