The History of Greek Architecture at The Acropolis
- Charles
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Ancient Greek cultures left behind a heritage of awe-inspiring architecture for the whole world. Their system of organizing or “ordering” their architecture centered around the column and other structural elements is their most enduring design legacy. The Acropolis in Athens stands as a testament to the incredible skill of its builders and the richness of the Hellenic culture that brought it into existence. The structures built there thousands of years ago - significant portions of which are still standing - feature three main types of columns which we call orders. These are the classic Greek Doric, the Ionic, and Corinthian.
These columns weren't mere structural supports for buildings—they represented Greek ideals of beauty, symmetry, and mathematical precision. Each order has its own distinct features. Greek Doric columns are simple and sturdy, while Ionic columns are topped with elegantly carved scrolls. Corinthian columns, the most ornate, showcase intricate carvings of acanthus leaves in their capital.
The Acropolis has influenced architecture worldwide for over 2,500 years. From government buildings and universities, to elegant private residences, these classic designs continue to inspire architects who value proportion, beauty, and a connection to tradition.
History of the Acropolis - Greek Architecture
The Acropolis of Athens stands as one of the most significant ancient sites in the world. Its remarkable structures evolved over centuries, reflecting the political, cultural, and religious developments of ancient Greece.
Construction and Design
The Acropolis sits on a flat-topped rock that rises 150 meters above sea level. The earliest buildings on this site date to the Bronze Age, with evidence of a Mycenaean megaron (a type of palace complex) from around 1400 BCE.
After the Persian Wars destroyed earlier structures on the site in 480 BCE, Pericles, the famous politician and general, launched an ambitious rebuilding program. This massive project transformed the Acropolis into a monument to Athenian glory and power.
The architects Iktinos and Kallikrates designed the Parthenon, while Pheidias supervised its sculptural decorations. Stonemasons and carvers used Pentelic marble throughout the complex, known for its pure white appearance and golden hue when struck by sunlight.
The builders employed sophisticated engineering and optical techniques. They incorporated subtle curves into nearly every element of their work to make the enormous structures they built appear plumb and level from any vantage, when in fact there’s not a straight line almost anywhere on the Parthenon.
The Golden Age of Athens
The 5th century BCE marked Athens' golden age under Pericles' leadership. The Acropolis project symbolized the city's prosperity and cultural achievement after the Persian Wars.
The Parthenon, dedicated to Athena Parthenos, became the centerpiece of the complex. This magnificent Doric temple housed a massive gold and ivory statue of Athena created by Pheidias.
The Propylaea, designed by Mnesikles, served as the monumental gateway to the sacred precinct. Though never completed due to the onset of the Peloponnesian War, it is often cited as an architectural masterwork. One reason for this is the way that the Propylaea guides every visitor to a beautiful two point perspectival view of the Parthenon as their first experience after ascending the hill and entering the sacred temple district.
Other structures on the Acropolis dating from this period include the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion with its famous portico of Caryatids, which are columns made of monumental female figures carved in stone. These buildings showcased the creativity and skill of Athenian architects and craftsmen.
Destruction and Preservation
The Acropolis has suffered significant damage on a number of occasions since the Periclean program of buildings was built. In 267 CE, Herulian invaders destroyed parts of the site. The Parthenon later became a Christian church and then a mosque under Ottoman rule.
A devastating blow came in 1687 when Venetian forces bombarded the Acropolis during their siege of the Ottomans. A cannonball hit the Parthenon, which was being used as a gunpowder magazine, causing a massive explosion.
In the early 19th century, the Scottish Nobleman Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin removed the majority of the still extant sculptures from the Parthenon. These "Elgin Marbles" still controversially remain in the collection of the British Museum, sparking ongoing repatriation debates.
Modern conservation efforts on the site began after Greek independence. Today, the Acropolis Restoration Project uses advanced techniques to preserve these ancient monuments while combating damage from pollution and tourism.
