Once in Athens, we headed straight for the Acropolis.
Main construction on the mount was begun by Pericles in the 5th century.
It was a time he wanted to demonstrate his strength. He had just defeated the Persians and seedlings of democracy were taking root here. Pericles wanted something that
would represent the strength of the Athenian Empire.
The most notable building is the great Parthenon.
Like so many other buildings throughout the world, this one has had many uses.
It was first built to the goddess of Athena whom the people considered their patron.
The legend is told that many centuries before Athena became patron, there was actually stiff competition between Athena and Poseidon for the job!
Who would serve as the patron over the city and the entire Greek empire?
As a show of power, Poseidon struck his great trident down on the acropolis and a spring of water flowed. Impressive! However, when the people went to taste it they had to spit it out.
It was salty - he was the god of the sea after all.
Athena, on the other hand, touched the ground and an olive tree sprung forth.
The judging was unanimous - probably all hungry men!
During the Byzantine era, the Parthenon was dedicated to
the Virgin Mary and served as a Christian church.
When the Ottomans invaded, it was a mosque.
One thing that most agree on,
it stands as one of the most impressive architectural accomplishments of its time.
Nearby, stands the Erechtheum.
We studied the Caryatid porch or "porch of the maidens."
These pillars are now replicas - the originals are in the Acropolis Museum.
One original is missing, it was taken by Lord Elgin to decorate one of his Scottish castles.
It is now on display in the British Museum -
- which understandably makes Greek historians a little cranky.
The Temple of Hephaestus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus
It is believed to have been destroyed by an earthquake during the medieval period.
Many remaining components were likely used in the construction of other buildings of the time.
We spent the rest of a beautiful, sunny day wandering around the Plaka tasting a few
treats here and there, trying on a few pairs of greek sandals, and enjoying this
touristy, but charming area of Athens.
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