The Parthenon of Athens

The Parthenon is a temple located on the Athenian Acropolis, a hilltop site that overlooks the city of Athens, Greece. Built in 447–438 BCE, it is one of the most significant monuments of ancient Greece and a symbol of Athenian democracy and civilization. It is the best-preserved ancient Greek temple, and the most complete example of the Doric order. The Parthenon is the most iconic structure of the Acropolis, and it has become a symbol of Athens and Greece throughout the world.

History

The Parthenon was built by the Athenians to honor Athena, their patron Goddess. It was designed by the Greek architect Ictinus, and constructed on the site of an earlier temple that had been destroyed by the Persians in 480 BCE. The temple was built of Pentelic marble, and its design embodied the principles of the Classical orders of architecture.

The Parthenon was part of a larger complex of buildings and monuments known as the Acropolis. It was built to commemorate Athens’ victory over the Persians and to celebrate the birth of the city’s patron goddess, Athena. The Parthenon was built to house a giant statue of Athena, made of gold and ivory, which was said to be the work of the renowned sculptor Phidias.

The Parthenon was an important religious site for the ancient Greeks, and its construction was a major event in Athens’ history. It was dedicated in 438 BCE, and was the center of religious activity in the city for centuries.

Structure

The Parthenon is built in the Doric style, which is the oldest and most simple of the three major styles of Greek architecture. It has a rectangular plan and is composed of eight columns along the short sides and seventeen columns along the long sides. The columns are topped with an entablature, which is a continuous band of sculpted decoration. Above the entablature is a pediment, which is a triangular space decorated with sculpture.

The temple is surrounded by a portico, or porch, with columns and a roof. This area is known as the pronaos. Behind the portico is the main chamber of the Parthenon, known as the cella. This area was used to house the statue of Athena.

The Parthenon was built to exacting standards, and its proportions are considered to be perfect. It is also known for its exquisite sculptures, which were carved by Phidias. The sculptures decorate the pediments, metopes, and friezes of the temple. The frieze, which is a continuous band of sculpture, depicts the Panathenaic procession, a religious festival that was celebrated every four years in ancient Athens.

Legacy

Throughout its long history, the Parthenon has been a symbol of Athenian civilization and democracy. It has been damaged by earthquakes, fires, and wars, but it continues to stand as a symbol of the beauty and power of ancient Greek culture.

The Parthenon has been an inspiration to artists, writers, and philosophers throughout the centuries. Its sculptures and architecture have been studied and admired, and it has been the focus of many debates about the nature of art and beauty.

Today, the Parthenon is a major tourist attraction and a symbol of Athens and Greece. It has been restored and preserved, and it stands as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Greeks.