Who built the Parthenon and why?
The celebrated Greek statesman Pericles is credited with ordering the design and construction of the Parthenon as a temple for Athena—the goddess of wisdom, arts, literature and war—but it may not have been the first attempt to house the deity.
When and why was the Parthenon built?
The Parthenon was built in thanksgiving for the Hellenic victory over Persian invaders during the Greco-Persian Wars. Like most Greek temples, the Parthenon also served as the city treasury. Construction started in 447 BC when the Delian League was at the peak of its power.
Why did they build the Parthenon for Athena?
After the Victory of Marathon in 490 BC, Pericles wanted to celebrate the victory over the Persians and the political, economic and cultural primacy of Athens. For this reason the reconstruction of the Acropolis began and the city began to build on the Acropolis a temple for Athena: the Parthenon itself.
Who built the Parthenon?
The Gloriously Deviant Parthenon
Construction of the Parthenon began in 447 B.C. Its design is credited to two architects, Ictinus and Callicrates, as well as the sculptor Phidias.
What God was the Parthenon built for?
goddess Athena Parthenos
The Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens was built between 447 and 438 BC as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos.
For what purpose was the Greek Parthenon built?
The celebrated Greek statesman Pericles is credited with ordering the design and construction of the Parthenon as a temple for Athena—the goddess of wisdom, arts, literature and war—but it may not have been the first attempt to house the deity.
Why was Parthenon so important?
The Parthenon is often regarded as a monument to democracy, which was founded in Athens during this period, as well as a tribute to the Athenians' victory in the Greco-Persian Wars (492–449 BCE).
Why is the Parthenon so destroyed?
In 1687, during the siege of the Acropolis by the troops of Venetian general Francesco Morosini a cannoball made a direct hit in the interior of the temple, which the Turks used as powder magazine. The terrible explosion blew up the roof and destroyed the long sides of the temple as well as parts of its sculptures.
Why is the Parthenon so important?
The Parthenon is often regarded as a monument to democracy, which was founded in Athens during this period, as well as a tribute to the Athenians' victory in the Greco-Persian Wars (492–449 BCE).
Why was Parthenon destroyed?
In 1687, during the siege of the Acropolis by the troops of Venetian general Francesco Morosini a cannoball made a direct hit in the interior of the temple, which the Turks used as powder magazine. The terrible explosion blew up the roof and destroyed the long sides of the temple as well as parts of its sculptures.
Why is the Parthenon so special?
The Parthenon is often regarded as a monument to democracy, which was founded in Athens during this period, as well as a tribute to the Athenians' victory in the Greco-Persian Wars (492–449 BCE).
What are five facts about the Parthenon?
10 Facts About the Parthenon, the Icon of Ancient Greece
- It's dedicated to a Greek goddess.
- It's not the first temple on this space.
- For a time, it was used as a mosque.
- Some of its greatest treasures are located in London.
- Its name has an interesting origin.
- It's not actually a temple.
- It was originally quite colorful.
What was stolen from the Parthenon?
Romancing the Stones: Elgin's workmen removed a total of 15 metopes from the Parthenon. They also took 247 feet—just under half—of the total frieze, as well as removing one of the caryatids (female sculptures) from the nearby portico of the Erechtheion, and four fragments from the frieze of the temple to Athena Nike.
Why does the Parthenon have a hole?
The hole (oculus), 7.8 meters in diameter, is the only source of light and is the connection between the temple and the gods above. Rain occasionally falls through it, but the floor is slanted and drains the water when it hits the floor… but in practice, rain seldom falls inside the dome. 5.
What is the story behind the Parthenon?
The celebrated Greek statesman Pericles is credited with ordering the design and construction of the Parthenon as a temple for Athena—the goddess of wisdom, arts, literature and war—but it may not have been the first attempt to house the deity.
What is so special about the Parthenon?
The Parthenon is often regarded as a monument to democracy, which was founded in Athens during this period, as well as a tribute to the Athenians' victory in the Greco-Persian Wars (492–449 BCE).
How did the Parthenon lose its roof?
On 26 September 1687 Morosini fired, one round scoring a direct hit on the powder magazine inside the Parthenon. The ensuing explosion caused the cella to collapse, blowing out the central part of the walls and bringing down much of Phidias' frieze.
Why did Venetians bomb Parthenon?
A year later, however, the Venetians were forced to abandon the site as a new Turkish army approached. They considered blowing up the remains of the Parthenon to prevent its further military use, but, thankfully, decided against the plan.
Who stole marble from the Parthenon?
Lord Elgin
The Parthenon Marbles were stolen from the ancient Acropolis in 1801 by Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Sublime Porte in Istanbul. Fifteen years later, they were sold to the British government and found their new home in the British Museum in the Elgin Room.
Did the British steal the Parthenon?
From 1801 to 1812, agents of Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin removed about half of the surviving sculptures of the Parthenon, as well as sculptures from the Propylaea and Erechtheion, and had them transported by sea to Britain.
Why did the Venetians destroy the Parthenon?
In 1687, during the Venetian siege of the Acropolis, the defending Turks were using the Parthenon as a store for gunpowder, which was ignited by the Venetian bombardment. The explosion blew out the heart of the building, destroying the roof and parts of the walls and the colonnade.
How was the original Parthenon destroyed?
On 26 September 1687 Morosini fired, one round scoring a direct hit on the powder magazine inside the Parthenon. The ensuing explosion caused the cella to collapse, blowing out the central part of the walls and bringing down much of Phidias' frieze.