Acropolis

Acropolis means 'Sacred Rock' and was a term given to the high strong holds of cities in the ancient world
Although many cities have an acropolis, most people associate the term with this most famous one
In this view we can see the Parthenon dominating the view in the center, on the bottom left is the
theather known as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The hill in the background is Lykavittos Hill
Above the Odeon on the left is the entrance to the Acropolis known as the Propylaea

On the way up to the entrance, these two stand alone Corinthian columns can be seen
Monuments were erected on these columns to celebrate winners of Drama contests

This is a section of the Propylea, which means simply gate building.
Built around 435 BC it was never completely finished

This is the view from the top down to the Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus
Located on the southern cliff face of the arcopolis, it was the first stone theater ever built

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is also located on the southern slope
Built in 161 AD it was 3 stories high with a wooden roof and could seat 5000 people

The parthenon. One of the greatest buildings in history
Work began in 447 BC and was completed in 431 BC
This picture shows the West facade of the building

A closeup of the west facade
Much of the detail has been lost but some carvings can be seen in the second level

Sonya and John in front of the east side of the Parthenon

A close up of the long south side of the Parthenon
In 1687 the Parthenon was massively damaged by an explosion. In one of history's greatest acts of stupidity the Turks used the Parthenon as an ammunition dump which blew up during a bombardment by the Venetians. Curses on both their houses

This building is called the Erechtheon. It was constructed from 421 BC to 407 BC during the Peace of Nikias between Athens and Sparta during the disastrous Peloponnesian wars

This section is known as the Porch of the Caryatids with the famous six ladies holding up the roof

Another view of the Caryastids. All these are reproductions. "lord" Elgin stole one of the statues to Britain which is now in the British museum. The remaing five have been relocated to the Acropolis museum

A further out view showing the whole building complex.
This is all located on the north side of the Acropolis

A closeup showing some of the fine detail on the columns

This view of the Parthenon is taken from the near by hill of Philopappou

Enjoying the view from Philopappou hill

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