Learning the Difference Between Patheon vs Acropolis in Athens, Greece

Confused about these two words - Acropolis and Parthenon, I was never sure about what the Acropolis was for until we visited this UNESCO landmark in Greece. On our recent visit to Athens, I learned that "Acropolis" translates from Ancient Greek (akron + polis) means "high city". Hence, the Acropolis refers to the entire rocky hilltop plateau site.

The Acropolis of Athens served as a high fortress during the Bronze Age. It was a fortified citadel & military stronghold. Around the Bronze Age, 1700–1200 BCE, kings built palaces on the hill. Surrounding defensive walls made it an emergency fortress where citizens from the surrounding city below could retreat during invasions. However, by the Classical period (5th century BCE), the top of the hill was predominantly transformed into a sacred place.The Acropoils was not a place where everyday citizens lived. The actual residential city of Athens spread out around the base of the hill.

 

 

  In postcards and pictures sent by friends who are visiting the Acropolis, we usually see the Parthenon, the most photographed and famous temple dedicated to the goddess Athena sitting atop it. The Patheon also functioned as the treasury of the Delain League storing the city's wealth. Besides the Parthenon, there are other structures: Propylaea, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike. They were completed in a few decades in the 5th century BCE.

  Far from the stark, white marble visible today, original structures like the Parthenon and Erechtheion were painted in vibrant shades of blue, red, gold, and green.

  The Acropolis witnessed centuries of religious transformations:

Originally, it was a complex of pagan temples honoring ancient Greek deities. Then it was converted into a Christian Cathedral during the Byzantine era. Later on, it was connverted into an Ottoman Mosque in the 15th century.

  The Catastrophic Explosion of 1687: During the Morean War, the Ottoman forces used the Parthenon as a gunpowder storehouse. A Venetian mortar shell hit the ammunition, causing a massive explosion that blew out the center columns and destroyed large sections of the structure.

  Avoiding the crowds and the heat, we visited the Acropolis in late afternoon. Taking the Metro subway and getting there was easy! We had a relaxing walk up the hill, paused and read about all these buildings lingering there as long as we desired without following a tour schedule. It was relaxing and educational;

we even saw the flag lowering ceremony by the Greek soldiers! What I liked the most at the Acropolis was learning about the background and history of these great structures and the following:

1. Discovering how huge these temples are and that the Patheon is not the only building as there are others in the building complex; there are many more things to see.

2. the Erechtheion temple which features columns sculpted in the shape of six draped women known as Caryatids. The ones on the hill today are exact replicas; five of the originals are housed in the nearby Acropolis Museum, and one is in the British Museum.

3. Having a bird's eyeview of the city of Athens below us.

4. Watching the sunset at the Acropolis

As the sun went down and it was getting dark, we concluded our wonderful day at the Acropolis making our way down to the bottom of the hill. We discovered a mom and pop restaurant along the way and enjoyed a delicious Greek dinner and recounting what we learned and saw during our visit to one of the greatest site in the world!

RT, at the Acropolis, Athens, Greece 042026