The Acropolis

Acropolis is a Greek word that translates to “the city on the edge.” In ancient times, people would build cities on hilltops so they could better defend themselves from their enemies. While there are many acropolises in Greece, the one in Athens is known as “the” Acropolis. It is built high on a hill overlooking the modern city. From there, you can see for miles. You can see ships coming into the Piraeus, the harbor of the city, and the Peloponnese Mountains in the far distance. Pericles, the builder of most of the Acropolis, completed the building in 438 BC after 15 years of construction.

The main building on the Acropolis is the Parthenon. This building was designed by architects Mnesicles, Kallikrates, and Iktinos to honor the goddess Athena. According to Greek myths, Athena was voted patroness of the city when she and Poseidon held a competition on the hill of the Acropolis. When Athena won, famed Greek sculptor Phidias created the colossal twelve meter high statue of the goddess that was kept in the Parthenon. Unfortunately, the original statue was destroyed in an ancient war. People today only know of its existence from copies that have been preserved.

The Parthenon is the most striking building on the Acropolis. It is a masterpiece of Doric architecture, with its massive pillars. The Acropolis still achieves the purpose for which Pericles built it: to honor the achievements of the Athenians. Never imagining it could be so magnificent, the visitor to the Acropolis is overwhelmed by its sheer immensity as it watches over the city of Athens.