Did You Know?

Did you know that Athens is often referred to as the "Cradle of Western Civilization"? It is widely regarded as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and theater. Many influential thinkers, including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, lived and taught in Athens, shaping the foundations of Western thought.

Did you know that Athens is known for its vibrant street art scene? The city is adorned with colorful and creative murals, graffiti, and street installations. Artists from around the world contribute to the ever-changing urban art landscape, making Athens a haven for street art enthusiasts.

Did you know that Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world? Its recorded history spans over 3,400 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. Athens has been a significant center of civilization and culture since ancient times.

Did you know that Athens hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896? The Olympics were revived in Athens to celebrate the connection to the ancient Olympic Games held in Olympia, Greece. Today, the Olympic flame is still lit in Olympia and carried to the host city of each Olympic Games.

Did you know that the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in Athens? The Acropolis is an ancient citadel situated on a rocky outcrop above the city. It houses several iconic ancient Greek structures, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Propylaea. It is a symbol of Athens and a testament to its rich history.

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The Iconic Parthenon: A Timeless Testament Of Ancient Glory

The Iconic Parthenon in Athens, Greece - a well-preserved ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Athena located on the Acropolis hill.

It is agreed upon by historians and classicists the world over that the Parthenon, the original temple of tribute to the goddess Athena on the Acropolis, is the singularly most important building left standing (at least partially) from the time of Classical Greece. The Acropolis itself is a must-see for visitors to Athens, Greece, but time spent in the majestic shadow of the Parthenon is a step back into human civilization.

The Parthenon has suffered a long and often destructive history since it was first erected beginning in 447 BC, and completed in 432. Designed in the Doric style, the most simple and elegant of the three columnar varieties, the building was dedicated to Athens’ patron goddess and also used as the city treasury. From there, things went downhill.

As factions fought for possession of nations and riches, the city of Athens and its Parthenon changed hands a few times, and the Parthenon got in the middle of many a skirmish, resulting in significant damage. In 276 AD a band of Heruli pirates sacked parts of Athens, the Parthenon included. From its Pagan inception, it was for a time in roughly 500 AD a Christian Church. There were fires, including a substantial one that did extensive damage. By the mid-1400s the Ottomans had conquered Athens and usurped the Parthenon; it was now an Islamic temple. And in 1687, in its newest role as a munitions storehouse for the Ottomans, it was bombarded under siege by Venetians and the south end was wrecked. Then in the early 1800s, an English earl (Elgin) brought the Parthenon marbles (a vast collection of sculptures and friezes, then renamed the Elgin Marbles) to England, where they remain, currently housed in the British Museum; Greece wants them back.

Not only is the Parthenon an important building, it is controversial, and as of 2020, will be fully restored back to its original glory, albeit minus its original marbles. Visitors still view the building, despite it having been clad in repair scaffolds for many decades.