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The Parthenon Marbles are wrongfully located away from their rightful home. While one of the primary purposes for the Acropolis Museum was to provide a proper home for them, there is much more that it offers - and here's just six reasons why your first or hundreds tour through this sun-lit museum won't be wasted!
The Caryatids
The Caryatids, obviously, five that is, of the six, because Elgin sent one to the British Museum. They are statues of women who supported, instead of columns, the Erechthion (the vertical folds of their clothing recall the ridges of the columns). At the time they were made they were not called Caryatids: In the temple's building inscription they are simply called Daughters. Vitruvius, the influential Roman author and architect from 1st century BC, coined the term Karyatides in his writings. According to him, women of Karyes - a city located in Laconia region of Peloponnese - had committed a grave offense by offering aid to Persians during their war with Greeks; thereby earning wrathful punishment which included carrying heavy clothing and jewelry on their heads.
The Hunting Dog
The Hunting Dog of Parian marble, of the Archaic period, circa 520 BC. In a coiled and vigilant state, this guardian was most likely safeguarding the entrance to Artemis Brauronia's sacred space located on the Acropolis with a companion.
The Paposilinos
The Papposilinos with the little Dionysus, of the 2nd century BC, found in the Theatre of Dionysus and probably a copy of a sculpture of the 5th century BC. Sophocles' victory in the 438 BC theatrical competitions was linked to his satirical drama, 'Dionyssis', which is notably associated with this sculpture. The play is about how Dionysus was raised and taught. Unfortunately, the play is not around anymore. Notice how much Socrates resembles Paphosilinos, Dionysus' nurse, in this particular sculpture.
The Gigantomachy
The Gigantomachy, the pediment of the temple of Athena Polyada, dating from around 525 BC, depicting Athena spearing down the giant Enceladus, of whom only the end of the left leg survives. Next to him, one Giant was sitting on the ground and trying to use his missing shield for support. Two other Giants were lying down at the edges of the pediment.
The pediment of Hekatobedos
The pediment of Hekatobedos (the temple that stood on the site of the Parthenon in Archaic times), dating from around 570 BC, depicts three clashes: In the centre, two huge lions are devouring a bull. On the left, Hercules is locked in combat with Triton while to his right stands a mysterious creature known as the "three-bodied demon". This fearsome being has wings and three bearded male figures for its upper body, which then morphs into intertwining serpents from the waist down. In each of their hands they clutch symbols representing nature's elements: water (ripples), fire (lightning) and air (birds). The fourth element - earth - is represented by serpentine forms writhing on the ground.Some people think the trisomic demon is Nereus. Others think it is Typhon. If it's Typhon, then Zeus was the one who fought him with lightning bolts.
Acropolis Museum Skip the Line Tickets
If you want to visit the Acropolis Museum in Athens, then you should definitely buy a ticket in advance. This will allow you to skip the line and save time.
More information about the official Acropolis Museum at the article :
The Front 32
The northern front 32 of the Parthenon. It depicts Hera, sitting on a rock, talking to her daughter, Ivy, goddess of eternal youth.During the time of its transition from a temple to a Christian church, much destruction was inflicted upon all four fronts of the Parthenon's northern side through deliberate hammering. Front 32 is the only building that remained intact; some believe it was due to its religious symbolism, as it invoked thoughts of the Annunciation: Mary and Gabriel.The pictures on the north side of the building are not in perfect condition, but we think they show things that happened after Troy was defeated.
