Parthenon in Athens. Who has not heard of him? It is clear that it is a symbol of modern Greece and its capital, and for centuries was perceived and continues to be perceived as a standard of beauty, one of the best incarnations of ancient culture. But what else do we know about this architectural monument? Let us try to briefly summarize the known facts.
Location
The Parthenon is located in Athens. It was erected on a high (156 meters) hill with a gentle top, located in the city center - the Acropolis. Acropolis is a concept from ancient Greek history. Like our ancestors, the Slavs, the inhabitants of Ancient Hellas, the most important part of their cities were located on the hills and strengthened. Behind the fortress wall was the ruler’s palace, most of the temples and many sculptures dedicated to the patron gods. The Slavs called their fortified city Detinets, later the Kremlin, and the Greeks - the acropolis. On the Acropolis of Athens is not only the Parthenon, but also other structures of various eras.
Build time
The Parthenon in Athens was built for about 10 years, from 446 to 438 BC. Then, for another 6 years, the sculptural decoration of the building continued. Athens at that time was not just a settlement, but a city-state. Pericles is the rule of this mini-state - a man who became famous for his oratory and military leadership and became the founder of democracy. During his reign, Athens was decorated with unusual temples, altars, sculptures.
What is the Parthenon in Athens?
This is a temple dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess Athena. One of the definitions of Zeus's daughter was “Parthenos” - “virgin, virgin”, therefore the Parthenon is the place of worship of Athena-Virgin. Interestingly, over the years of its existence, he managed to visit not only the ancient sanctuary, but also the Christian Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary (VI-XII centuries), and the Catholic church (XIII-XIV centuries), and the Muslim mosque (XV-XVII centuries).
Construction history
The construction of the temple was supervised by the remarkable ancient Greek sculptor Phidias. Modern researchers have found that the perfection of the structure is due to the exact observance of the famous rule of "divine proportion", in which the ratio of certain parts of the whole is expressed by a constant value, the "golden ratio".
To make the Parthenon look harmonious, the Acropolis was enlarged, a powerful embankment was built. Between the length of the temple and the sections of the hill in front of and behind the Parthenon there were relations of golden proportion. The building was erected from white marble, trimmed with copper, ivory, ebony, cypress. The Parthenon in Athens has become a truly national temple - the creation of masters of clay products, carpenters, braziers, stone masons, painters, enamel painters, engravers. According to legend, when one of the donkeys, who drove stones to the Acropolis, became completely decrepit and was relieved of daily duties, he continued to come “to work” to the Parthenon every morning.
The construction turned out to be very expensive. But when Pericles invited the citizens to take all the expenses into their account (and write their name on the building), the inhabitants of Athens refused, and financing was carried out by the forces of society.
Sunset
The famous temple was the religious center of the city for 17 centuries. But in 1687, by order of the Swedish general Koenigsmark, the Venetians destroyed the Parthenon. Athens was defeated, killing hundreds of women and children. Unfortunately, the temple suffered quite significantly and in subsequent years could no longer fulfill its functions. Until the middle of the 19th century, people (both Greeks and foreigners) mercilessly pulled apart the collapsing walls and fragments of statues, and outstanding works of art were exported abroad.
The building was built over 10 years and for almost two centuries they have been trying to restore. If you are lucky enough to visit Greece, be sure to go on a tour “Athens: Acropolis. Parthenon ”to see firsthand one of the greatest monuments of antiquity.