Download The Acropolis, a fortified citadel built atop a

The Acropolis
The Acropolis, or fortified hilltop, was built atop a massive limestone hill
and dominates the city of Athens, Greece. The Acropolis contains some of
the world's most famous structures built in the classical architectural style.
These buildings include:
 The Parthenon
 The Propylaea
 The Athena Nike Temple
They were constructed during the Golden Age of Athens under the rule of
the famous Athenian statesman Pericles. Pericles’ goal was to have the
greatest Greek artists and architects create magnificent sculptures and
buildings to glorify Athens.
The Acropolis in Athens (As it stands today)
Map of the Acropolis of Athens
The Parthenon
The Parthenon is the
largest building on top of
the Acropolis. It was a
temple dedicated to
Athena Parthenos, the
goddess of wisdom and
patron goddess of Athens.
It was completely made
out of marble.
The Parthenon is the most
important and
characteristic monument
of the ancient Greek
civilization and still
remains its international
symbol.
The central part of the
temple contained the famous statue of Athena. Although the statue is no longer there, it
once stood over 30 feet tall and was made of precious materials including gold and
ivory.
The two pediments of the temple are decorated with mythological scenes: the east,
above the building's main entrance, shows the birth of Athena, and the west, the fight
between Athena and Poseidon for the name of the city of Athens.
The Propylaea
The Propylaea is the monumental gateway that serves as the entrance to the Acropolis in
Athens. The word propylaia is the prefix pro (before or in front of) plus the plural of the
Greek pylon or pylaion (gate), meaning literally that which is before the gates, but the
word has come to mean simply gate building. It may have been topped with a statue or
symbol, likely of Athena.
The Athena Nike Temple
The temple of Athena Nike, also known as Athena of Victory, sits southwest of the
Propylaea. Made completely of marble, its small size was compensated for in its
position, resting on a rocky outcrop, purposely positioned so the Athenian people could
worship the goddess of victory in hope of prosperous outcomes in the war's endeavors.
The decision to build Athena Nike was an expression of Athens's ambitions to be a world
power as opposed to Persia.
(As a result of the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta in 431 BC,
the Propylaea was never completed. Not only are the eastern wings missing, the wall surfaces
were not trimmed to their finished shapes, and lifting bosses remain on many blocks.) – use as
set on Monday – Peloponnesian War
Also bring up on Monday – other city states angry b/c used Delian League money to fund
flourishing