Reference no: EM133684226

Assignment:

Where can this source be inserted, "The Acropolis in the Age of Pericles" by Jeffrey M. Hurwit: This book provides a detailed analysis of the Acropolis during the time of Pericles. It discusses the architectural and artistic innovations that were introduced during this period and the impact these had on the perception of Athens as the pinnacle of Greek civilization

Creative innovations and architectural technology combined with visual representations of Greek mythology helped to produce an impressive structure, the Parthenon. This iconic structure atop the Acropolis in Athens, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient Greece. Pausanias, a Greek traveler and geographer of the 2nd century A.DS. provides valuable details about the Parthenon in his Description of Greece, a work that describes ancient Greece from firsthand observations. Constructed during the massive fifth-century building project led by Pericles, the temple's architecture, engineering and aesthetic features showcase a remarkable blend of technology and artistry.

The fusion of architecture, engineering and artistic innovation under Pericles's vision had a profound impact on Athens promoting Athens as the pinnacle of Greek civilization, with the Acropolis serving as the most symbolic representation of this status. Pericles wanted to build the Parthenon because its construction could replace an existing temple that was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC. Pericles wanted to build the Parthenon because its construction could replace an existing temple that was destroyed by the Persians in 480 B.C. Pausanias's work support this, as he details the historical context in which the Parthenon was commissioned. The Parthenon was commissioned by Pericles to display the wealth and imperial power of Athens to honor the goddess, Athena. This is most evident in the construction of the Acropolis, which became a symbol of Athens' cultural and political power. The Parthenon, along with other structures like the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike, was built to withstand the test of time. The architects Ictinus and Callicrates, along with sculptor Phidias, employed innovative techniques, combining the Doric and Ionic styles to create a visually stunning effect.

Pausanias's observations provide further evidence of this, magnificent structure as he describes the intricate details and innovative techniques used in the construction of the Parthenon. The architectural excellence of the Parthenon extended beyond structural stability. The deliberate deviations from perfect symmetry added an artistic dimension, making the building not just a temple but a sculptural masterpiece. This fusion of architecture, engineering and artistic innovation aligned with Pericles's vision to promote Athens as the pinnacle of Greek civilization, solidifying the Acropolis as the symbolic classroom of Greece's Golden Age. The Parthenon remains an everlasting symbol of ancient Greek ingenuity and aesthetic achievement, standing proudly for over 2,500 years as an enduring legacy of classical architecture.

This is most evident in the construction of the Acropolis, which became a symbol of Athens' cultural and political power. Architectural innovation in the Acropolis, particularly the Parthenon, is a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the ancient Greeks. The Parthenon, for instance, was built with a slight curvature in the base and columns to create an optical illusion of straight lines, demonstrating a deep understanding of optics and geometry. Artistic excellence displays the sculptures and friezes that adorned the buildings of the Acropolis were masterpieces of classical art. They showcased the skill and creativity of Athenian artists, and set standards in realism and aesthetic beauty that would influence Western art for centuries. Cultural dominance of the Acropolis served as a tangible representation of Athens' cultural superiority.

It was a center for religious worship, civic ceremonies, and festivals. The grandeur of the Acropolis was intended to impress both Athenians and foreigners, reinforcing Athens' position as the leading city-state of Greece. The construction was a political act advancing political power in the Acropolis. By funding such an ambitious project, Pericles demonstrated the wealth and power of Athens. The Acropolis became a symbol of Athenian democracy, as it was built with public funds and served the public's religious and civic needs. The legacy of the Acropolis, and the artistic and engineering feats it embodies, continues to be a symbol of the achievements of ancient Greek civilization. It is a testament to the vision of Pericles, who sought to make Athens the cultural, political, and intellectual leader of Greece.

The swift construction of the Parthenon, completed in just nine years by 438 B.C., impressed even ancient observers. The structure's ability to withstand earthquakes was proven when it survived an earthquake in 426 B.C. The quake only moved the columns by a small amount, but the overall structure remained unharmed. This highlights the deliberate design for earthquake resistance. The resilience against earthquakes showcases the intentional design for seismic performance. In a contemporary context, engineers in 2015 confirmed that the modular columns were deliberately designed for "excellent seismic performance properties." The enduring nature of the Parthenon and the entire Acropolis complex, surviving occupations, neglect, and the passage of time, attest to the sophistication of ancient Greek construction. Despite appearing perfectly straight, the Parthenon subtly incorporated curvature from the foundation to the roof, utilizing methods such as beveling, tilting columns inward, and entasis-a slight swelling in the columns' middle.

This fusion of architecture, engineering and artistic innovation under Pericles's vision had a profound impact on promoting Athens as the pinnacle of Greek civilization, with the Acropolis serving as the most symbolic representation of this status.