Acropolis, Athens - Revision history

Irlandos: /* The Dark Ages */

2023-01-28T14:53:05Z

The Dark Ages

Irlandos: /* The Periclean building program */

2006-02-04T09:58:42Z

The Periclean building program

Irlandos: /* Early human presence */

2006-02-04T09:43:43Z

Early human presence

Irlandos: /* Early human presence */

2006-02-04T09:10:49Z

Early human presence

Irlandos at 19:13, January 27, 2006

2006-01-27T19:13:25Z

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The '''Acropolis of Athens''' is the best known [[acropolis]] (high city) in [[Greece]]. Although there are many other acropoleis in Greece, the significance of the Acropolis of Athens such that it is commonly known as '''The Acropolis''' without qualification. The Acropolis is a flat-topped rock which rises 150 metres (512 feet) above sea level in the city of [[Athens]], [[Greece]]. It was also known as '''Cecropia''' in honor of the legendary serpent-man, Kekrops or [[Cecrops]], the first Athenian king.

==Geology of the rock==

The Acropolis rises sharply from the plain of [[Attica]] with steep cliffs on three sides. It is accessible by foot only to the west, where it is linked by a low ridge to the hill of the [[Areopagus]]. It is formed by a layer of blue-grey limestone, which is very hard but water-permeable. This rests on a layer of schist-sandstone marl, softer than the limestone but water-impermeable. This arrangement leads to the ready formation of artesian springs, as well as sheltered caves at the hill's feet, which was also a factor that attracted human habitation on and around the rock from early on.

==Early human presence==

The earliest artefacts from the area point to the Middle Neolithic era, although there have been documented habitations in Attica from the Early Neolithic ([[6000 BCE]]). Once into the Bronze Age, there is little doubt that a [[Mycenaean]] megaron must have stood on top of the hill, housing the local potentate and his household, guards, the local cult facilities and a number of workshops and ordinary habitations. The compound was surrounded by a thick [[Cyclopean]] circuit wall (between 4.50 and 6onsisting of two [[parapet]]s built with large stone blocks and cemented with an earth mortar called ''emplekton''. The wall follows typical Mycenaean convention in that its gate was arranged obliquely, with a parapet and tower overhanging the incomers' right-hand side, thus facilitating defense. There were two lesser approaches up the hill on its north side, consisting of steep, narrow flights of steps cut in the rock. [[Homer]] must refer to this state of affairs when he mentions the "strong-built House of [[Erechtheus]]" ([[Odyssey]] 7.81). It was during that time that an earthquake caused a fissure near the northeastern edge, one that ran all the way down to the marl layer and in which water duly collected. An elaborate set of stairs was built and the well was used as a protected source of drinking water during some portion of the Mycenaean period, as it was invaluable in times of siege.

==The Dark Ages==

It seems that the Acropolis might have been spared of the violent destruction of other Mycenaean palaces, as there are no signs of fire or other large-scale destruction in what few artefacts of that time survive. This ties with the standard Athenian folklore that the area resisted the Dorians successfully. Not much is known as to the precise state of building on the rock leading up to the archaic era, except that the Acropolis was taken over by [[Cylon (ancient Athenian)|Kylon]] in the Kylonian revolt, and twice by [[Pisistratus]]: all attempts directed at seizing political power by ''[[coup]]s d' etat''. Nevertheless it seems that a nine-gate wall, the ''Enneapylon'', had been built around the biggest water spring, the "[[Clepsydra]]", at the northwestern foot. It was [[Pisistratus]] who initially established a precinct for [[Artemis]] ''Brauronia'', the cult of his hometown, [[Brauron]], on the southwestern side of the rock, next to the circuit wall.

==Archaic Acropolis==

It is known with some certainty that a sizeable temple sacred to Athena Polias (Protectress of the City) was erected by mid-[[6th century BC]]. This Doric limestone building, from which many relics survive, is referred to as the "Bluebeard" temple, named after the pedimental three-bodied man-serpent sculpture, whose beards were painted dark blue. Whether this temple replaced an older one, or a mere sacred precinct or altar, is not known. In the late [[6th century BC]] yet another temple was built, usually referred to as the ''Archaios Naos'' (Old Temple). It is thought that the so-called ''Doerpfeld'' foundations might have belonged to this temple, which may have been sacred not to Polias but to Athena ''Parthenos'' (Virgin), at least for as long as the Polias "Bluebeard" temple stood. It is not known how long these temples coexisted. To confuse matters further, by the time the "Bluebeard" Temple had been dismantled, a yet newer and grander marble building, the "Older Parthenon", was started following the victory at [[Battle of Marathon|Marathon]] in 490 BCE. To accommodate it, the south part of the summit was cleared of older remnants, made level by adding some 8,000 two-ton blocks of [[Piraeus]] limestone, a foundation 11 meters deep at some points, and the rest filled with earth kept in place by the retaining wall. The Mycenaean gate was demolished and replaced with the ''Old Propylon'', a monumental colonnaded structure whose purpose was strictly ceremonial, rather than defensive. The Older Parthenon was caught unfinished by the invading Persians in [[480 BCE]], and was razed to the ground and burnt, along with the ''Archaios Neos'' and practically everything else on the rock. Once the [[Persian Wars]] were over, the Athenians put the place in order, first ceremonially burying objects of worship and art that were rendered unsuitable for further use. This "[[Perserschutt|Persian debris]]" is the richest archaeological treasure excavated on the Acropolis, as its burial had protected it from further destruction through the ages.

==The Periclean building program==

Most of the major temples were rebuilt under the leadership of [[Pericles]] during the [[Golden Age]] of Athens (460–430 BC). [[Phidias]], a great Athenian sculptor, and [[Ictinus]] and [[Callicrates]], two famous architects, were responsible for the reconstruction.

During the [[5th century BC]], the acropolis gained its final shape. After winning at [[Battle of the Eurymedon|Eurymedon]] in [[468 BC]], [[Cimon]] and [[Themistocles]] ordered the reconstruction of southern and northern walls, and [[Pericles]] entrusted the building of the [[Parthenon]] to Ictinus and [[Phidias]]. In [[437 BC]] [[Mnesicles]] started building the [[Propylaea]], monumental gates with columns of [[Penteli]] [[marble]], partly built upon the old propylaea of Pisistratus. These colonnades were almost finished in the year [[432 BC]] and had two wings, the northern one serving as picture gallery. At the same time, south of the propylaea, the building of the small Ionic temple of [[Athena Nike]] started. After an interruption caused by the [[Peloponnesian War]], the temple was finished in the time of [[Nicias]]' peace, between [[421 BC]] and [[415 BC]].

At the same period they started the building of the [[Erechtheum]], a combination of sacred precincts including the temples of ''Athena Polias'', [[Poseidon]], Erechtheus, Cecrops, Erse, Pandrosos and Aglauros, with its so-called the ''Kore Porch'' (or ''[[Caryatid]]s' balcony''). Between the temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon there was the [[temenos]] of [[Artemis]] Brauronia, the goddess represented as a bear and worshipped in the [[deme]] of Brauron. The archaic ''xoanon'' of the goddess and a statue made by [[Praxiteles]] in the [[4th century BC]] were both in the sanctuary. Behind the Propylaea, Phidias' gigantic bronze statue of ''[[Athena Promachos]]'' ("she who fights in the front line"), built between [[450 BC]] and [[448 BC]], dominated the ensemble. The base was 1.50 meters high, while the total height of the statue was 9 meters. The goddess held a lance whose gilt tip could be seen as a reflection by crews on ships rounding Cape [[Sounion]], and a giant shield on the left side, decorated by [[Mys]] with images of the fight between the [[Centaur]]s and the [[Lapiths]]. Other monuments that have left almost nothing visible to the present day are the [[Chalcotheke]], the [[Pandroseion]], [[Pandion's sanctuary]], Athena's altar, Zeus Polieus's sanctuary and, from Roman times on, the circular temple of Augustus and Rome.

== Cultural significance ==

Every four years the Athenians held a festival called the [[Panathenaea]] that rivalled the [[Olympic Games]] in popularity. During the festival, a procession moved through Athens up to the Acropolis and into the [[Parthenon]] (as depicted in the frieze on the inside of the Parthenon). There, a vast robe of woven wool (''peplos'') was ceremoniously placed on Phidias' massive ivory and gold statue of [[Athena]].

== Art and architecture ==

The entrance to the Acropolis was a monumental gateway called the [[Propylaea]]. At the near right of the Propylaea is the tiny [[Temple of Athena Nike]]. A bronze statue of Athena, sculpted by [[Phidias]], originally stood at its center. At the center of the acropolis is the [[Parthenon]] or Temple of Athena Parthenos (Athena the Virgin). To the left of the Propylaea is the [[Erechtheum]] with columns known as caryatids sculpted as figures of women . There is also the remains of an outdoor theater called [[Theatre of Dionysus]].

== External links ==

* [http://www.culture.gr/2/21/211/21101a/e211aa01.html The Acropolis of Athens] (Greek Government website)
* [http://www.athensguide.gr/pop/acropolis.html A Historical Account of the Acropolis]
* [http://www.greece-athens.com/place.php?id=1 The Acropolis of Athens] (Athens guide)
* [http://ysma.culture.gr/english/index.html The Acropolis Restoration Project] (Greek Government website)
* [http://culture.gr/6/68/682/ The Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles]
* [http://parthenon2004.com/ Parthenon 2004 - The Campaign to Return the Parthenon Marbles to Athens]
* [http://marblesreunited.com/ Marbles Reunited]
* [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/404 UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Acropolis, Athens]
* [http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=37.971421,23.726166&spn=0.009499,0.012700&t=k&hl=en Google Maps link]
* [http://asclepieion.mpl.uoa.gr/Parko/slides/images/Acropolis%20and%20Asklepieion%20artist%20reconstruction%20.gif Reconstruction of the ancient Acropolis]
* [http://www.tolomeus.net/atene/acropoli.html Greece, Athens, Acropolis] Virtual Tour with map and compass effect by Tolomeus (english)

{{Credit wikipedia}}

[[Category:Buildings and structures in Athens]]
[[Category:Ancient Greece]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in Greece]]
[[Category:Athens]]

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 ==Early human presence==
-The earliest artefacts from the area point to the Middle Neolithic era, although there have been documented habitations in Attica from the Early Neolithic ([[6000 BCE]]).  Once into the Bronze Age, there is little doubt that a [[Mycenaean]] megaron must have stood on top of the hill, housing the local potentate and his household, guards, the local cult facilities and a number of workshops and ordinary habitations.  The compound was surrounded by a thick [[Cyclopean]] circuit wall (between 4.50 and 6 metres) consisting of two parapets built with large stone blocks and cemented with an earth mortar called ''emplekton''.  The wall follows typical Mycenaean convention in that its gate was arranged obliquely, with a parapet and tower overhanging the incomers' right-hand side, thus facilitating defense.  There were two lesser approaches up the hill on its north side, consisting of steep, narrow flights of steps cut in the rock.  [[Homer]] must refer to this state of affairs when he mentions the "strong-built House of [[Erechtheus]]" ([[Odyssey]] 7.81).  It was during that time that an earthquake caused a fissure near the northeastern edge, one that ran all the way down to the marl layer and in which water duly collected.  An elaborate set of stairs was built and the well was used as a protected source of drinking water during some portion of the Mycenaean period, as it was invaluable in times of siege.
+The earliest artefacts from the area point to the Middle Neolithic era, although there have been documented habitations in Attica from the Early Neolithic ([[6000 BC]]).  Once into the Bronze Age, there is little doubt that a [[Mycenaean]] megaron must have stood on top of the hill, housing the local potentate and his household, guards, the local cult facilities and a number of workshops and ordinary habitations.  The compound was surrounded by a thick [[Cyclopean]] circuit wall (between 4.50 and 6 metres) consisting of two parapets built with large stone blocks and cemented with an earth mortar called ''emplekton''.  The wall follows typical Mycenaean convention in that its gate was arranged obliquely, with a parapet and tower overhanging the incomers' right-hand side, thus facilitating defense.  There were two lesser approaches up the hill on its north side, consisting of steep, narrow flights of steps cut in the rock.  [[Homer]] must refer to this state of affairs when he mentions the "strong-built House of [[Erechtheus]]" ([[Odyssey]] 7.81).  It was during that time that an earthquake caused a fissure near the northeastern edge, one that ran all the way down to the marl layer and in which water duly collected.  An elaborate set of stairs was built and the well was used as a protected source of drinking water during some portion of the Mycenaean period, as it was invaluable in times of siege.
 ==The Dark Ages==

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 ==The Dark Ages==
-It seems that the Acropolis might have been spared of the violent destruction of other Mycenaean palaces, as there are no signs of fire or other large-scale destruction in what few artefacts of that time survive.  This ties with the standard Athenian folklore that the area resisted the Dorians successfully.  Not much is known as to the precise state of building on the rock leading up to the archaic era, except that the Acropolis was taken over by [[Cylon (ancient Athenian)|Kylon]] in the Kylonian revolt, and twice by [[Pisistratus]]: all attempts directed at seizing political power by ''[[coup]]s d' etat''.  Nevertheless it seems that a nine-gate wall, the ''Enneapylon'', had been built around the biggest water spring, the "[[Clepsydra]]", at the northwestern foot.  It was [[Pisistratus]] who initially established a precinct for [[Artemis]] ''Brauronia'', the cult of his hometown, [[Brauron]], on the southwestern side of the rock, next to the circuit wall.
+It seems that the Acropolis might have been spared of the violent destruction of other Mycenaean palaces, as there are no signs of fire or other large-scale destruction in what few artefacts of that time survive.  This ties with the standard Athenian folklore that the area resisted the Dorians successfully.  Not much is known as to the precise state of building on the rock leading up to the archaic era, except that the Acropolis was taken over by [[Cylon (ancient Athenian)|Kylon]] in the Kylonian revolt, and twice by [[Pisistratus]]: all attempts directed at seizing political power by ''coups d' etat''.  Nevertheless it seems that a nine-gate wall, the ''Enneapylon'', had been built around the biggest water spring, the "[[Clepsydra]]", at the northwestern foot.  It was [[Pisistratus]] who initially established a precinct for [[Artemis]] ''Brauronia'', the cult of his hometown, [[Brauron]], on the southwestern side of the rock, next to the circuit wall.
 ==Archaic Acropolis==

@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 Most of the major temples were rebuilt under the leadership of [[Pericles]] during the [[Golden Age]] of Athens (460–430 BC). [[Phidias]], a great Athenian sculptor, and [[Ictinus]] and [[Callicrates]], two famous architects, were responsible for the reconstruction.
-During the [[5th century BC]], the acropolis gained its final shape. After winning at [[Battle of the Eurymedon|Eurymedon]] in [[468 BC]], [[Cimon]] and [[Themistocles]] ordered the reconstruction of southern and northern walls, and [[Pericles]] entrusted the building of the [[Parthenon]] to Ictinus and [[Phidias]].  In [[437 BC]] [[Mnesicles]] started building the [[Propylaea]], monumental gates with columns of [[Penteli]] [[marble]], partly built upon the old propylaea of Pisistratus.  These colonnades were almost finished in the year [[432 BC]] and had two wings, the northern one serving as picture gallery.  At the same time, south of the propylaea, the building of the small Ionic temple of [[Athena Nike]] started.  After an interruption caused by the [[Peloponnesian War]], the temple was finished in the time of [[Nicias]]' peace, between [[421 BC]] and [[415 BC]].
+During the [[5th century BC]], the acropolis gained its final shape. After winning at [[Battle of the Eurymedon|Eurymedon]] in [[468 BC]], [[Cimon]] and [[Themistocles]] ordered the reconstruction of southern and northern walls, and [[Pericles]] entrusted the building of the [[Parthenon]] to Ictinus and [[Phidias]].  In [[437 BC]] [[Mnesicles]] started building the [[Propylaea]], monumental gates with columns of [[Penteli]] marble, partly built upon the old propylaea of Pisistratus.  These colonnades were almost finished in the year [[432 BC]] and had two wings, the northern one serving as picture gallery.  At the same time, south of the propylaea, the building of the small Ionic temple of [[Athena Nike]] started.  After an interruption caused by the [[Peloponnesian War]], the temple was finished in the time of [[Nicias]]' peace, between [[421 BC]] and [[415 BC]].
 At the same period they started the building of the [[Erechtheum]], a combination of sacred precincts including the temples of ''Athena Polias'', [[Poseidon]], Erechtheus, Cecrops, Erse, Pandrosos and Aglauros, with its so-called the ''Kore Porch'' (or ''[[Caryatid]]s' balcony''). Between the temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon there was the [[temenos]] of [[Artemis]] Brauronia, the goddess represented as a bear and worshipped in the [[deme]] of Brauron.  The archaic ''xoanon'' of the goddess and a statue made by [[Praxiteles]] in the [[4th century BC]] were both in the sanctuary.  Behind the Propylaea, Phidias' gigantic bronze statue of ''[[Athena Promachos]]'' ("she who fights in the front line"), built between [[450 BC]] and [[448 BC]], dominated the ensemble.  The base was 1.50 meters high, while the total height of the statue was 9 meters.  The goddess held a lance whose gilt tip could be seen as a reflection by crews on ships rounding Cape [[Sounion]], and a giant shield on the left side, decorated by [[Mys]] with images of the fight between the [[Centaur]]s and the [[Lapiths]]. Other monuments that have left almost nothing visible to the present day are the [[Chalcotheke]], the [[Pandroseion]], [[Pandion's sanctuary]], Athena's altar, Zeus Polieus's sanctuary and, from Roman times on, the circular temple of Augustus and Rome.