(Caption: View of Athens from the hike to the Acropolis. Photographed by: Sophia LaFrance)
For anyone who has been infatuated with Greek mythology and history growing up, Athens has always been a city that I have wanted to visit. Not only is Athens the capital of Greece, but also the epicenter of the Ancient Greek world. The city has a rich history spanning for over 3,400 years and human presence starting somewhere between the 11th and 7th century BC. One of the main attractions within the city is the Acropolis. Often, people have tour guides walk them through the ruins.
The word “Acropolis” derives from the two Greek words, “ἄκρον” (highest point) and “πόλις” (city). So, if you are planning on going to see the Acropolis upfront, be prepared to do a lot of walking and hiking because the ruins are on top of a high mountain. The construction of the Acropolis began around the 5th century under the Greek statesman, Pericles; some of the most prominent buildings constructed there include the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
(Caption: the side of the Parthenon in Athens. Photographed by: Sophia LaFrance)
The Parthenon is an ancient former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. This classical architectural masterpiece was built during the zenith of the Athenian Empire’s power (438 BC). This is by far the most important building of Classical Greece. To this day, the Parthenon is a symbol of Western Civilization, Ancient Greece, and Athenian Democracy. While this building was a temple dedicated to its patron goddess, Athena, it was primarily used as a treasury for the city. However, in the sixth century AD, the temple was converted to a Christian Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The Propylaea is essentially the word for any Greek gateway. Because the Acropolis in Athens was so prominent, essentially any building within the Acropolis became the coined as the most important of them all. Like the Parthenon, the construction of the Propylaea was also under the direction of Pericles. The building of the Propylaea began in 437 BC; however it was never fully completed. While the Propylaea was the gateway into the Acropolis, it was neither designed nor built as a fortified structure. In Ancient Greece, those who wished to enter the Acropolis had to be ritually cleansed before entering the Propylaea.
(Caption: The back side of the Propylaea at the Acropolis in Athens. Photographed by: Sophia LaFrance)
The Erechtheion sits on the north side of the Acropolis and was used as a temple to worship both Athena and Poseidon. The ruins we see today date back to its construction between 421 and 406 BC. The name of the temple derives from the archaic king, Erichthonius. One unique aspect about this temple are the sculptures of the young women priestesses serving as pillars on one of the sides of the temple. In ancient Athens, it was considered a high honor to have a son or daughter serve in the temple.
(Caption: Side view of the Erechtheum at the Acropolis. Photographed by: Sophia LaFrance)
The Temple of Athena Nike was built around 420 BC and was positioned prominently on the south west side of the Acropolis. The Greeks used this temple to worship their patron goddess, Athena. In Greek, the word “Nike” means “Victory” and Athena was the goddess of War, Victory, and Wisdom.
(Caption: the side view of the Erechtheum at the Aropolis and the Olive Tree of Athena. Photographed by:Sophia LaFrance)
Anyone who has been there, whether it has been for a few days or a week, agrees that the Acropolis is the main and most important attraction to see in the city. One important thing to note is that a lot of the actual sculptures and original designs of the Acropolis are in the Acropolis Museum; so be sure to go there while you are in Athens as well.
