Akropolis Research Paper

Most of the building and planning of the Akropolis took place in the High Classical period of art history, Between 450 and 400 BCE. The High Classical period was also called “The Golden Age” of Greek art, many art historians consider this period a peak of artistic refinement, although it was also a period of conflict between Athens and Sparta, which caused great destruction (Text 127). As well as many wars with Persia that destroyed the Akropolis multiple times (Text 128-129).
The Akropolis, meaning “city on top of a hill”, was the religious center of Athens, devoted to the goddess Athena, Athens patron deity and protector (Text 128). The Akropolis was attack and destroyed in 480 BCE by Persian troops, and rebuild to honor the gods (Text 128). The leader of Athens at the time was a great patron of the arts named Perikles, he brought together the most talented artists, including his friend Pheidias, to rebuild the Akropolis (Text 128). Despite the cost of resources and labor needed to rebuild, Perikles remained a popular leader of Athens (Text 128).
The temple of Athena Nike was a much smaller temple, and the use of Ionic Columns gave the building a much lighter appearance (Text 137). The depiction of Nike in this temple furthers the softer style. In the Scuplture, “Nike (Victory) Adjusting Her Sandal” (FIG. 5-46), Nikes tunic, although made of stone, looks soft. She is graceful, but still powerful, balancing herself with her wings (Text 137). The Erechtheion building held several shrines to various deities. The main entrance to the building was made of Doric columns, however the side facing the Parthenon, called the Porch of Maidens (FIG. 5-45), had columns made to look like maidens supporting the building in a more ionic style (Text 136). The Propylaia was the grand entrance to the Akropolis, with a dining hall and gallery for paintings (Text