PANATHENENIA

The Panatheaea was celebrated annually, and lasted two days; but once every four years it was celebrated with particular solemnity, and then lasted for four days. The victors in athletic contests (which included the famous torch-races, or lampadedromia recived prizes of oil from Athena's sacred olive-trees, in special amphoras known as 'panathenaika'. These were decorated on one side with a representation of Athena Promachos (ie'who fights in the front rank') standing between two pillars, and on the other with a picture of the particual contest (eg the foot-race) for which the prize had been won. Afterwards there took place the great Panathenaic Procession (represented in marble on the frieze of the Parthenon). It set out from the Cermicus, made its way through the center of Athens and finally reached the Acropolis, solemly bearing the embroidered robe destined for Athen's cult-statue-a robe made annually by certain specially chosen young girls. The procession, which included priests and reprsentatives of every civic body, metics included, was most carefully marshalled into position, and escorted on its way by mounted epheboi. When they reached the old temple of Athena Polias (ie 'Protector of the city'), and then, moving across to the great altar which stood befor the Parthenon, they slaughtered enough cows to feed the entire city. This mass-sacrifice gave the month it's new name of HEKATOMBAION.