The Parthenon- A Culture in Itself

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One of the most impressive accomplishments of Ancient Greece is the remarkable structure of the Parthenon on the Acropolis. The Parthenon is one of the most inspiring works of architecture known to mankind. The project of the extraordinary Acropolis was taken on by one of the most influential leaders of history, Pericles. Pericles influenced not only the building of one of the grandest works but the example of democracy displayed by the Greeks. The architecture was unique for its time, it featured excellent structure,the breathtaking Metopes featuring the epic battles of the gods, the Frieze a detailed sculpture displaying a procession of Greeks, and was built to house the magnificent statue of Athena adorned in gold. The Parthenon was constructed in a time period known as the " Golden Age of Athens". Taking a deeper look into the tremendous efforts of the Athenians to build a great structure to rival all monuments seen throughout the history of humanity may allow one to learn from the Greeks.

The Golden Age of Athens was the time period during which Athens enjoyed its greatest successes in various aspects of life. First and foremost Greece was practicing the newest forms of democracy to run its government, therefore the people (men over the age of 18) had a say in their own government. Throughout this time period the Athenians excelled in the drama, therefore the great playwrights Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides received the chance to complete the masterpieces of Medea, Oepidus Rex and Agamemnon. Education was taken very seriously throughout this time of enlightenment. Some of the greatest philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle were results of this era. There was no need to worry about defense at this point in...

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Web. 29 Nov. 2011. interesting_parthenon_facts.html>. Silverman, David. "Parthenon." The Parthenon. Reed College. Web. 26 Nov. 2001.

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"The Greeks - Characters: Pericles." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. PBS. Web. 29

Nov. 2011. f_pericles.html>. "The Parthenon - Interesting Facts about the Parthenon." Athens Hotels | Athens

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