Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Themistocles' Wall
Crafty general Themistocles (524-459 BC) hastened to build a protective wall around the
Acropolis and in so doing incorporated elements from archaic temples on the site. Look
for the column drums built into the wall on the north side of the Erechtheion.
Propylaia
The monumental entrance to the Acropolis, the Propylaia was built by Mnesicles between
437 BC and 432 BC and consists of a central hall with two wings on either side. In ancient
times its five gates were the only entrances to the 'upper city'. The middle gate opens onto
the
Panathenaic Way
. The ceiling of the central hall was painted with gold stars on a
dark-blue background.
Temple of Athena Nike
Recently restored, this exquisitely proportioned tiny Pentelic marble temple was designed
by Kallicrates and built around 425 BC. The internal cella housed a wooden statue of
Athena as Victory (Nike) and the exterior friezes illustrated scenes from mythology, the
Battle of Plataea (479 BC) and Athenians fighting Boeotians and Persians.
Beulé Gate & Monument of Agrippa
Just outside of the Propylaia lies the Beulé Gate, named after French archaeologist Ernest
Beulé, who uncovered it in 1852. The 8m pedestal halfway up the zigzagging ramp to the
Propylaia was once topped by the Monument of Agrippa. This bronze statue of the Roman
general riding a chariot was erected in 27 BC to commemorate victory in the Panathenaic
Games (
Click here
)
.
Understand
The Acropolis
Contest for Athens
After Kekrops, a Phoenician, founded a city on a huge rock near the sea, the gods of Olympus proclaimed that it
should be named after the deity who could provide the most valuable legacy for mortals. Athena (goddess of wis-
dom, among other things) produced an olive tree, symbol of peace and prosperity. Poseidon (god of the sea)
