The Parthenon
The Parthenon is one of the most iconic structures of ancient Greek civilization. Located on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, it was built in the mid-5th century BCE and has been a symbol of the country’s cultural and political achievements ever since. The Parthenon was designed as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron deity of Athens, and it is widely considered to be a masterpiece of classical Greek architecture. In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and significance of the Parthenon.
History of The Parthenon
The construction of the Parthenon began in 447 BCE and was completed in 438 BCE. It was built to replace an earlier temple dedicated to Athena, which was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BCE during their invasion of Greece. The architect responsible for the design of the Parthenon was Ictinus, and the sculptor Phidias was responsible for the incredible sculptures that adorned the building. The Parthenon was constructed using marble from the nearby Mount Pentelicus, and the transportation of the enormous blocks of stone to the Acropolis was a monumental task.
The Parthenon underwent several changes over the centuries. In the 6th century CE, it was converted into a Christian church, and during the Ottoman period, it was used as a mosque. In the 17th century, the building was severely damaged during a siege, and much of the original structure was destroyed. Today, the Parthenon remains a major tourist attraction and an enduring symbol of ancient Greek culture.
Architecture of The Parthenon
The Parthenon is a prime example of classical Greek architecture, characterized by its symmetrical design, use of marble, and intricate sculptures. The building is rectangular in shape and measures 69.5 meters long, 30.9 meters wide, and 13.72 meters high. The temple is supported by 46 Doric columns, each of which is 10 meters tall and has a diameter of 1.9 meters. The columns are arranged in a ratio of 4:9, with four columns at the front and back of the temple and nine columns on each side.
The Parthenon’s frieze is one of the most impressive features of the building. It is a long, continuous sculpture that depicts the Panathenaic procession, a grand ceremony held every four years in honor of Athena. The frieze is 1.03 meters tall and runs around the outside of the building, above the columns. The sculptures are incredibly detailed and intricate, depicting hundreds of figures in various poses and activities.
The Parthenon’s pediments, or triangular gables at either end of the building, are also adorned with sculptures. The east pediment depicts the birth of Athena, while the west pediment depicts the contest between Athena and Poseidon for control of Athens. These sculptures are also incredibly detailed and lifelike, and they demonstrate the skill of the ancient Greek sculptors.
If you’re planning to visit the Parthenon, it’s important to purchase The Parthenon tickets in advance to avoid long queues and ensure you have access to this magnificent ancient temple. Once you have your tickets, you can explore the stunning architecture and sculptures of the Parthenon and learn about the fascinating history of this iconic site. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the world’s most remarkable historical landmarks!
The Temple of Athena Nike
The Temple of Athena Nike is a small but significant temple located on the Acropolis of Athens. It was built in the 5th century BC, during the Classical period of Greek history, and is dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike, who was the goddess of victory in ancient Greek mythology. The temple is one of the most well-known and well-preserved examples of ancient Greek architecture. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, architecture, and significance of the Temple of Athena Nike.
History of The Temple of Athena Nike
The Temple of Athena Nike was built in 420 BC, during the time of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. The temple was built to commemorate the Athenian victory over the Persians at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. The battle was significant because it was the first time that the Greeks had defeated the Persians, who were one of the most powerful empires in the world at the time. The Athenians attributed their victory to the goddess Athena, who was their patron goddess, and they built the Temple of Athena Nike in her honor.
The architect responsible for the design of the temple was Kallikrates, who was also responsible for the design of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens. The temple was built on a bastion on the south side of the Acropolis, overlooking the city of Athens and the port of Piraeus. The temple was constructed of Pentelic marble, which is a type of white marble that was quarried from Mount Pentelicus in Attica. The construction of the temple was completed in a relatively short period of time, and it was dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike in 410 BC.
Architecture of the Temple of Athena Nike
The Temple of Athena Nike is a small temple, measuring only 8.27 meters wide and 5.64 meters deep. It is built in the Ionic style, which was one of the three main styles of ancient Greek architecture. The Ionic style is characterized by slender columns that are decorated with volutes, or spiral scrolls, at the top. The columns of the Temple of Athena Nike are made of Pentelic marble, and they are slender and graceful, with ornate capitals that are decorated with acanthus leaves. The columns are 4.16 meters tall, and they are spaced close together, which gives the temple a sense of intimacy.
The temple has four columns at the front and back, and two on each side, for a total of eight columns. The columns at the front of the temple are slightly closer together than the columns at the back, which gives the temple a sense of depth. The entablature, or the horizontal structure that sits on top of the columns, is decorated with a frieze that depicts the battles between the Athenians and the Persians. The frieze is 1.34 meters tall and runs along the top of the walls of the cella, or the inner chamber of the temple.
The pediments of the temple, which are the triangular structures that sit on top of the front and back of the temple, are also decorated with sculptures. The east pediment depicts the goddess Athena preparing to launch her spear, while the west pediment depicts the battle between the Athenians and the Persians. The sculptures on the pediments were destroyed during the Venetian bombardment of Athens in 1687, but they were later restored.