Acropolis Parthenon

Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art

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The Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, was built to thank the goddess Athena for helping protect Athens during the Persian Wars - although an earlier, unfinished temple on that spot had in fact been destroyed by the Persians. The driving force behind its creation was Pericles, the great Athenian leader who was responsible for so many building projects in the city.

In addition to its religious functions the Parthenon also served as a treasury for the Delian League, a political union of the age. It was built from marble mined at Mt. Pentelicus, some 16km away and the source for the marble in many of the most important Athenian structures.

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