The Magnificent Parthenon in Athens

The Parthenon in Athens. Who has not heard of him? It is clear that it is a symbol of modern Greece and its capital, and over the centuries it has been 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 monument of architecture? Let's briefly summarize the known facts.

Location

The Parthenon is in Athens. It is erected on a high (156 meters) hill with a gentle top, located in the center of the city - the Acropolis. The Acropolis is a concept from ancient Greek history. Like our ancestors, the Slavs, the inhabitants of Ancient Greece, the most important part of their cities were located on the hills and fortified. Behind the fortress wall was the palace of the ruler, most of the temples and many sculptures dedicated to the patron gods. The Slavs called their fortress city a child, later a Kremlin, and the Greeks an acropolis. At the Acropolis of Athens is not only the Parthenon, but also other buildings of different eras.

Build time

Parthenon in Athens was built about 10 years, from 446 to 438 years BC. Then, for 6 more years, the sculptural decoration of the building continued. At this time, Athens was not just a settlement, but a city-state. Rules of this mini-state Pericles - a man who became famous for his oratorical and military skills and became the founder of democracy. During his reign, Athens was decorated with unusual temples, altars, sculptures.

What is the Parthenon in Athens?

It is a temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena. One of the definitions of the daughter of Zeus was "Parthenos" - "a virgin, a virgin", therefore the Parthenon is a place of worship for Athena-Virgo. It is interesting that 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 century), the Catholic Church (XIII-XIV century), and the Moslem mosque (XV-XVII century).

History of construction

The work on the construction of the temple was led by a 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 the Parthenon looked harmonious, the Acropolis was enlarged, a powerful mound was built. Between the length of the temple and the parts of the hill in front of and behind the Parthenon there were relations of golden proportions. We erected a structure of white marble, trimmed with copper, ivory, ebony, cypress. The Parthenon in Athens became a truly popular temple - the creation of masters of clay products, carpenters, copper workers, stonemasons, painters, enamelers, engravers. According to legend, when one of the donkeys, who drove the stones to the Acropolis, completely senile and was relieved of daily duties, he continued to "work" every morning to the Parthenon.

Construction was very expensive. But when Pericles suggested that citizens take all the expenses on their account (and write their name on the building), the residents of Athens refused, and the funding was provided by the forces of the society.

Sunset

The famous temple was the religious center of the city for 17 centuries. But in 1687, on the orders of the Swedish General Konigsmarck, the Venetians destroyed the Parthenon. Athens was defeated, hundreds of women and children were killed. Unfortunately, the temple suffered quite significantly and in subsequent years could no longer perform its functions. Until the middle of the XIX century, people (both Greeks and foreigners) mercilessly pulled apart the walls and fragments of the statues that were being demolished, outstanding works of art were exported abroad.

The building was built for 10 years and is now almost two centuries trying to restore. If you are lucky enough to go to Greece, be sure to go on an excursion "Athens: Acropolis. Parthenon "to see one of the greatest monuments of antiquity.