Parthenon

Quick Facts: Who was Parthenon?

Subject:

Parthenon

Known for:

Temple on the Athenian Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Parthenon (; Ancient Greek: Παρθενών, romanised: Parthenōn [par.tʰe.nɔ̌ːn]; Greek: Παρθενώνας, romanised: Parthenónas [parθeˈnonas]) is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, that was dedicated to the goddess Athena. Its decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of classical Greek art, and the Parthenon is considered an enduring symbol of ancient Greece, Western civilisation, and democracy. The Parthenon was built in the 5th century BC in thanksgiving for the Greek victory over the Persian invaders during the Greco-Persian Wars.

Career & Major Achievements

Like most Greek temples, the Parthenon also served as the city treasury. Construction started in 447 BC when the Delian League was at the peak of its power. It was completed in 438 BC; work on the artwork and decorations continued until 432 BC.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

For a time, it served as the treasury of the Delian League, which later became the Athenian Empire. In the final decade of the 6th century AD, the Parthenon was converted into a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. After the Ottoman conquest in the mid-15th century, it became a mosque.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Parthenon

True or False: “The Parthenon was built in the 5th century BC primarily as a temple to Athena, but it also served a vital civic function as the city treasury.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The temple's dual role as a religious sanctuary and the state treasury highlights its immense political and economic importance to classical Athens.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Parthenon