The Acropolis… Doesn’t it sound like a mythical place straight from a fantasy novel?

Or maybe like one of the Seven Wonders of the World?

Well, almost…

The Acropolis is an ancient citadel located on a rocky hill above the city of Athens.

Did you know that the name “Acropolis” quite literally translates to “high city” in Greek? It is simple, but it explains the meaning beautifully. Try to picture ancient Athenian people looking up; that strength-building silhouette would stand in the sky. What a powerful and beautiful sight…

It has been there for thousands of years, serving as a timeless storyteller narrating the tales of ancient heroes, wise philosophers, and powerful deities.

The feeling of softly blowing breeze filled with myths and legends can be felt; look closer, and you will be able to hear the inaudible prayers to the wise protector and benevolent goddess Athena.

LET’S TALK ABOUT MYTHS…

The competition between Athena and Poseidon to become Athens’ patron deity is the most well-known tale associated with the Acropolis. According to legend, they gave the city their gifts while standing directly on this rock. A salty spring emerged when the sea deity Poseidon smote the earth with his trident. Maybe useful for a nautical country, but not the best for drinking! Conversely, Athena presented an olive tree, which is a representation of plenty, knowledge, and peace and provides wood, oil, and food. The name of the city comes from the Athenians’ smart choice of Athena. The location where Poseidon’s trident is said to have hit on the Acropolis is still visible!

There are many intriguing elements in the Parthenon itself. Inside was a massive statue of Athena Parthenos, also known as Athena the Virgin, made of ivory and gold. Can you picture that statue shining in the sun?

Amazing optical illusions were also incorporated into the temple’s design. For example, the columns appear straight to the human eye from a distance because they bulge somewhat in the middle rather than being exactly straight. What brilliant ancient architects!

VOCABULARY

Ἀκρόπολις (Akropolis) – The “high city” itself.

ναός (naós) – the sacred buildings on the Acropolis, like the Parthenon
παρθένος (parthénos) – virgin, maiden (An epithet of Athena, hence the name Parthenon, the temple of the virgin goddess)
δώρο (dôro) – gift (Refers to the gifts offered by Athena (the olive tree) and Poseidon (the saltwater spring) during their contest.)
ἱερός (hierós) – holy (Describes the Acropolis as a holy site)
μῦθος (mûthos) – myth, story
ελιά (elia) – olive tree (The gift offered by Athena, which won her the patronage of Athens)
πόλη (póli) – city, state
κίονες (kíones) – columns
θησαυρός (thēsaurós) – treasure
δόξα (dóxa) – glory, fame
αιώνιος (aiṓnios) – eternal
θαύμα (thaûma) – wonder
κληρονομιά (klēronomía) – heritage

The Acropolis is a location where the past comes to life, not just a collection of ancient stones. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, artistic genius, and human resourcefulness. You can’t help but sense a connection to something ancient and genuinely unique as you stand there and look out over the expansive metropolis and the glittering Aegean Sea. It’s a place whose magic is carved in your memory long after you’ve walked back down the hill…