The Acropolis of Athens was transformed in the 5th century BC under the guidance of Pericles and the sculptor Pheidias into a unique monument representing the splendor of Athens' golden age. The Parthenon, Propylaia, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike were built during this period. Over subsequent centuries, the monuments suffered damage from both natural causes and human activity, including use as Christian churches, military stores, and the looting of sculptures by Lord Elgin. Today, despite damage over time, restoration efforts aim to preserve the artistic and historic value of the monuments that represent the ideals of democracy and philosophy.

1. The Acropolis
Sotiris Chaideftos, Maria Tsiligeridou

2. Unique
Monument
The Acropolis of
Athens and its
monuments are
universal symbols of
the classical spirit and
civilization that Greek
Antiquity bequeathed
to the world. They
reflect the splendour,
power and wealth of
Athens at its greatest
peak, the golden age
of Perikles.

3. In the second half of the fifth century BC, Athens, following the victory
against the Persians and the establishment of democracy, took a leading
position amongst the other city-states of the ancient world. As thought and
art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious
plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and, under the inspired guidance of the
sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument.

4. The most important buildings visible on the Acropolis today -
that is, the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the
temple of Athena Nike, were erected during this period.

5. Through the Centuries…
In subsequent centuries the monuments of the Acropolis suffered from both natural causes and
human intervention. After the establishment of Christianity and especially in the sixth century AD
the temples were converted into Christian churches.
Under Frankish occupation (1204-1456) and in the Ottoman period (1456-1833) the monuments
were used for practical purposes. The Venetians under F. Morozini besieged the Acropolis in 1687
and on September 26th bombarded and destroyed the Parthenon, which then served as a
munitions store.
Lord Elgin caused further serious damage in 1801-1802 by looting the sculptures of the temples.

6. In Modern Times
After the liberation of Greece, the monuments of the Acropolis came under the
care of the newly founded Greek state. In 1885-1890 the site was systematically
excavated and in the early twentieth century the first large-scale restoration
project was held. A Committee for the Conservation of the Monuments on the
Acropolis was created in 1975 with the aim to plan and undertake large-scale
conservation and restoration on the Acropolis. The project is still in progress.

7. Despite the unavoidable damage of time, the monuments of the
Acropolis still display their beauty and convey their artistic and historic
value, preserving all the features that associate them with the events
and ideas of Democracy and Philosophy.
Sources:
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/404
http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_
id=2384

8. Our Local Monument: Fylis Fort
• Fylis Fort stands 8 km
from our school on the
south side of Mount
Parnitha which overlooks
Athens.
• We don’t know the exact
date of construction of
the fort. However, we do
know that it was quite
important in the 6th
century BC.

9. Aspects of Fylis Fort