Page 138 - DK Eyewitness Travel Guides - The World's Must-See Places

136 EUROPE Acropolis, Athens

In the mid-5th century BC, the Athenian statesman Perikles
persuaded the Athenians to beg in a program of building
work that has come to represent the political and cultural
achievements of ancient Greece. Three new contrasting
temples were built on the Acropolis, together with a
monumental gateway. The Theater of Dionysos on the south
slope was developed further in the 4th century BC, and the
Theater of Herodes Atticus was added in the 2nd century AD.

~ Porch of the Caryatids
A The A<ropolis today These statues of women were used in
The Acropolis provides a stunning backdrop to the modern place of columns on the south porch of
cily of Athens and is Greece's most visited site. Having the Erechtheion. The originals, four of
survived earthquakes, fires, and wars for over 2,500 years, which are now in the Acropolis Museum,
today its monuments are under threat from the atmospheric have been replaced by casts.
pollution that is slowly softening their marble.
Olive Tree
In Greek mythology, Athena and
Poseidon competed to be patron
deity of Athens. A then a won by
Moschophoros, giving the gift of an olive tree.
Y Propylaia Acropolis Museum Today, a olive tree grows on the
spot where she planted hers. ----::~::-=:;.---..::!:.._....,_::+=:~~•

~ Propylaia
This was built in 437-432 BC
to form a new entrance to
the Acropolis.

~ Temple of
Athena Nike
--rr--~~~-d.:l·l

-< Temple of Athena Nike
This tempi e to A then a of
Victory is on the west side of
the Propylaia . It was built in
426-421 BC.
-< Theater of
Dionysos, figure
of the comic BeuleGate
satyr Silenus This was the first
entrance to the
Acropolis.

v Sculpture on the
east pediment of
the Parthenon

Herodes Atticus
Also known as the
Od eion of Herod es
Atticus, this superb
theater was originally
built in AD 161 . It was
res to red in 1955 and
is used today for
outdoor concerts.