The Acropolis

Acropolis (Greek akros,"highest"; polis,"city"), term originally applied to any fortified natural stronghold or citadel in ancient Greece. Primarily a place of refuge, the typical acropolis was constructed on a hill or eminence rising precipitously from the surrounding region. Because of the protection thus afforded, the area adjacent to the base of the hill frequently became the site of a city.

The Greek Acropolis of Athens was a small walled hill where the citadel was built in the cities of ancient Greece.

It especially refers to the citadel in Athens which stands the remains of the most famous group of buildings in the world, of which the largest is the temple dedicated to the Greek Goddess Athena known as the Parthenon.

These buildings date back to the time of Pericles in the 5th century BC. Earlier buildings on the Acropolis had been destroyed in the Persian Wars, and they represent a climax of Classical Greek architecture.

Due to heavy pollution and years of wear from tourist's feet, the Acropolis is being slowly and painstakingly renovated to restore its past magnificence and glory.

A fact known to little is that this is not the only Acropolis that exists, there are many other acropolises scattered around Greece and the Greek islands. These acropolises include Acrocorinth at Corinth and the Cadmea at Thebes.

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