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  • The Women of Athena's Cult

    Much like the Vestal Virgins of Rome, the priestesses of Greek religion enjoyed a great many perks that other Greek women did not. In exchange for the commitment to their religious and civic responsibilities, they were often paid, given property, and most importantly, they were respected for their contributions...

  • The Athenian Acropolis

    When you think of Athens, you no doubt have a picture in your mind of the gleaming white Parthenon, sitting high above the city. What the Parthenon, and the other buildings, are sitting on is known as the Athenian Acropolis. The Acropolis, which literally means “high city” in Greek, was...

  • The Parthenon: Temple to Athena and Symbol of Ancient Athens

    The Parthenon stands today as the epitome of Greek architectural design, still perched on its spot on the Athenian Acropolis, though in quite a state of disrepair. It still holds up relatively well, considering the abuse it has endured since it was built well over 2,000 years ago. It remains a symbol...

  • The Propylaia: Monumental Gateway to the Acropolis

    The Propylaia was a set of monumental gateways to the Athenian Acropolis, built to serve as an imposing and impressive approach that rivaled the rest of Pericles’ massive building program. The Propylaia were an introduction to visitors of the Acropolis, and led them onto the plateau through a series...

  • The Temple of Athena Nike: A Small Shrine Dedicated To One of Athena's Many Incarnations

    The Temple of Athena Nike is the smallest structure on the Athenian Acropolis, but holds no less importance than its neighboring shrines. Built to honor Athena Nike, the goddess of victory, the site upon which the temple was constructed has ceremonial roots that date back to the Bronze Age. When...

  • The Erechtheion

    The Erechtheion was the final temple completed in Pericles’ ambitious building program on the Classical Athenian Acropolis. It was not your run-of-the-mill Greek temple, as it had a very complex plan whose function was to house sacred areas and the remnants of other temples that had been in use...