Archaic Acropolis of Athens 600-480 BC
In archaic period the Acropolis had been turned into a place of worship and all administrative functions and residences had been moved to the city around the hill. On the Acropolis the cults of gods and heroes were established and the surface was divided into sanctuaries. In time, the first small temples were replaced by larger stone ones that reflected the power of Athens, as it became one of the most powerful city-states in the Greek world.
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- General view of the Acropolis around 520 BC. with the two temples of Athena. The temple on the right is the first large one built in 560 BC. Next to it, with a marble roof, is the “Archaios Neos”.
The Acropolis of Athens in 520 BC
The first large, monumental temple was built around 570-560 BC at the place where the Parthenon stands today. This temple was known as "Hecatompedon" due to its length (100 feet-“podes”). It is also sometimes known as the "Archaic Parthenon". The temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos, patroness of the city. Its pediments were adorned with sculptures depicting lions and mythical scenes. It was a Doric, peripteral, hexastyle temple made of stone from Piraeus (Aktite stone).
The second large temple was built in 520 BC a little further north than the previous one. This is also known as the "ancient temple" and was dedicated to Athena Polias. It replaced an older (8th-7th century BC) smaller temple of Athena located at the same place. Its pediments were adorned with marble sculptures depicting the Battle of the Giants (Gigantomachy).
The two temples from the west. The evolution of the Doric Order is visible since the two temples were constructed 40 years apart.
The first big temple of Athena that was built on the spot where Parthenon was later constructed. On the pediment there are pieces of its sculptures that today are kept in the Acropolis Museum.
The Acropolis during the Persian Wars (480 BC)
After the battle of Marathon in 490 BC and with the rise of the Democracy, the "Hecatompedon" temple, was demolished for unknown reasons and in its place began the construction of the first temple made of marble. This temple remained unfinished as the second period of the Persian Wars started. In its place (on the same foundations and with many of the same architectural members) the Parthenon of classical times was later built. The first Propylaea were also constructed at that time, which also remained unfinished, as well as the first temple of Athena Nike, the foundations of which are still preserved below the classical temple. Also, the Mycenaean wall was repaired. All the buildings, including the city, were destroyed in September 480 BC and in June 479 BC by the Persians.
| Special thanks to prof. Chrysanthos Kanellopoulos for providing guidance for this reconstruction |
General view of the Acropolis monuments in 480 BC, shortly before the Persian invasion.
In the foreground, the Proparthenon under construction. Right next to it, stands the archaic temple of Athena Polias (Αrchaios Νeos).
The pre-parthenon under construction. It was never completed and was destroyed by the Persians. The classical Parthenon replaced the ruins.
View of the Ancient Temple of Athena from the scaffolding of the Proparthenon.
View of the Old Temple of Athena from the east. On the left is the altar of Athena for animal sacrifices. On the right is one of the smaller temples dedicated to other deities.
View of the temple from the west. The pediment would contain sculptures depicting lions (not included in this reconstruction). The area in front of the temple would be full of colorful statues, mostly depicting female deities, known as "korai".
A north view. The archaic temple with the ionic column (probably a trophy or dedication). The smaller temples were probably dedicated to lesser deities or mythical heroes and kings, which during the classical period were worshiped in the Erechtheion, build on the same spot.
The sacred olive tree of Athens was, according to the tradition, a gift to the city by the goddess Athena. Today another olive tree is planted on the same spot next to the Erechtheion.
The archaic Propylaia under construction. On the left, with the 3 columns on the facade, is the apsidal building (with a semicircular back side) of unknown use that was replaced by the Pinakotheke of the Classical Propylaea. In the lower part of the image is the small temple of Athena Nike with the altar, standing on top of the mycenaean defensive tower.
The temple of Athena Nike with the two altars. The one on the side with the inscription, is the most ancient one. In the background is the apsidal building.
The archaic temple of Athena Nike on the tower of the Mycenaean wall.
The archaic Propylaea from the east. On the right is the apsidal building (with a semicircular back side) of unknown use that was replaced by the Pinakotheke of the Classical Propylaea. On the ground is the big cistern with a well opened on the top, to collect water.
View of the western ascent to the Acropolis with the archaic Propylaea under construction. On the right, the Mycenaean tower with the temple of Athena Nike and on the left the apsidal building.
View of the Propylaea with the animals that were led for sacrifice.
