The
Acropolis
Acropolis
(Greek akros,"highest"; polis,"city"), term originally applied
to any fortified natural stronghold or citadel in ancient Greece. Primarily a
place of refuge, the typical acropolis was constructed on a hill or eminence
rising precipitously from the surrounding region. Because of the protection
thus afforded, the area adjacent to the base of the hill frequently became the
site of a city. These acropolises include Acrocorinth at Corinth and the
Cadmea at Thebes.
Lower
defense walls were erected in certain cities, with the result that the
acropolises, no longer useful as military bastions, were used as sites for
temples and public buildings. The citadel of ancient Athens is traditionally
referred to as the Acropolis. Built on a limestone hill about 150 m (about 500
ft) high, it dominates the city and houses the remains of some of the finest
extant examples of classical architecture. Included are remains of the
Parthenon, a Doric temple; the Propylaea, a monumental marble gateway on the
west and the main entrance to the Acropolis; the Erechtheum, a temple famous
for perfect detail; and the Temple of Athena Nike. These masterpieces were
built in the Golden Age of Athens during the reign of Pericles. Later damaged
and neglected, some of the buildings were gradually restored after the Greek
monarchy was established in 1833.