The Parthenon is a famous Greek landmark located in Athens, dedicated to the goddess Athena. It is an example of Doric style architecture and is visually interesting with white marble construction and various sculptures. The structure has faced damage and looting over time, including the removal of sculptures by Lord Elgin, which remain a subject of controversy. Restoration efforts are continuously underway due to high levels of smog and air pollution in Athens.
The Parthenon is a Greek landmark that is almost universally recognizable, thanks to its fame. It represents the pinnacle of Greek culture and a highlight of the culture of the ancient Mediterranean world. Located in Athens in the Acropolis complex on a high hill, the Parthenon dominates the city and this landmark is an extremely popular tourist spot. At night, the Parthenon and the Acropolis are illuminated in a light show that can be seen from many points around the city.
This rectangular structure was built in the 5th century BC by Callicrates and Ictino, and was designed to replace an older temple which had been located on the same site. The Parthenon or “Temple of the Virgin” was dedicated to the goddess Athena and included a massive sculpture of the goddess, along with numerous relief sculptures and friezes depicting a variety of scenes.
Architecture instructors covering the ancient world often use the Parthenon as an example of Doric style architecture. The columns surrounding the Parthenon are Doric in style, as are the decorative metopes mounted on the tops of the columns to create an ornamental border. This structure is also very visually interesting, with its white marble construction, large size and various sculptures.
Given the amount of looting and damage that occurred in this region of the world, it is remarkable that the Parthenon remained largely intact for most of its existence. It was briefly used as both a Christian church and a Muslim mosque, but contemporary discussions of the structure from these periods seem to suggest that it was still in excellent condition.
Unfortunately, in the 1600s, the Ottomans used the Parthenon as an ammunition depot, which wouldn’t have been a big deal, except that the building was hit by a shell, causing an explosion and subsequent damage. The Parthenon was further damaged in the 1800s when many of the sculptures were removed by Lord Elgin, who received permission from the Ottomans. The Elgin Marbles, as these sculptures have been called, continue to be a subject of controversy, with Greeks demanding they be returned and the British keeping them as one of the British Museum’s star attractions.
The Parthenon continues to face threats from high level smog and air pollution in Athens. Many of the remaining columns and sculptures have been damaged and restoration efforts are continuously underway to save this precious cultural icon. The Greek government remains very much the owner of the Parthenon, preferring to use its own experts in the restoration.
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