The Acropolis of Athens has been a recognizable and important landmark for thousands of years. Surrounded by a massive stone wall during the Myceanean civilization, this widely known rock most likely began as a strategic citadel to protect its citizens. Through the centuries, it evolved into a religious center and, more particularly, a sactuary for the Goddess of Athena, deity of Athens. The temples visible today stand as proud symbols of the cultural and political achievements of Greek civilization.
As it was in 1996, much of the Parthenon is covered in scaffolding, the ruins in a constant state of repair. The museum was closed in anticipation of relocating its 4500 artifacts, many from the sixth and fifth centuries B.C., to a brand new museum just down the hill. (This move began shortly after we returned to California. Having just been there, we were enthralled to hear about the crowds watching the gigantic cranes painstakingly move the precious antiquities down the hill.) But the Parthenon itself was as breathtaking as the first time. Awed, as before, we took our time in seeing everything from all angles.
A side view of the Parthenon, built in the fifth century B.C. in dedication to the Goddess Athena. The temple embodies the epitome of Doric architecture, a mathematic masterpiece revered for its harmonic figuration.
Claiming a choice seat at the Theater of Dionysos, I contemplate the Greek tragedies performed here in 330 B.C. and beyond. Had I been around then, I could have enjoyed dramas performed by the great Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, or Aristophanes, who all performed in this very spot.
Reliefs decorate the rear of the stage at the Theater of Dionysos, depicting scenes from the life of Dionysos himself, God of the Vine and Drunken Revelry (one of my favorite Gods).
The south slope of the Acropolis provides a perfect setting for the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, the semi-circle theater built in 161 A.D. by Herodes Atticus of Marathon in memory of his wife, Regilla. In modern, as in ancient times, the theater hosts musical and theatrical productions.
My favorite corner of the Acropolis. To the north of the Parthenon stands the Erechtheion, built in the early 400’s B.C over ancient sanctuaries, which were, in turn, built over a Mycenaean palace. The most sacred site on the Acropolis, this temple was where Athena Polias and Poseidon-Erechtheus were worshipped.
The Porch of the Caryatids — my favorite part the Erechtheion. Some believe these six tunic-clad maidens represent the Arrephoroi, young, elite women dedicated in service to the Goddess Athena. Effortlessly supporting the porch roof with their heads, these six are marble casts of the five originals which are housed in the Acropolis Museum, away from the destructive pollution of Athens. The sixth original was stolen by Lord Elgin and sold to the British Museum in 1816.
Six decorative Ionic columns of the Erechtheion contrast with the impressive, but less ornate Doric columns of the nearby Parthenon.
Majestic architectural detail on the Erechtheion, worthy of the Goddess Athena.
With the Parthenon at our backs and Acropolis dust coating our shoes, these intrepid travelers are very happy to be back in Athens!
Readying ourselves to leave this magical spot, we stood on the Belvedere, gazing out over the city as the flag of Greece waved overhead. Not a wisp of pollution clouded the sky and Athens stretched out before us in crystal-clear focus.
