This is the Parthenon (448-432 B.C.), located in Athens, which has attracted the attention of admiring viewers for twenty-four centuries (in spite of its near destruction in 1687 due to war).This temple, built in honor of Athena Parthenos (meaning Athena the Virgin), patron goddess of Athens, crowned the Acropolis, overlooking the city and standing as a gleaming example of classical architectural style. Its columns rise directly from the floor to the capitals, providing a direct and unornamented transition to the beams which support the roof. This basic construction concept of vertical columns topped with horizontal beams (called post-and-lintel construction) was united with a clear and uncomplicated rectangular floor plan, producing a structure emphasizing balance and symmetry. As you can readily observe, it demonstrates superbly the qualities of rational control and logical consistency by the clear symmetry of design and restraint of emotional expression. In addition, it exhibits superb skill in craftsmanship and that striving for perfection so characteristic of the classical approach.The Parthenon reveals to you more than the Athenian tendency toward a classical expression in the arts. It also told about Greek religious beliefs by depicting their gods and other mythological beings in magnificent sculptures all around the building. One particular celebration, which was both cultural and religious, is captured in detail in a grand frieze which capped the outside wall in one continuous band: the Panathenaic Festival Parade, a once-every-four-years event in which the whole city turned out to honor Athena....
