Athenian Acropolis
Overview
The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens. It contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. The word acropolis is from the Greek words ἄκρον (akron, "highest point, extremity") and πόλις (polis, "city").
History
The Acropolis of Athens has a long history, dating back to the Neolithic period. It was during the Mycenaean period that the Acropolis gained its religious significance, with the construction of the first temples. The Acropolis was home to the king and the local community, and it was also the religious and ceremonial hub of the city.
Ancient Period
During the Archaic Period, the Acropolis was fundamentally a fortress, protecting the king and the inhabitants of the inner city. However, it was during the Classical period, more specifically during the 5th century BC, that the Acropolis gained its final shape. The Athenians, under the leadership of Pericles, coordinated the construction of the site’s most important buildings including the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike.
Roman and Byzantine Periods
During the Roman period, the Acropolis maintained its religious significance and underwent a series of modifications. The Romans constructed an Odeon on the southern slope and a few other minor structures. The Byzantine period was a time of Christian transformation for the Acropolis. The Parthenon was converted into a church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Ottoman Period
The Ottoman period marked another phase of transformation for the Acropolis. The Parthenon was converted into a mosque, and the Erechtheion was used as a harem. The Acropolis suffered significant damage during the Venetian siege in 1687.
Architecture
The Acropolis of Athens is home to some of the most iconic and influential structures in the world. These buildings are prime examples of Classical architecture, and they have had a profound influence on art and architecture worldwide.
The Parthenon
The Parthenon is the most famous building in the Acropolis and is considered a symbol of Ancient Greece. It was dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos, the patron goddess of Athens. The building is a peripteral Doric temple with eight columns at the façade, and seventeen columns at the flanks.
The Erechtheion
The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple constructed on the north side of the Acropolis. The temple was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon Erechtheus. The building is known for its porch of the Caryatids, six draped female figures serving as architectural supports.
The Propylaia
The Propylaia is the monumental gateway that serves as the entrance to the Acropolis. It was designed by the architect Mnesikles and constructed in 437–432 BC. The Propylaia is a central building with two wings, each with three Doric columns on the front and two on the back.
The Temple of Athena Nike
The Temple of Athena Nike is a small temple located at the southwest corner of the Acropolis. It was dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike. The temple is amphiprostyle tetrastyle, meaning it has four columns at both the front and the rear.
Preservation and Restoration
The Acropolis of Athens has undergone a series of preservation and restoration efforts. These efforts began in the 1970s under the auspices of the Committee for the Conservation of the Acropolis Monuments. The primary goal of these efforts is to ensure the long-term preservation of the site and its monuments.