What Was the Purpose of the Acropolis in Athens?

Perched high above Athens' landscape is the Acropolis, a rocky hill that features some of the most well-known classical ruins in the world. Here is the significance of this ancient hill and the buildings that were built there.

Facts

While the most famous Acropolis is the one in Athens, almost all ancient Greek cities had one. They were built on the highest ground in the city; the Greek word "Acropolis" means "uppermost city."

Function

The Acropolis was the civic heart of Athens, where temples and government buildings were located. Its high location also served as the last bastion of defense when the city came under attack.

Features

The most important building on the site is the Parthenon. The marble structure--a temple--is in honor of the goddess Athena, and is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.

History

Most of the buildings were built during the peak of ancient Greek civilization in the fifth century B.C. by Pericles, an Athenian statesman. Today, many of the buildings are remarkably intact.

Considerations

Pollution threatens the Acropolis, and an extensive project of restoration and protection was begun in the 1980s. It was voted number one in the "new" Seven Wonders of the World contest.

References

• Acropolis Information