For those who want to learn about the world’s most famous acropolis, Athena Acropolis…
The Acropolis of Athens, the most well-known of the acropolises that constituted the most central point of urbanization in ancient times, is still today thanks to various restoration works. remains in existence. Even though it has been deformed from thousands of years ago, it has a fascinating beauty for those who see it.. I wrote it especially for those who don’t know Athens Acropolis, which is the stop of every traveler who likes historical buildings, or who want to know more!
What is the Acropolis?
It is useful to know the answer to this question first; It is a word derived from the Greek words “Akros” meaning high and “Polis” meaning city.. It was literally built on the highest place of the city.
There were administrative, military and religious buildings in the Acropolis, which was located on the highest hill of the ancient ancient cities.. The acropolis, which was surrounded like a castle, had reasons such as being positioned high in terms of military and religion.. The most famous among them was the Acropolis of Athens.
Ancient Building at the Top of the City
BC. 5. The acropolis, built in the second half of the century, is located on the Attike Plain.. Located at an altitude of 152 meters above sea level, the acropolis was seen as the home of the Goddess Athena.. At that time, the Goddess Athena was also considered the protective goddess of the city.
Everything in the Acropolis was important in terms of military as well as religion.. Because it could have a protective function in case of possible threats such as war.. Apart from the shelter, it was positioned at a point where the view of the whole city would be dominant, making it a good center point for defense.. In addition, the treasure belonging to the city was also kept here, carrying a political mission.
The history of the Acropolis of Athens is not just about existing with an architectural beauty in a systematic order.. The acropolis, which has passed through the time of never-ending wars, has changed and transformed over time.
A New City Is Born From War
As they say, dear travelers, one misfortune is better than a thousand advices.. Here, M.O.. The Persian attack in 480 was such an instructive calamity.. Even though the Persian army caused heavy destruction, the repulse of their navy in Salamis under the command of Themistokles provided great prestige for the Greeks..
However, instead of enjoying the justified pride of this prestige, the Greeks began to prepare for a new attack from the East.. During these preparations, Athens gradually came to dominate. The need fund created for the war was sent to Athens for security reasons.. After the Persians attacked and plundered, it was used not for all the troops that came together to be ready for war, but for the construction of the Acropolis of Athens.
First Steps of Urbanization
Pericles, who was smart enough to achieve unity against the Persians, also took action for the acropolis. Thanks to Pericles, who enabled the first steps of urbanization to be taken, various additions were made to the architecture of the acropolis.
Parthenon
It is a temple built in the name of Athena.. B.C. Its construction began in the 430s.. Considering the conditions of that time, its construction was completed in a short period of 5-6 years.. Inside the temple, there were sculptures describing the myths of Athena.. Of course, although it is not possible to see them after the destruction they have suffered until today, it is still a place where visitors flock to.. It was used as a church during the Christian era after the Ancient Greeks, and as a mosque during the Ottomans.
Propylaion
This is BC. Construction started in the 420s. It is located on the southern slope of the Dionyssos Theater.. In fact, it only has the distinction of being the entrance gate of the acropolis.. However, considering the architectural and aesthetic understanding in Ancient Greece, it is not difficult to guess how elaborate a building it was.. Unfortunately, not much has survived from this beautiful building.
Erechtheion
The construction of the temple was in the 3rd century BC.. It reaches 420 and continues until almost the end of the century.. Its location is the holiest place of the acropolis.. Its sacredness also comes from legends: A race is held between Athena and Poseidon, whose winner will be the protector of the city..
Before Poseidon shoots his staff to the ground; water is gushing but the water is salty. Rejoicing at first, the public then immediately loses interest and turns to Athena.. Athena, without being inferior to Poseidon, hits the ground with her staff and instantly an olive tree grows out of the ground.. The people immediately adopt the symbol of peace and tranquility and the city is dedicated to Athena.. An olive tree always stands in the same place, representing the olive tree in the legend.
The Acropolis is not just structures that started with Pericles. Dionysos Theatre, Nike Temple, Odeon of Heredot Atticus are also among the places you must see.
How to Get to the Acropolis of Athens?
Athens is generally a very walkable city.. Therefore, it is possible to reach some places with short walks.. It is a 10-minute walk from Syntagma Square.. Apart from that, all buses making trips in Athens have a stop here.. If you prefer to go underground, the metro that goes on the red line also has a stop at the acropolis.
The Acropolis of Athens, whose architectural beauty is indisputable, is also in a very important place in terms of history . After all, its existence, which started before Christ, has passed through many cultures such as Greeks, Christians, and Ottomans and has reached today. .
