The Parthenon

The Parthenon was built in the 5th century BC and is a temple built for the Greek Goddess Athena. There are parts within the temple that are known for being the high point of the Greek arts. Today, the temple is under major construction and the temple that stands is a replacement of a previous temple that once stood in the same spot. The original temple was destroyed during the Persian invasion in 480 BC.

As with most temples, the Parthenon was used in the traditional manner of the Greek culture and was used as a treasury. In the 6th century, the temple went from the traditional treasury to being used as a Christian church. It was only used for a church for a short time, until it was used for a ammunition dump that was later blown up in battle. Many of the sculptures inside were destroyed and the remaining sculptures were sold to a museum in London. Today, the Greek government has tried, with no success as of yet, to get the sculptures returned to their country. Much like the sculptures, the building itself is a work of art with slight curves throughout the building, not only adding to its presence, but helping to shed rain water off the temple.

The Parthenon has barely stood the test of time and has being used for almost everything imaginable. The history the building holds within its remaining standing walls could fill more than two text books. The Parthenon has earned the right to be rebuilt not only to preserve it’s history, but also the Greek culture. It is a building known all over the world and in Nashville, Tennessee there stands a full scale replica.