Route in Spacetime
The Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. During Mycenaean times, it was fortified with walls to protect the military leaders. Later, where the palace once stood, a temple dedicated to the gods Poseidon and Athena was constructed. This temple was destroyed twice during the Archaic era and was rebuilt for the second time in the early 5th century B.C.
The construction of the Acropolis walls began under Kimon and Themistocles, prominent Athenian politicians and generals in the mid-5th century B.C. The project was completed under the leadership of Pericles, a significant and influential Athenian statesman and general during its golden age, along with his collaborators: the architect Iktinos and the general supervisor and sculptor Phidias, who constructed the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena.
The Acropolis is an important archaeological site for several reasons. It is situated in the center of a plain that measures 22 km long and 10 km wide, with an altitude of 156.20 meters. As a result, the Acropolis towers over the surrounding hills and is visible from great distances without requiring visitors to strain their necks. This feature helped the structure serve both symbolic and defensive purposes for the residents of ancient Athens. When climbing the Acropolis, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the area in all directions, extending for at least 50 km.
Athens emerged victorious from two significant battles: the Battle of Marathon (490 B.C.) and the Battle of Salamis (480 B.C.). The first battle is associated with oligarchic Athens, while the second is linked to democratic Athens. The building complex of the Acropolis that visitors see today was constructed after the Persian Wars and these victorious battles. Following this period, the Athenian League began to develop as a protective alliance against future Persian threats, led by Athens and comprising more than 236 city-states (some estimates even suggest up to 400).
Athens' political and economic influence extended over a radius of 1,200 km.
These facts are significant when considering the Acropolis building projects, as they reflect Athens not merely as a city-state but as a superpower and the City-Patroness of the alliance.
Propylaea
The Greek word "propylaeon" (προπύλαιον) combines the prefix "pro-" (meaning "before") with the plural form of "gate," literally translating to "that which is before the gates." As we climb the stairs of the Acropolis, we are reminded of the myths surrounding Athena, the goddess who protects the city of Athens.
Upon crossing the threshold of the Propylaea, we notice the distinct separation of the columns arranged in triads. We enter a timeless space that encompasses the Past, Present, and Future. The Propylaea, which we pause to admire for its artistry, cost the Athenian State 290 talents, equivalent to approximately 71.3 million euros today (accounting for materials and labor).
Parthenon
The Parthenon (Greek: Παρθενώνας) is a former temple located on the Athenian Acropolis in Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the Athenians regarded as their patron. Construction began in 447 BC, during the peak of the Athenian Empire, and was completed in 438 BC, although decorative work continued until 432 BC. It is the most significant surviving building from Classical Greece and is generally considered the pinnacle of the Doric architectural style. The decorative sculptures of the Parthenon are regarded as some of the high points of Greek art. Today, the Parthenon stands as a symbol of Ancient Greece, Athenian democracy, and Western civilization, and is recognized as one of the world’s greatest cultural monuments.
For the Athenians who constructed it, the Parthenon, along with other monuments by Pericles on the Acropolis, was fundamentally a celebration of their Hellenic victory over the Persian invaders and a form of thanksgiving to the gods for that victory.
As a believer reached the end of the passage, he admired the colossal bronze statue of Athena, designed by Phidias. Simultaneously, he could appreciate the Athenian Ionic Erechtheion and the Doric Parthenon—two structures with distinctly different aesthetics. In the Erechtheion, Athena Polias appears as a nurturing mother embodying femininity and the forces of fertility, while in the Parthenon, Athena Pallas is depicted as a powerful and formidable protector of the city. The Parthenon was erected to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Salamis, emphasizing the sea’s strategic advantage for Athens.
It is reasonable to assume that Pericles could not have decided to construct this magnificent temple, which cost 500 talents (equivalent to 132.000.000 euros today—comparable to the expense of a modern 44 km long national highway of European standards), without politically leveraging the construction's significance. When the sky over Attica is clear, one can almost relive the fierce battle between the Persians and Greeks. As the Panathenaic procession entered the Acropolis area, every Athenian experienced a transformation, akin to passing through an Arch of Triumph.
In this sacred space, the gods felt close, perhaps even within reach (a sensation reminiscent of the Christian procession in Tinos today). The relationship between the divine and humankind seemed immediate. The columns, geometric forms, and sculptures served as symbolic reminders to people, similar to the hexapteryga and icons in the Christian tradition. Those who followed the Panathenaic procession left filled with optimism. As they timelessly entered the Sacred Rock’s domain (Past - Present - Future), they also left timelessly (Future - Present - Past). They viewed the past before them, directed towards Salamis, since the Propylaea enhanced this visual focus.
In this Sacred Site (the Acropolis), individuals actively participated, witnessing visions and creating performances, similar to the various sacred sites found in monotheistic religions.
