MenuThe Parthenon is a temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron. Construction began in 447 BC and was completed in 438 BC, although decoration of the building continued until 432 BC. It is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece, generally considered to be the finest example of the Doric order. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of Greek art. The Parthenon is regarded as an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece, Athenian democracy and Western civilization, and one of the most important cultural monuments in the world.
The Parthenon was built on the site of an earlier temple, which was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC. Construction began in 447 BC and was completed in 438 BC, although decoration of the building continued until 432 BC. The new temple was designed by the architects Ictinus and Callicrates, and was built under the supervision of the sculptor Phidias.
The Parthenon is a peripteral temple, meaning that it is surrounded by a colonnade of columns. The temple has a rectangular plan, with a length of 69.5 meters (228 feet) and a width of 30.9 meters (101 feet). The columns are 10.4 meters (34 feet) tall and have a diameter of 1.9 meters (6 feet). It is made of Pentelic marble, which is a type of white marble that is quarried near Athens. The temple is perfectly proportioned, and its lines are clean and elegant. The Doric columns are sturdy and graceful, and they provide a sense of strength and stability.
The Parthenon is decorated with a series of sculptures, which are some of the most famous works of Greek art, and which depict a variety of scenes from Greek mythology and history. The sculptures are divided into three groups: the pediments, the metopes, and the frieze. The pediments are the triangular spaces at the front and back of the temple. The sculptures on the east pediment depict the birth of Athena, while the sculptures on the west pediment depict the battle between the gods and the giants. The metopes are the square panels that are located between the columns on the exterior of the temple. They decorate the frieze and depict scenes from the Trojan War. The frieze is the continuous band of sculpture that runs around the top of the cella, or inner chamber, of the temple and depicts a procession of gods, goddesses, and mortals.
The Parthenon was damaged by a fire in the 5th century AD, was converted into a Christian church in the 6th century AD, and in the 15th century it was converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Turks. It was badly damaged by an explosion in 1687, when the Venetians used it as a gunpowder store during their siege of Athens, and was further damaged by looting and neglect in the 19th century.
The Parthenon has been restored several times over the centuries. The most recent restoration was completed in 2004, in time for the 2004 Summer Olympics. It is now a museum, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. The Parthenon is a masterpiece of Greek architecture and sculpture. It is a symbol of Ancient Greece, Athenian democracy and Western civilization. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the most important cultural monuments in the world.
The Parthenon is an important building in history for a number of reasons:
- It is a masterpiece of Greek architecture and is considered to be one of the most important and beautiful buildings in the world. It was built during the Golden Age of Athens and it is a perfect example of the Doric order of architecture.
- It is a symbol of Athenian democracy. The Parthenon was built during the time of Pericles, who was a leading figure in the development of Athenian democracy. The Parthenon was a symbol of Athens' power and wealth, and it was also a place where the people of Athens could come together to worship their gods and celebrate their democracy.
- It is a treasure trove of ancient art. The sculptures are of the highest quality and they add a touch of beauty and artistry to the building.
- It is a reminder of the power of human achievement and of what can be accomplished when people work together and use their talents to create something beautiful.
The Parthenon is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the ancient Greeks. It is a building that has stood the test of time and it continues to inspire and amaze people all over the world.
