The Parthenon
(Architects: Phidias, Ictinus, Callicrates)
While touring Europe, I had the opportunity of visiting
Athens, Greece. Of all the places I traveled, Greece was by far my favorite
stop. The fresh food, clear water, and ancient architecture really set this destination
apart. Though I had seen several cathedrals, palaces and other historical tourist’s
destinations, what set the Parthenon apart for me was the sheer age of the structure.
To be able to touch and see a building
built in 447 BC was simply mind blowing to me. Its size, precision, and beauty
captivated me, and as I learned of its history and of its mysteries I couldn't
help by marvel at a society, that I feel, was much more advanced and educated than
modern culture.
The Parthenon is a Grecian constructed in 447 BC to honor
the goddess Athena. This remarkable piece of architecture has withstood man and
nature, and is a reminder to modern culture of the sophistication possessed by
this ancient society.
The Parthenon is built on marble pillars that were
constructed in sections. There are two rows of columns, and the columns
slightly bow inward so that if they were to continue a mile into the sky they
would meet. The roof has an upward curvature intended to shed rainwater and
reinforce the building against earthquakes. At one time the Parthenon was said
to have housed an immense sculpture of the goddess Athena, but has since been
lost in history.
Someday I hope to travel back to the Parthenon with my family
so that I can share with them the experience witnessing history so ancient and
sophisticating it is mind boggling.
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