The Acropolis of Athens is a world-famous ancient site located on a rocky outcrop above the city. The Acropolis was the religious center of ancient Athens and home to many important structures, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Propylaea.
The most famous building is the Parthenon, which sits inside an enclosure wall known as the Propylaea (por•pil•ya). You’ll also find four other smaller temples scattered throughout the area: Temple of Athena Nike (Athena’s Victory), Erechtheion (House Of Councils) and more.
Parthenon
The Parthenon is the most important temple of ancient Greece and it was built in 447 BC. It is located on the Acropolis, an ancient citadel located in Athens. The Parthenon was built in thanksgiving for the Hellenic victory over Persian invaders during the Greco-Persian Wars. Like most Greek temples, the Parthenon also served as the city treasury.
The Parthenon was named after Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom and war. She is also known as Pallas Athena (Pallas means large) or simply Athena; this name refers to her title as “the city’s protector” (Athena Polias).
The Parthenon itself replaced an older temple of Athena, which historians call the Pre-Parthenon or Older Parthenon, that was demolished in the Persian invasion of 480.
Since 1975, numerous large-scale restoration projects have been undertaken to preserve remaining artifacts and ensure its structural integrity
History
The Acropolis of Athens was built in the 447 BC. The building was constructed by Pericles, a politician and general who ruled Athens during that time period. The Acropolis of Athens was built as a fortress and religious centre.
The Acropolis of Athens is famous for its temples, which are dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom and warcraft, her brother Poseidon (god of the sea) and their mother Rhea (goddess of nature).
The Parthenon is one of those temples that stand on top of this hill called “Acropolis” in Greek language which means “high city”.
Pericles
Pericles was a Greek politician and general during the Golden Age of Athens, was born in 495 BC. Pericles had a reputation for being a great orator and leader. He is best remembered today as one of ancient Greece’s most prominent leaders who helped make Athens one of the leading commercial cities in the world.
Pericles was born c. 495 BC, in Athens, Greece. He was the son of the politician Xanthippus, who, though ostracized in 485–484 BC, returned to Athens to command the Athenian contingent in the Greek victory at Mycale just five years later. Pericles’ mother, Agariste, was a member of the powerful and controversial noble family of the Alcmaeonidae, and her familial connections played a crucial role in helping start Xanthippus’ political career. Agariste was the great-granddaughter of the tyrant of Sicyon, Cleisthenes, and the niece of the Athenian reformer Cleisthenes.
Both boys spent time away from home studying under renowned teachers; however unlike his brother Paralus who followed a military career, Pericles became involved in financial matters as well as politics at an early age.
Acropolis museum
The Acropolis museum was built in 2009. The museum is a modern structure that houses many of the archaeological finds discovered during excavations at this site. You will see gold and silver jewelry from ancient Athens; marble statues; pottery and other artifacts from daily life; bronze shields and weapons; friezes depicting mythological scenes or everyday life; vases painted with scenes from Greek mythology or everyday life; busts made of marble or bronze depicting Athenian citizens as well as people from other parts of Greece (some are even Roman); a statue called the “Kore” that represented Persephone’s daughter Demeter (who became Persephone herself when she married Hades); small sculptures carved in ivory found throughout Greece; coins struck by various nations minted during their travels through Greece as well as coins bearing images representing important historical figures.
Acropolis Caryatids
The Acropolis Museum is home to one of the best-known works of art in the world: the Caryatids. The word “caryatid” refers to female figures that hold up entablatures on columns or buildings. The Caryatids in this case are made of white marble. They are in the shape of women. The Caryatids at the Erechtheum are copies of the original five statues since the five remaining originals are in the Acropolis Museum for their protection, conservation, and restoration. Their creators are also unknown, as they may have been crafted by a different sculptor. As an artist sculptor appears either Alcamenes or Callimachus or some other of Pheidias’ students.
Acropolis of Athens is Greece’s most famous landmark.
Acropolis of Athens is Greece’s most famous landmark, a symbol of the cultural heritage of the country. A visit to Acropolis will take you back in time and let you admire its architectural beauty.
Acropolis was built by ancient Greeks and it is believed that this site has been inhabited since Neolithic times (from around 7000 BC). The site was added to UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because it represents Greek democracy and culture. The acropolis contains many buildings and monuments which were built by different cultures over thousands of years. For example, there are temples dedicated to gods Apollo and Athena (from 5th century BC), Parthenon from 4th century BC as well as Erechtheion from 5th century BC which was dedicated by King Erechtheus II (son of Erichthonios).
The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most iconic sights in the world. Whether you’re here to explore ancient ruins or just enjoy some incredible views, this place has something for everyone!
