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Parthenon

Following the "Persian Wars," Athens ascended as a prominent power in the Greek realm. The Periclean-led Republic played a pivotal role in the city's construction. Virgin Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, held a central position among the city's deities, symbolizing War Victory, Peace, and Prosperity. The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, constructed between 447 and 438 BC, stands as the third oldest in position and a lasting icon of the classical era. It serves as the Ark of Western cultural values, embodying principles such as Democracy, Equality, Justice, and Dignity, foundational concepts originating from Greek thought. The Parthenon, a testament to Athens' wealth, culture, and glory, is a marvel of ancient Greek engineering and mathematical prowess. Despite its apparent straightness, a vertical line is a rarity, showcasing the complexity of the architectural design. Architects Iktinos and Kallikrates combined Doric and Ionic elements in their design. The temple comprises four main sections, with the opisthonaos leading to the opisdomos, the city treasury safeguarding funds of the sacred alliance. The pronaos, on the eastern entrance, grants access to the primary temple where a 12-meter statue of Athena, crafted by sculptor Pheidias, stood. The statue, made of golden ivory, featured Athena holding a winged victory in her right hand, while her left rested on a shield. Various intricate sculptures adorned the Parthenon: East Pediment: Illustrating the birth of Athena. West Pediment: Depicting the dispute between Athena and Poseidon for the city's sovereignty. Frieze: Scenes from the Panathenaic procession. Metopes: Rectangular slabs portraying mythological scenes tied to Athens' history, with the north side featuring the Trojan War, the west side depicting the Amazon battle, and the south side illustrating the centaur battle.

Dionisiou Areopagitou Str.

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