Who tells the story of Kleobis and Biton?
The twin kouroi dedicated at Delphi are most often identified as the brothers Kleobis and Biton. Their story is told be Herodotus ( Hdt. 1.31 ), as it was related to Croesos by Solon, who named them as the second most blessed of men….Delphi, Kleobis and Biton (Sculpture)
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| Collection: | Delphi Archaeological Museum |
| Date: | ca. 580 BC |
How tall are Kleobis and Biton?
Standing more than 6′ tall, these statues had a commanding presence that would encourage passersby to stop and look at their images. These ancient visitors may have read the inscriptions on the statues’ plinths to learn their story.
What is a kouros and what was the purpose of a kouros?
A kouros is a statue of a standing nude youth that did not represent any one individual youth but the idea of youth. Used in Archaic Greece as both a dedication to the gods in sanctuaries and as a grave monument, the standard kouros stood with his left foot forward, arms at his sides, looking straight ahead.
What is kouros Kore?
Kore, plural korai, type of freestanding statue of a maiden—the female counterpart of the kouros, or standing youth—that appeared with the beginning of Greek monumental sculpture in about 660 bc and remained to the end of the Archaic period in about 500 bc.
How did Kleobis and Biton get their gift?
Having arrived at the festival, the mother prayed for Hera to bestow a gift upon her sons for their strength and devotion, which Hera listened and rewarded the sons. When the prayers and the sacrifice were over, Kleobis and Biton fell asleep in the temple and never woke up, which was the gift Hera bestowed on the boys: allowing for them to die.
How are Kleobis and Biton related to Herodotus?
Their story is told be Herodotus ( Hdt. 1.31 ), as it was related to Croesos by Solon, who named them as the second most blessed of men. They harnessed themselves to a wagon in place of oxen and pulled their mother 45 stades to the temple of Hera for a festival.
What was the greatest test of strength for Kleobis and Biton?
Back to the legend by Solon for Kleobis and Biton, the greatest test of strength for the two young men came when they were challenged with having to take their mother to town as her oxen.
Why did Cleobis and Biton go to Argos?
At Argos, they were noted for their filial devotion and for their athletic prowess and strength. During an Argive festival honouring Hera, Cydippe was called to the temple. When her oxteam could not be found, the brothers took up the yoke of the ceremonial wagon and conveyed her there themselves.