For centuries, they helped give birth to Western culture as we now know it.
From law and politics to athletics and architecture, the ancient Greeks have left an indelible mark on society.
And perhaps there’s no building that evokes ancient Greece more than theParthenon.
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Located on the Acropolis in Athens, the Parthenon was constructed at the peak of the Greek empire.
Built in the Classical architectural style, its proportions have been studied for centuries.
With so much history, there’s a lot to learn about this iconic piece of architecture.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Sven Hansche/Shutterstock
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Sven Hansche/Shutterstock
Its dedicated to a Greek goddess.
The Parthenon is dedicated to the patron saint of Athensthe goddessAthena.
A small shrine to the goddess has been excavated inside, located on the site of a previous sanctuary.
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Its not the first temple on this space.
The history of the Acropolis goes back much farther than the Parthenon itself.
This older temple was destroyed during the Persian war in 480 BCE while it was still under construction.
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Photo:Stock Photosfrom Mark Higgins/Shutterstock
For a time, it was used as a mosque.
As is typical of many ancient buildings, the Parthenon underwent several transformations during its long history.
Some of its greatest treasures are located in London.
Photo: Jordi Payà from Barcelona, Catalonia. Animated by Fallschirmjäger [CC BY-SA 2.0],via Wikimedia Commons
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Its name has an interesting origin.
The Parthenon’s name comes from the Greek word , which translates to unmarried women’s apartments.
Its not actually a temple.
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Traditionally, a temple would host a cult image of Athenathe patron saint.
Instead, the main cult image of Athena Polias is located in a different area of the Acropolis.
Photo: Jordi Paya from Barcelona, Catalonia.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Emily Goodwin/Shutterstock
Animated by Fallschirmjager [CC BY-SA 2.0],via Wikimedia Commons
It was originally quite colorful.
Its one of the finest examples of Greek architecture.
As one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Parthenon has come to exemplify Greek architecture.
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The base measures 228 feet by 101 feet and it is an incredible example of the Doric order.
This means that its columns have fluted shafts and simple capitals.
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It was bombed during the Great Turkish War.
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The war between the Ottoman Empire and an alliance known as the Holy League proved devastating for the Parthenon.
There is a full-scale replica in the United States.
You don’t have to go all the way to Greece to experience the Parthenon.
There’s a meticulously detailed replica located in Centennial Park, in Nashville, Tennessee.
