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Table of contents
- 447-432 BCE: Construction of the Parthenon
- 550: The Parthenon's Transformation into a Christian Church
- 1206: The Frankish Occupation
- 1456: The Turkish Occupation
- 1687: The Venetian Bombardment and the Parthenon's Destruction
- 1803: Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, and the Parthenon Sculptures
- 1975-2020: The Large-Scale Restoration Project
The Parthenon stands as a testament to the rich history of ancient Greece and its endurance through the centuries. Located on the Athenian Acropolis in Greece, the Parthenon was not only a temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, but also a significant landmark in human history, shaping the course of architectural prowess and historical events. This article will take you on a journey through the key moments in the Parthenon's timeline, from its construction to the present day.
447-432 BCE: Construction of the Parthenon
The construction of the Parthenon began in 447 BCE under the guidance of prominent architects Iktinos and Kallikrates and overseer, the eminent statesman Pericles. It was completed in 432 BCE – a mere 15 years later – and served as a symbol of Athenian power and sophistication. The temple was adorned with intricate friezes and sculptures, most notably the works of renowned Athenian sculptor Phidias, whose exceptional craftsmanship elevated the beauty of the structure even further.
The idea for the construction of the Parthenon was conceived by Pericles, the celebrated statesman of Athens, who saw it as an opportunity to showcase Athenian power and wealth. The immense cost of the project was funded through the Delian League, a military alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens, which contributed a large amount of wealth amassed through its trade and military campaigns.
The construction of the temple was a massive undertaking, involving the labour of thousands of skilled craftsmen and artisans. It is estimated that over 100,000 tonnes of marble were used in the construction, which was quarried from Mount Pentelicus, located about 16 km from Athens. The transportation of such huge blocks of marble was no easy task, and required the use of specially designed carts and pulleys to carry them up the Acropolis hill.
The design of the Parthenon was a masterpiece of architectural precision. The temple was built in the Doric style, which is characterised by its simple, yet elegant design. The building was rectangular in shape, with a row of columns forming a portico along its front and rear façades. The columns were fluted, and had a slight swell in the middle, known as entasis, which gave the impression of strength and stability. Above the portico was a frieze, which depicted scenes from ancient Greek mythology.
The sculpture work on the Parthenon was equally impressive. The sculptures were made from a combination of marble and bronze, and ranged from small figurines to large statues. The most famous of these is the statue of Athena Parthenos, a colossal figure standing over 11 meters tall, which was created by the renowned sculptor Phidias. The attention to detail in the sculptures is truly stunning, with every inch of the temple adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs.
Overall, the construction of the Parthenon was a grand achievement that has withstood the test of time. The temple remains one of the most iconic landmarks of Greece, and a testament to the skill and ingenuity of ancient Greek architects and craftsmen.
550: The Parthenon's Transformation into a Christian Church
In the 6th century, the Parthenon witnessed a significant change as it was converted into a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The temple's conversion mirrored the religious shift occurring at the time, from polytheism to Christianity, and the implementation of the Byzantine Empire's new faith.
The transformation of the Parthenon into a Christian church in the 6th century was not an uncommon occurrence during the Byzantine era. Other famous ancient temples, such as the Pantheon in Rome and the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, were also converted into churches as Christianity spread across the empire.
The transformation of these temples into churches involved a range of changes. The most obvious was the installation of Christian iconography and symbols, such as crosses and depictions of the Virgin Mary and the saints. In the case of the Parthenon, the temple's original marble sculptures and reliefs were removed or plastered over, and replaced with Christian frescoes and mosaics.
The interior layout of the temples was also altered, with the pagan altars and shrines replaced with Christian altars and a nave. The Parthenon, for example, was divided into three sections: the naos, or main space where the altar was placed; the opisthodomos, a smaller space at the back of the temple; and the pronaos, or entrance area. These spaces were reconfigured to create a traditional Christian church layout, with an apse at the end of the nave where the altar was placed.
The conversion of ancient temples into churches had a significant impact on the status of these buildings. While they had originally been symbols of pagan power and deity worship, they became symbols of Christian piety and triumph over paganism. The Parthenon's transformation into a Christian church helped to cement Christianity as the dominant religion in Byzantine Athens, and gave the temple a renewed sense of purpose and importance. It also helped to preserve the building, as it was seen as a valuable Christian monument, rather than a relic of the old pagan ways.
In conclusion, the transformation of the Parthenon from a pagan temple to a Christian church was a significant event in the building's history, and mirrored the religious and cultural shifts of the time. The changes made to the Parthenon, and other ancient temples, as they were converted into churches helped to preserve these remarkable structures, and ensured their enduring legacy as some of the world's most iconic architectural masterpieces.
1206: The Frankish Occupation
In the 13th century, the Parthenon underwent another transformation during the Frankish Occupation of Athens. It was rededicated as "Notre-Dame of Athens" and further underwent architectural changes reflecting the Gothic style that dominated the era.
During the Frankish Occupation of Athens in the 13th century, the Parthenon underwent significant changes that reflected the Gothic architectural style that was dominant at the time. The Franks, a Germanic tribe, had established a political and military presence in Greece during the Fourth Crusade and subsequently formed a principality with Athens as its capital.
Under Frankish rule, the Parthenon was rededicated as "Notre-Dame of Athens," a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The building was repurposed to fit the needs of the new religion, with altars and other Christian symbols installed, and the interior layout further altered. The original sculptures and reliefs, which had been plastered over during the temple's conversion to a Christian church in the 6th century, were re-discovered and restored, albeit with some damage.
The Frankish rulers also undertook significant renovations to the building, adding elements that reflected their own cultural and architectural preferences. Gothic-style windows were installed in the east and west facades, giving the building a more ornate and detailed appearance than its original sparse design. The original portico columns were also replaced with pillars that had ornate floral patterns, which were typical of the Gothic style.
These changes reflect the influence of Franco-Byzantine art and demonstrate the Frankish desire to assert cultural dominance over the region. The new architectural elements could be interpreted as a means of celebrating the Frankish victory and highlighting their superiority over local culture, as well as showcasing their own impressive architectural achievements.
However, the Frankish rule over Athens was short-lived, as they were eventually evicted by the Byzantine Empire in the late 13th century. During this period, the Parthenon was once again repurposed, this time as a Catholic church. The building continued to undergo further renovations and alterations throughout the centuries, including the removal of the original roof and the addition of protective measures against earthquakes.
1456: The Turkish Occupation
The arrival of the Ottomans in 1456 led to the conversion of the Parthenon into a mosque. It was during this time that the minaret was added to the structure, and the temple began to take on a blend of architectural styles from different periods.
During the Turkish occupation of Athens in 1456, the Parthenon underwent yet another transformation, this time becoming a mosque. The building was renamed "Ayasofya" and was used as a place of worship for the followers of Islam.
The conversion of the Parthenon into a mosque involved a range of changes to the building's original design. The most significant alteration made during this period was the addition of a minaret, a tall tower from which the call to prayer was announced. The minaret was added to the southwest corner of the building and was constructed using materials and techniques that were different from the rest of the building, giving it a distinct appearance.
The interior of the mosque was also modified to fit the needs of Islamic worship. The original altars and Christian iconography were removed, and the mosaics and frescoes that were added during the Frankish occupation were painted over. Instead, the interior was decorated with Islamic patterns and calligraphy, which were painted directly onto the walls.
The Parthenon's transformation into a mosque had a significant impact on the building's structure and architecture. The addition of the minaret altered the building's balance and symmetry, and the removal of its original elements diminished its historical and cultural significance. The mosque was also damaged during this period, with parts of the structure falling into disrepair due to neglect and natural disasters.
Despite these challenges, the Parthenon's role as a mosque ensured its survival over the centuries. During the Ottoman period, efforts were made to preserve the building, with maintenance and repairs carried out to ensure its stability. The mosque continued to be used as a place of worship until the late 19th century, when Greece gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire.
Overall, the Parthenon's transformation into a mosque highlights the building's resilience and versatility, as well as its ability to adapt to the changing religious and cultural landscapes of Greece. The building's ongoing maintenance and preservation ensure that it remains a symbol of Greece's rich history and architectural heritage.
1687: The Venetian Bombardment and the Parthenon's Destruction
Tragically, in 1687, a Venetian bombardment ignited a powder magazine stored within the Parthenon by the Ottomans. The explosion damaged much of the temple's structure, forever altering its appearance and diminishing the conservation of its intricate artwork.
The Venetian bombardment of 1687 was a devastating event in the Parthenon's history that left its mark on the building forever. The conflict was part of the wider Morean War, which saw Venice and the Ottoman Empire vying for control of the Greek islands and territories.
The Venetian attack on the Parthenon was part of a larger siege of the Acropolis, and was intended to weaken Ottoman defenses and gain a strategic advantage. The Venetian forces began firing cannonballs at the temple from a safe distance, hoping to inflict damage without risking too much of their own men.
Despite the Ottomans' efforts to protect the Parthenon from the bombardment, the Venetian cannonballs eventually struck a powder magazine that was stored within the building. The explosion that followed was tremendous, and caused significant damage to the structure of the temple.
The impact of the explosion was felt throughout the Acropolis, and large sections of the temple's walls and roof were destroyed. The columns that had adorned the portico were toppled, and much of the building's intricate sculpture work was damaged or destroyed. The statue of Athena Parthenos, which had survived countless years of warfare and occupation, was also damaged in the blast.
The damage caused by the Venetian bombardment led to a long period of neglect and decay for the Parthenon. The building remained in a state of disrepair for centuries, with little effort made to restore or preserve it. Many of the sculptures and reliefs that had adorned the temple were moved or removed, and some were even sold or smuggled out of the country.
Despite this neglect, efforts have been made in recent decades to restore and preserve the Parthenon. In 1975, a large-scale restoration project was launched, which aimed to repair the damage caused by the Venetian bombardment, among other things. The project used state-of-the-art technology, including laser scanning and 3D modelling, to accurately recreate the temple's original design and appearance.
1803: Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, and the Parthenon Sculptures
Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, controversially removed a significant number of surviving sculptures from the ruins of the Parthenon between 1801 and 1805. These sculptures, known as the "Elgin Marbles," are now housed in the British Museum, London, sparking debates about their rightful ownership and the importance of cultural repatriation.
Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, played a controversial but critical role in the preservation and restoration of the Parthenon and its sculptures. Serving as the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Elgin gained permission in 1801 from the Ottoman authorities to remove a significant number of surviving sculptures from the ruins of the Parthenon in Athens.
The removal of these sculptures, now known as the "Elgin Marbles," sparked a heated debate about their rightful ownership and the importance of cultural repatriation. However, Elgin argued that he was saving the sculptures from further damage and decay, as well as protecting them from theft and vandalism.
The process of removing the sculptures was a difficult and challenging one, involving skilled craftsmen tasked with carefully dismantling and transporting the sculptures to England. Many of the sculptures were in a fragile and damaged state, having suffered from years of exposure to the elements, weathering, and neglect. Elgin enlisted the help of skilled restorers in England to clean, repair, and restore the sculptures to their original beauty.
Elgin's removal of the sculptures was highly controversial at the time and sparked a heated debate over their rightful ownership and the ethics of cultural repatriation. However, it is impossible to deny the positive impact that Elgin's actions had on the preservation and restoration of the Parthenon sculptures. Without his intervention, it is likely that many of the surviving sculptures would have been lost or destroyed, and the Parthenon's legacy would have been greatly diminished.
Today, the "Elgin Marbles" are housed in the British Museum in London, where they continue to inspire and educate visitors from around the world. The sculptures are widely regarded as some of the finest examples of classical Greek art, and their influence can be seen in countless works of art and architecture around the world. While the controversy over their ownership and repatriation continues, there is no denying the immense value and significance of these remarkable sculptures.
1975-2020: The Large-Scale Restoration Project
Beginning in 1975, the Greek government and international teams have undertaken extensive restoration efforts to preserve the Parthenon's legacy and maintain its structural integrity. The project, still ongoing today, has brought new life to the ancient temple, allowing it to remain a lasting symbol of human ingenuity and cultural heritage.
The Parthenon's extraordinary history spans centuries and empires, a story that continues to captiva tepeople around the world. Its journey from a pagan temple to a Christian church, then a Catholic church, a mosque, and back to a cultural landmark reflects the dynamic and ever-changing nature of human history. With each transformation, the Parthenon has earned a new layer of meaning and significance, shaping the course of world history and leaving an enduring legacy for future generations. Through the ongoing restoration project and continued efforts to preserve its rich history, the Parthenon remains a symbol of the architectural prowess and cultural achievements of ancient Greece.
The Parthenon's extraordinary history spans centuries and empires, a story that continues to captiva tepeople around the world. Its journey from a pagan temple to a Christian church, then a Catholic church, a mosque, and back to a cultural landmark reflects the dynamic and ever-changing nature of human history. With each transformation, the Parthenon has earned a new layer of meaning and significance, shaping the course of world history and leaving an enduring legacy for future generations. Through the ongoing restoration project and continued efforts to preserve its rich history, the Parthenon remains a symbol of the architectural prowess and cultural achievements of ancient Greece.
