Today, we’re taking a trip—at least in spirit—to the rocky slopes of Mount Pentelicus in Greece, where one of history’s greatest outdoor construction projects began nearly 2,500 years ago. That’s where ancient workers quarried Pentelic marble, a fine-grained white stone with a soft golden hue. It was the perfect material for the Parthenon, the great temple of Athena that crowns the Athenian Acropolis.
Built beginning in 447 BCE under the leadership of Pericles, and designed by architects Ictinus and Callicrates, the Parthenon combined Doric and Ionic styles in a harmony so precise that even its columns were subtly curved to correct optical illusions. Inside stood a gold-and-ivory statue of Athena crafted by Phidias, and its friezes told stories of gods, heroes, and the Athenian people.
Though it’s weathered explosions, looting, and time, the Parthenon still stands as a testament to the artistry of stone, sunlight, and the landscape itself. Artistry copied again and again through time.
Notably, there is a replica in Nashville.
