Building of the Parthenon: What Happened
In 447 BC, Athens began building the Parthenon, a great marble temple to its patron goddess Athena on the Acropolis. The project was championed by Pericles as the centerpiece of a vast building program to rebuild the temples the Persians had burned in 480 BC and to celebrate the power of Athens. It was funded in part by tribute from the Delian League. The architects Ictinus and Callicrates designed the building, and the sculptor Phidias oversaw its decoration and created a huge statue of Athena in gold and ivory for its interior. The temple was completed in 438 BC, and its sculptures were finished by 432 BC. Built of marble from nearby Mount Pentelikon, the Parthenon is famous for its subtle refinements. Its columns swell slightly and lean inward, and its base curves upward, making it look perfectly straight from a distance. Its sculptures showed gods, myths and a grand procession. Over its long history, the Parthenon has served as a temple, church, mosque and gunpowder store, and it remains the enduring symbol of ancient Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Parthenon built?
The Parthenon was built between 447 and 438 BC, and its sculptures were completed by 432 BC. It was part of Pericles' great building program on the Acropolis of Athens.
Who built the Parthenon?
The Parthenon was designed by the architects Ictinus and Callicrates, while the sculptor Phidias oversaw its decoration. The project was championed by the Athenian statesman Pericles.
What was the Parthenon used for?
The Parthenon was a temple to Athena, patron goddess of Athens, and housed a huge gold and ivory statue of her. It also served as a treasury, and later as a church, mosque and gunpowder store.
Why is the Parthenon famous for its design?
The Parthenon uses subtle optical refinements. Its columns swell slightly and lean inward, and its base curves upward, making the building appear perfectly straight and balanced from a distance.
Where are the Parthenon sculptures today?
Many sculptures are in the Acropolis Museum in Athens, while about half of the surviving frieze and pediment sculptures are in the British Museum in London. Greece has long requested their return.
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