Acropolis of Athens Greece

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When you think about Athens, most likely the first image to come to mind is that of the Acropolis. The stunning rock defines the city and is the main attraction when it comes to things to do in Athens. The Acropolis in Athens is the most famous acropolis in Greece, and the entire world, for that matter. No trip to Greece would seem complete without at least a glance at the Acropolis and a visit to the site ranks high on any suggested Athens itinerary. The Acropolis of Athens is so identifiable with the country and continent that it prompted the European Cultural Heritage to list it as the primary monument on its list. Evidence shows that the Acropolis in Athens was of great importance to all recorded groups who inhabited the city, and current archaeological investigations continue to reveal insights into the site’s past. 

In the Bronze Age, a wall constructed around the Acropolis by the Mycenaeans served to fortify the hill, and for centuries the wall remained as the primary line of defense for the Acropolis. Part of this wall remains today among the primary monuments built later. By the 8th century BC, the cult of Athena Polias erected their first temple on the Acropolis of Athens and housed a wooden statue of their goddess there. By the 6th century BC, the Panathenaic festival originated, becoming the city’s primary religious festival. During that time, Athens was experiencing a burst in architecture and sculpture, and a Doric temple in honor of Athena was built on the Acropolis. As the 6th century BC ended, another temple would join the Doric temple and the predecessor to the Parthenon would be started in 490 BC after Athenian victory over the Persians at Marathon. But Persian forces weren’t finished, and in 480 BC, they succeeded in capturing the city and setting fire to the Acropolis. Eventually, however the Athenians would regain control over the Persians, but the Acropolis would be left in a state of ruins. Enter Pericles. Pericles is the heralded statesman of Athens who made his name during the Golden Age of the great city. Pericles would firmly attach himself to Athenian affairs during this period and eventually become general of Athens. In 461 BC, Pericles fully established himself as the leader of the Athenian Empire until his death in 429 BC. Interested in promoting the arts and literature, Pericles would lead the initiative to rebuild the Acropolis in dramatic fashion. Some of the greatest artists, architects and sculptors of the day were hired to lend their skills to the Acropolis of Athens, and workers both Athenian and foreign earned a daily allowance of one drachma for their services. Most of the significant monuments found at the Acropolis today are credited to Pericles and his ambitious project, and they include the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaia and the Erechtheion. Four almost four centuries, further building on the Acropolis had all but ceased, until a small temple was built on the eastern side of the Parthenon to honor Augustus and Rome.