The Parthenon, situated on the Athenian Acropolis in Greece, is a historic temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, dating back to the fifth century BC. This iconic structure, renowned for its architectural brilliance and artistic significance, stands as a symbol of Ancient Greece, democracy, and Western civilization.
Constructed as an expression of gratitude for the Hellenic triumph over the Persian Empire during the Greco-Persian Wars, the Parthenon served a dual purpose as both a religious sanctuary and a repository for the city's treasury. Its elaborate decorative sculptures are widely regarded as masterpieces of classical Greek art, contributing to the cultural legacy of the region.
The enduring legacy of the Parthenon lies not only in its architectural splendor but also in its representation of the values and achievements of Ancient Greece. As a testament to the cultural and historical significance of this temple, it continues to be a symbol of pride and inspiration for those who appreciate the rich heritage of Western civilization
9. ● Built by the architects Ictinus and Callicrates under the supervision of the sculptor Phidias, the temple
is generally considered to be the culmination of the development of the Doric order, the simplest of the
three classical Greek architectural styles.
● While much of the structure remains intact, the Parthenon has suffered considerable damage over the
centuries. In 296 BCE the tyrant Lachares removed the gold from the statue of Athena in order to pay
his army.
● In the 5th century CE the Parthenon was converted into a Christian church.
● In 1460 the Parthenon held a Turkish mosque.
● In 1687 gunpowder stored by the Turks inside the temple exploded and destroyed the central area
● In 1801 - 1803 parts of the temple's remaining sculptures were sold by the Turks (who controlled
Greece at the time) to the Englishman Lord Elgin. These sculptures were forcibly removed, sold to the
British Museum and called the Elgin Marbles.
● Greece has asked the British Museum to return the sculptures but it has refused to do so.
Purpose of the Parthenon
Long before the construction of the Parthenon the site had been a sacred place of other cultures. The
Parthenon was built to supplant the temples of the earlier cultures and to both experience and praise
the character of the Greek goddess Athena.
The power of a place, the character of its energy gives rise to various types of deity forms. The temple
of Athena, a goddess of spiritual development and intellectual understanding, catalyzes and cultivates
those same qualities in visitors.
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