The Parthenon: The Ancient Greek Temple Atop Athens' Acropolis

Photo: linz_ellinas

The Parthenon is one of the most recognizable buildings of Ancient Greece still with us today. A symbol of beauty and purity, its ruined columns now stand high above the city of Athens.

One of the most important architectural structures in the world, it has a great history of war and strife, political ups and downs, and many other difficulties. This is an incredible temple, originally dedicated to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, strength, crafts, warfare and civilization.

Photo: roger4336

Recognized as the most perfect structure ever erected, the Parthenon is also famous for its exquisite carvings. Except for the roof beams and ceilings, the entire temple was built entirely of marble. The solid walls of the interior chambers were very dark and enclosed. These chambers were accessible only through great bronze doors.

Photo: bram_souffreauEast frieze of the Parthenon. The Greek god Zeus sits in an armchair and looks at Hera, the mother of the Gods (left).

Built by the great architects and sculptors, such as Ictinus, Phidias and Callicrates, the stonework and extremely precise dimensions of the temple are of very high quality. In those times, architects did not work from drawings, as they do today. This makes the geometrical proportions, precise details and elaborate calculations all the more wonderful, as they were done directly on the foundations.

Photo: Alun SaltKnights on the Parthenon Frieze

The most glorious part about the temple is its sculptural decoration and great finesse. The ruins of the temple tell the story of its survival over the centuries. Though the pediment statues have suffered the most damage, many metopes (rectangular architectural elements) have survived and are in fair condition.

Photo: Rambling Traveler

It is also believed that somewhere around 3rd century AD, the wooden rafters of the Parthenon caught fire, which also destroyed the great statue of the goddess Athena. Converted to a Christian church in the 5th century CE, the Parthenon also held a Turkish Mosque in 1460. The central area of the temple was destroyed in 1687 by the Turks when the gunpowder stored by them exploded inside the temple.

A great example of beauty and superb construction work, the Parthenon still seems alive, untouched by time, even after many centuries.

Sources: 1, 2