On Thursday, May 16th, we are visited the acropolis. The acropolis was formed in an era of good feelings. It was nearing the end of the fifth century and Greece had just established a democracy and defeated the Persians, making Athens a very strong force among the antient world. Art and knowledge were becoming increasingly popular during this time which led artists inspired by Pericles, a statesman, and constructed under the sculptor Phidias to turn the hill into the monument it is today. Phidias also built the statue the statue of Zeus at Olympia, one of the seven wonders of the world. Thousands of unskilled laborers worked under him in order to build the acropolis. The term “acropolis” itself refers to a citadel or building built on a high hill. It was built in honor of the goddess Athena and was meant to show off her glory to the entire world. Rising 490 feet and covering 7 acres, the acropolis certainly made a statement to the ancient world and continues to to this day. The acropolis is made up of four major constructs, including the Propylaia, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the temple of Athena Nike. While the Propylaia is the entranceway, the Parthenon is the major attraction. The acropolis became a center for Christian worship when Christianity rose. As the eras went on, the acropolis continued to go through many times of change including the byzantine empire, Turkish control, and the war of independence. All of these events had a major impact on the acropolis. Although it was never quite restored to its original splendor, it still shows the power and might of the Athenians in the ancient world.
