|
|
-
-
|
|
ACROPOLIS
Acropolis Athens
The monument of Acropolis is one of the most important historical monuments in Greece and in the world today.
Acropolis is listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site the year 1987. The Athens Acropolis remains a lasting link to 1000 years of Ancient Greek civilization and for many
representing the city of Athens.
Acropolis (means infinite) was strong-hold place on uphill of the city. The one most beautiful in in Athens. In time of the florescence of Myken civilization was the Acropolis in Athens strong hold of basilei (it is king of the Homer time, army-leader, judge, high priest ) in proximity of sovereign palace officialy called as holy place.
With the time Acropolis changed to cultish place with temple of Gods patrosn (Athena, Poseidon, Artmedia) In year 530 was on Acropolis built new
temple of Athens goddess from whom was preserved a part of its decapitate. It was statued from one of local pentel marble and displayed gigantomachia. In the middle is Athena killing the Giant.
Her stature should celebrated the supremacy of tyran Peisistratos as his personal godhood. Her vestment and smile emulated the steps of thet times.
In time Greek - Persia Wars Persians came up to Attica.
According the old texts - reigned Archon Kalliades. They found the city empty except few Athenians who was in Holy Place. (guards of Holy Place and there rest were poor people) who hide them on Acropolis and defend there agains the agresors.
When the saw that the Persians like they step up to the Acropolis some of them jump down from the walls others run away to the Temple auditorium. Persians who climing up first open the gates. Betten down all who beg them for mercy and then they set fire to Acropolis.
It was hard times for all Athens.
After devastation of Athens by Persian king Xerxe in year 480 b.c. was Acropolis with help of Pericles again forted.
New teples was built like Parthenon and Erechtheion - temple of Godess Athena and Nike.
And this is the part of the Acropolis story. Acropolis is beautiful and it is worht to go and see.
GODDESS ATHENA
For the Ancient Greeks - Athena - one of the most
important Olympian deities, was the goddess of wisdom and
skills.
This aspect of her character is clear in the description of her birth.
According to the tradition during the battle of Giants Zeus lay with
Metis, doughter of Oceanus and Tithys, who bore concealed within herself
all the words wisdom.
When it became known that Metis was pregnant a prophecy was utered that
the doughter she bore would in turn give birth to a son who would be
thread to Zeus because he would deprive him his power. Zeus overcome with
fear swallowed Metis whole and after nine months developed an unbearable
pain in his head. He begged Prometheus to slip his head with an axe and
Athena immediately sprang out fully armed uttering warlike cries.
She throw herseld strightaway into the battle with the giants and made
significant contribution to her fathers victorz by slaying the Giants
Pallas and Enceladus.
The fact that Athena was born from the head of Zeus and never recieved a
mothers care meant that her powers were more masculine than feminine. All
above she was martial goddess one who had entered life dressed for war and
uttering batle-cries.
Her military accoutrements included a helmet a spear and the aegis, a goat
skin shield which Amaltheia had given to Zeus and which only Athena was
entiled to use. To the shield was fastened the gorgoneum, the head of
Gorgo the Medusa which turned to stone anyone who set eyes upon it.
Gorgo had been beheaded by Athena herself or by Perseus with the
goddess asistance. Athena was also alone in being allowed to enter her
fathers armoury and could even use his thunderbolt.
Useful links about Acropolis
Photos of Acropolis
Acropolis virtual tour
Hotel Acropolis View
Related links:
Hotel Athens - guide on hotels in Athens, selected hotels listed by location
Athens trip
Plaka
Athens guide
Syntagma Square
Sparta (Sparti)
|
|
|
|
|
See travellers reviews
|
|
Syntagma Athens
Trip to Athens
Pan hotel Athens
Paros - Greek Island
Santorini - Greek Island
|
|
|
|
|
Travel TIPS
|
|
|
Naxos Island Greece
Greek Island Naxos beautiful Island 3 hours from Athens -beaches, night life.
The largest island in Cyclades and by far the most fertile among them
|
|
|
|
Websites about Athens
|
|
- Athens 2004 Olympic Games
official site with news, history, sports
events, venues, visitors guide
- Athens Culture
about athens culture and history
monuments, Athens sights, and more
- Athens hotels
Hotels in Athens, accommodation, hotels
also Thessaloniki and Greek Island
|
|
|
Travellers reviews
|
|
Acropolis photos
|
|
