Parthenon

The Parthenon, located on the Acropolis of Athens, is one of the most iconic and studied monuments of classical antiquity, symbol of the glory of ancient Greece and the peak of Doric art and architecture. Built between 447 and 432 BC during the reign of Pericles, this temple was dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the virgin goddess protector of the city. The main architect of the Parthenon was Ictinus, assisted by Callicrates, while the artistic supervision was entrusted to Phidias, the famous sculptor and friend of Pericles. The construction of the Parthenon was part of a larger building program that included other important buildings on the Acropolis, such as the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. The structure of the Parthenon is a perfect example of Doric architecture, although it includes some Ionic elements. The temple measures about 70 meters in length and 31 meters in width, with a colonnade of 8 columns on the short side and 17 on the long side, an innovation compared to the traditional Doric style. Each column is about 10 meters high, and all are slightly inclined inwards to correct the optical effect of divergence. The metopes of the temple, 92 in total, depict scenes of mythological battles between Lapiths and Centaurs, Greeks and Amazons, and others. The continuous frieze, an exception for a Doric temple, runs along the entire inner perimeter of the temple, depicting the Panathenaic procession, an important Athenian religious festival. The eastern pediment narrates the birth of Athena from the head of Zeus, while the western one represents the dispute between Athena and Poseidon for the patronage of the city of Athens. At the center of the Parthenon was the statue of Athena Parthenos, a work by Phidias, about 12 meters high and made of ivory and gold. This imposing statue depicted the goddess standing, with full armor and a small Nike (Victory) in her right hand, symbolizing the power and divine protection that Athena offered to the city. From a political and social perspective, the Parthenon reflects the power and prosperity of Athens during the golden age of Pericles. It was built using tributes collected from the Delian League, a coalition of Greek city-states led by Athens. This aspect has sparked controversy since antiquity, as many accused Pericles of using common funds to embellish his own city. Over the centuries, the Parthenon underwent several transformations. During the Byzantine era, it was converted into a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and then, under Ottoman rule, it became a mosque. In 1687, during a Venetian siege, an Ottoman powder magazine exploded inside the Parthenon, causing serious damage to the structure and sculptures. The 19th century saw further depredations: Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, removed many of the remaining sculptures, which are now displayed at the British Museum in London. This action has triggered an ongoing debate about ownership rights and the restitution of the so-called “Elgin Marbles” to Greece. Despite these vicissitudes, the Parthenon has remained a symbol of architectural perfection and cultural greatness. Its restorations, which began in earnest in the 20th century, continue today with the aim of preserving the monument for future generations. These restoration works not only aim to repair the damage caused by time and human interventions, but also to correct past mistakes, using modern techniques to respect the original structure and materials. The Parthenon is also a powerful symbol of democracy. As a temple dedicated to Athena, it represents the pinnacle of Athenian civilization and its democratic ideals. The decision-making process that led to its construction, and the cooperation between architects, artists, and citizens, reflects the essence of Athenian participatory democracy.