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Sights under the Greek sun The Acropolis The ACROPOLIS The Acropolis of the 5th c. BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendour, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the Golden Age of Pericles. This fine sanctuary of ancient Athens was dedicated primarily to its patron, the *goddess Athena* and several famous buildings have been erected upon it. The Parthenon (447-438 BC), dedicated to Athena, is the most magnificent creation of Athenian democracy at the height of its power. Erechtheion with the famous Caryatides is an elegant building too. Palace of Knossos The Knossos Palace, built gradually between 1700 and 1400 BC, is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan culture. Beautiful frescoes decorate the walls of the palace; there are pictures of young male and female adults fishing or flower gathering as well as pictures of athletic feats. The palace has been suggested as the source of the myth of the Labyrinth where the Minotaur was held, a creature that was half man and half bull and who was eventually killed by Theseus. According to the myth, the talented Daedalus tried to escape the palace together with his son, Icarus, by fashioning wings of wax and feathers. Sadly, Icarus was so enchanted to be able to fly that he flew too near the sun; his wings melted and fell into the sea that now bears his name (the Icarian Sea). Tragedy / Comedy TRAGEDY This Ancient Greek art form was performed in honour of Dionysius, the god of wine and now of theatre. According to the philosopher Aristotle, tragedy is characterized by seriousness and dignity and involving a great person who experiences a reversal of fortune. Tragedy results in catharsis, that is, emotional cleansing, for the audience in response to the suffering of the characters in the drama. The three great writers of tragedy were Sophocles, Euripides and Aeschylus. COMEDY Comedies were performed in honour of Dionysius and according to Aristotle, this art form is a presentation of laughable people and involves some kind of blunder or ugliness which does not cause pain or disaster. Aristophanes, the most important dramatist, wrote plays characterized by pungent political satire. In this way he lampooned the most important personalities and institutions of his day. EPIDAURUS THEATRE Epidaurus theatre is located near Argos, Greece. It was built in the 4th century BC. This theatre delighted Pausanias, the Greek traveller and geographer, for its symmetry and beauty. Epidaurus theatre is still used for dramatic performances. It seats up to 15.000 people and it is marvelled for its exceptional acoustics. • THE HERODION THEATRE • The theatre of Herodes Atticus is part of the Acropolis in Athens. It was erected by Herodes in memory of his wife Regilla in 160 AD. It is semicircular and can seat around 5000 people. In summer people take pleasure in attending various plays, concerts and ballets. Delphi Delphi was revered throughout the Greek world as the centre of the Earth and the Universe. It was the major site for the worship of the god Apollo as well as the site of the Apollo oracle. The priestess of the oracle was known as Pythia. Apollo spoke through her and people consulted her on everything from important matters of public policy to personal affairs. Charioteer A statue of outstanding beauty is the Charioteer (the rein-holder) erected at Delphi in 474 BC to commemorate the victory of a chariot team in the Pythian Games, which were held every four years in honour of Apollo. It was originally part of a larger group of statuary, including the chariot, four horses and two grooms; it is worth noticing the intense gaze of the statue. When intact, this fine bronze work must have been imposing.