When we hear the words “Acropolis of Athens” we usually think about of famous masterpieces like Parthenon or Erechtheion. But initially Acropolis had a different purpose, it’s was a fortress, the most fortified place of the city. (Acropolis translated from the Greek as fortress)
This fortress was built by the Nature and even did not need the walls. The others sides are very steep slopes and absolutely impregnable. Top of the crag is a plain with springs and olive trees which could provide the water and food for its defenders.
So, I don't wonder why the ancient Greeks chose this place for their settlement. On the ruins of the Acropolis you can read the history of the Greece from the legendary times of Cecrops to the times of the Independence War.
The capital of the Greece originates from the dark times of the legends. In the middle of 2000 BC (according to the Herodotus) Cecrops, who was the son of the Hera, came to the Attika. He built the palace at the top of Acropolis, fortress and founded the city which was named the Cecropiya.
In the same time occurred the legendary dispute between Athena and Poseidon for the pledge to be the patron of the city. The contest was very simple. They had to give some gift to the city. Those whose gift reckoned as more valuable would be declared the winner.
Athena gave the olive tree, Poseidon – the source of water. Both gifts were valuable but Athenians preferred the olives. Poseidon was angered and sent the big storm to the city and only Zeus calmed him.
The city was renamed into Athens and Athena became the city’s patron. As for Poseidon, Athenians built a big temple dedicated to him and thus pacified him.
First fortifications on the Acropolis of Athens were built in the 1100 BC. It’s was a big and massive walls which now traceable from the side of the Agora. Greeks of so-called classical period thought that these walls were built by the heroes and giants.
First who began to turn Acropolis into the sacral place was despot Pisistratus who built instead of Cecrops palace temple dedicated to the Athena. There is interesting fact about this building. Greeks so honored Athena so decided to free all slaves which were participated in the building.
This temple was destroyed in the 479 BC when Athens were occupied by the Persians. But don’t think that Acropolis was stormed. Athenians decided do not protect the city. They left the Athens with all their properties and destroyed their homes. They decided to wage marine war and after all they won.
After the victory Athenians rebuilt the Acropolis and created the hill as we know it today. Of course, during the Middle Ages a lot of additional buildings were built but in the 19 century they were demolished.
This wide construction was in the Pericles times and under the Phidias supervision.
But don’t think that Acropolis lost its initial purpose. No, it’s always served for Athenians as the most fortified place in the city.
For example, in the 88-86 BC Athenians successfully reflected Romans army attacks led by the Sulla. Only the lack of the provision and water forced Athenians troops to surrender.
Sulla was the first man who sacked Acropolis. He brought a lot of statues from Athens to Rome and used them during his triumph. But generally Romans treated Acropolis temples well. Especially their Emperor Hadrian who was fascinated by the Athens.
Acropolis in Athens was in good conditions until the 5th century. It began to demolish in the 426 when the Pagan’s temples of Acropolis were converted into the Christian churches. For example, Parthenon was converted into the St. Sophia Church and when its façade was rebuilt according to the Christian traditions a lot of friezes were destroyed.
When Athens was occupied by the Turks the buildings of Acropolis were adjusted to their needs. For example, they made from the Parthenon gun-powder depot and this caused a most critical damage for the building in 1640 when Venetians stormed the Acropolis hill.
Last time as fortress Acropolis in Athens has been used during the Greek War for Independence. A small detachment of the Greek rebels occupied the hill and reflected the Turkish attacks from there. It was the time when artillery has been already invented so it’s not difficult to image that Acropolis had a lot of tolls.
As I already told when Greece gained its independence all buildings which is not belonged to the classical times were destroyed. So now Acropolis has a view of the 5th century BC when ancient Athens was at the peak of its power.
Also let me give you a small advice about the visit of the Acropolis. Most sightseers restrict their visit only by the Acropolis. Don’t be lazy and go after the Acropolis to the neighboring hills (from the sea side). It was the place where the ancient Athens was. And temples of Acropolis were built in such way to have a maximum effect when you look at them from these hills. All most spectacular pictures of Acropolis of Athens (including my) were shoot from these places.
