Out of the Hill:
Athens has always been one of my favorite destinations in Europe. It’s not just because it’s the cradle of Western civilization, but also because of its stunning ancient landmarks. Of the many in Athens, there’s only one that truly takes my breath away every time I see it: the Acropolis. The Acropolis is not just any landmark. It’s holds a magnificent legacy that has played a crucial role in shaping ancient Greek society. I’ll take you on a journey through the incredible history of the Acropolis in Athens and its significance to the world.
Into the Heart:
I first visited the Acropolis, as it was being built in the 5th century BC, on a rocky hill above Athens. It was a sacred place dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron deity of Athens. Countless temples and shrines adorned the Acropolis, but none were as renowned as the Parthenon. This temple, devoted to Athena Parthenos, the virgin goddess, was a marvel. Its construction was overseen by the skilled architects Ictinus and Callicrates, while the sculptor Phidias brought life and character to the stone. The Parthenon stands a simple reminder of the brilliance of the ancient Greeks, and unrivaled achievement in architecture and art.
Besides the Parthenon, the hill top was dotted with remarkable buildings all part of the Acropolis. The Propylaea served as the majestic entrance, while the Erechtheion stood honoring both Athena and Poseidon. The Erechtheion is particularly distinguishable on the acropolis and all of greece for its noticeable asymmetry. My personal favorite, I always enjoyed the Temple of Athena Nike, a small but significant shrine dedicated to the goddess of victory as well as the cities patron.
Walking around the the Acropolis your discover that it was not only a religious site. It was the heart of politics and social activities in ancient Athens. The Athenians organized various cultural events, religious festivals, and political assemblies right here on the Acropolis. I was fortunate to witness the grand Panathenaic festival, a significant event held every four years. It was warming to see the Athenians engage in athletic and musical competitions while presenting the new robe to the statue of Athena.
Sadly, over the years, we have witnessed the destruction of the Acropolis. In the 5th century BC, the Persians sacked and destroyed it. Throughout history, several rulers and conquerors, including the Romans and the Ottomans, damaged or destroyed some of the structures. Nevertheless, we have managed to restore and preserve the Acropolis several times over the years. The most extensive restoration took place in the 20th century, under my guidance as the architect Nikolaos Balanos, and with the help of the archaeologist Anastasios Orlandos.
The Acropolis:
The Acropolis holds a special place in my heart, not just for Athens but for our entire Western civilization. It’s incredible to think about the significant role it played in the social, political, cultural, and religious life of ancient Athens. See it, I couldn’t help but to behold the genius and creativity of the ancient Greeks. The dedication of the modern Greeks who have worked tirelessly to restore and preserve deserve the same reverence. To all those who built, and rebuilt, and maintain the once vibrant heart of the west, we admire you.
