Acropolis of Athens

The Athenian acropolis, located on a craggy, walled hill, was built as a home of Athena, the patron goddess of the city. The hill has been inhabited since the 4th millennium BC. Iktinos and Kallicrates who were the architects along with Phidias, the famous Greek sculptor, built the incredible monuments of the Acropolis.

Iktinos was an architect active in the mid-5th century BC while Callicrates was an ancient Greek architect active in the middle of the fifth century BC.

Strong fortification walls have surrounded the summit of the Acropolis for more than 3,300 years. The first fortification wall was built during the 13th century BC, and surrounded the residence of the local Mycenaean ruler.

In the 8th century BC, the Acropolis gradually acquired a religious character. The older Parthenon or the Pre-Parthenon was built around 500 BC using Piraeus limestone. The Parthenon was built as a temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron of Athens.

Democracy was established in Athens around 500 B.C. It was based on a direct democracy system, in which eligible citizens directly voted on laws.

In the late 1600's, the Venetians and Turks were fighting over Athens. Acropolis was used as a military point because of its high position. After the Ottoman conquest, the Erechtheion was converted into the Governor’s private harem and the Parthenon was used to garrison the Turkish army.
Acropolis of Athens