ACROPOLIS

The Acropolis of Athens stands as the most impressive and intact ancient Greek monumental complex still in existence today. It is located on a moderately high hill (156m) that rises within the Athens basin. The hill spans roughly 170 by 350m and is rocky and steep on all sides except the west, featuring a broad, nearly flat top. For over 3,300 years, strong fortification walls have encircled the Acropolis summit. The initial fortification wall was constructed in the 13th century BC, enclosing the residence of the local Mycenaean ruler. By the 8th century BC, the Acropolis gradually took on a religious significance with the introduction of the cult of Athena, Athens' patron deity. The sanctuary reached its zenith in the archaic period (mid-6th century to early 5th century BC). In the 5th century BC, the Athenians, emboldened by their victory over the Persians, embarked on an ambitious construction program led by the eminent statesman Perikles, which included numerous monuments such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaia, and the temple of Athena Nike. These monuments were crafted by an extraordinary group of architects (including Iktinos, Kallikrates, Mnesikles) and sculptors (like Pheidias, Alkamenes, Agorakritos), who transformed the rocky hill into a remarkable complex that marked the dawn of classical Greek thought and art. On this hill, Democracy, Philosophy, Theatre, Freedom of Expression, and Speech were born, laying the intellectual and spiritual groundwork for today's world and its values. The Acropolis' monuments, having endured nearly twenty-five centuries of wars, explosions, bombardments, fires, earthquakes, pillaging, interventions, and alterations, have adapted to various uses and the diverse civilizations, myths, and religions that have thrived in Greece over time. On the south slope of the Acropolis is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, built and re-built since ancient times and still used today for musical performances.

The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. In the second half of the fifth century bc, Athens, following the victory against the Persians and the establishment of democracy, took a leading position amongst the other city-states of the ancient world. In the age that followed, as thought and art flourished, an exceptional group of artists put into effect the ambitious plans of Athenian statesman Pericles and, under the inspired guidance of the sculptor Pheidias, transformed the rocky hill into a unique monument of thought and the arts.

The Erechtheion, situated on the Acropolis of Athens, holds great significance as a temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon, renowned for its unique architectural design and mythological significance. It contains several sacred objects and sites, such as Athena's olive tree and the tomb of the mythical King Cecrops. Its unusual layout and the Caryatids (female figures supporting the porch) contribute to its distinctiveness and iconic status in ancient Greek architecture. 

The Parthenon is an Ancient Greek temple in the Acropolis of Athens, dedicated to Athena Pallas or Parthenos (virgin). It is widely considered to be the pinnacle of Classical Greek architecture, and over the years it has become the trademark image of the entire civilization.

The classical Parthenon visible today was constructed between 447-432 BCE as the focal point of the Acropolis building complex.The temple’s main function was to shelter the monumental statue of Athena that was made by Pheidias out of gold and ivory.

The meticulous reconstruction of the Acropolis, particularly the Parthenon, involves using lasers and computer technology to identify and assess the scattered fragments to determine which original pieces can be reused in their original positions.