Just Outside The Acropolis in Athens, Greece (Thu June 21, 2007)
Welcome to Athens, Greece: Home of the Acropolis and so much more!
Kalosórisma is how to say 'Welcome' in Greek.
The Acropolis of Athens is a historic citadel located on a rocky hill overlooking the city. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent symbol of ancient Greece. The Acropolis houses several iconic structures, most notably the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Key aspects of the Acropolis's history:
Early Settlement and Fortification:
People have inhabited the area around the Acropolis since Neolithic times. In the Bronze Age, it was fortified and became a royal residence and a place of worship.
Persian Wars Destruction:
The Acropolis, including its early temples, was damaged during the Persian invasions in the 5th century BC.
Pericles's Building Program:
After the Persian Wars, the statesman Pericles initiated a massive building program to reconstruct the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike.
Parthenon:
The Parthenon, a masterpiece of Doric architecture, was dedicated to Athena and is known for its intricate sculptures and friezes.
Later Transformations:
Over time, the Acropolis was adapted for different uses. It was converted into a Christian church, a Latin church, and later a mosque.
Venetian Bombardment:
A Venetian bombardment in 1687 caused significant damage, particularly to the Parthenon, which was being used as a powder magazine.
Elgin Marbles:
In the early 19th century, Lord Elgin removed many of the Parthenon's sculptures (the Elgin Marbles) and sold them to the British Museum.
Modern Era:
The Acropolis is now primarily an archaeological site and a major tourist attraction.
https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en