The Greek Civilization
The Greek civilization, known for its remarkable and captivating ruins, is often credited with bringing a sense of paradise to Earth through its stunning architectural achievements. These include magnificent temples, many of which have survived to this day in excellent condition or as impressive remnants that reflect the simplicity, harmony, and perspective inherent in ancient Greek architecture—a foundation that subsequently influenced Roman architecture.
Monuments of the Greek Civilization
The Parthenon
The Parthenon is a monumental complex situated atop the Acropolis hill in Athens, encompassing the remains of numerous ancient structures. Construction of the Parthenon began in 447 BC and was completed in 438 BC, dedicating the temple to the goddess Athena while also serving practical purposes for the city. It stands as the quintessential example of Greek architecture, with several artifacts relocated to the Acropolis Museum in Athens in later years.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
This partially ruined temple located in Athens was dedicated to Zeus, the god of the sky in Greek mythology. The construction of the Temple of Zeus began in 174 BC and was completed during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 131. The temple is notable for its elaborate decorations, featuring statues of gods and Roman emperors and consisting of 104 columns; however, only 15 columns remain today. Despite this, it is regarded as one of the most significant ancient sites in Athens.
Temple of Poseidon
The Temple of Poseidon is situated at Cape Sounion, at the southernmost tip of the Attica Peninsula in Greece, surrounded by the sea on three sides. Constructed around 440 BC, it was built atop the ruins of an earlier temple. Today, only a few columns remain, yet they are well-preserved and bear a striking resemblance to the Temple of Hephaestus located below the Acropolis, possibly designed by the same architect.
Temple of Zeus in Cyrene
Cyrene was one of the five prominent Greek colonies in present-day Libya, with the temple positioned at the city’s heights. Dating back to the fifth century BC, this temple was destroyed during a Jewish revolt in AD 115 but was rebuilt shortly after by the Romans under Emperor Hadrian. In AD 365, an earthquake reduced it to ruins once again, but it was reconstructed, and notably, it was larger than the Parthenon.
Theater of Herodes Atticus
This ancient stone theater is located on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis in Athens. Built by Athenian Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla, the theater features a steep incline and a three-tiered façade with a capacity of 5,000 spectators. Its ceiling was originally made of expensive cedar wood. In the 1950s, the theater and its seating areas were restored using stunning Pendeli marble.
Temple of Hera
Constructed around 590 BC in Olympia, the Temple of Hera was dedicated to the queen of the Greek gods, Hera. Initially thought to be built of wood, it was believed that it was later replaced with stone. This temple is one of the oldest in Greece, originally featuring 16 columns. It was destroyed after an earthquake in the fourth century AD, and excavations revealed the existence of a marble head of Hera along with a statue of Hermes sculpted by Praxiteles.