The glory that is Ancient Athens

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October 31, 2009

By Joy Crutchfield The McAlester News-Capital Sat Oct 31, 2009, 02:48 PM CDT

Did I neglect to tell you enough about the history of Ancient Athens and the Acropolis in my column last week? I think I should remedy that situation right now.

The Acropolis is the hill on which stands the Parthenon; the symbol of classical architecture, and in fact, of Greece.

You enter the Acropolis just as the ancients did, through the Propylaea. Building began on the Propylaea in 437 BC and was completed in 5 years. It was built totally of white marble and stretches over 50 meters across the entire western face of the Acropolis.

In front of the Propylaea was a flight of 16 steps 71 feet broad, cut in the middle by the entrance and ending at the upper end by the largest gate of the Propylaea. This is the exact route that horses, wagons, and sacred chariots accessed to enter into the Acropolis during the Panathenaic festival.

Once a year the citizens of Athens spent twelve days honoring the birthday of their patron goddess, Athena. The procession began on the north end of the city and made its way through the Agora, climbing up the Acropolis, through the Propylaea proceeding on to the Parthenon. Going inside they submitted their offerings to Athena in front of her 40 foot high statue.

There were horse races, foot races, musical and gymnastic contests, torch races and minstrels who sang Homeric poems. The daughters of the first families of Athens carried baskets on their heads containing offerings to the goddess. Prisoners were set free. Knowing all of this, you can just imagine the spectacle as you ascend through the center of the wonderfully intact Propylaea.

My favorite temple on the Acropolis is the Erechtheum. It is the most sacred and mystical of all temples in Athens. This three portion temple was built by Erechtheus around 400 BC, who is buried inside. Homer described Erechtheus as being a child of the earth, son of Poseidon, and reared by Athena. (I think I know where our modern day soap operas get some of their plot lines).

Athena is said to have quarreled on this spot with Poseidon over which would be the protector of the town. Poseidon struck a rock with his trident (leaving impressions which are visible to this day) causing a salt water well to spring forth on this spot (The Erechtheian Sea).

Athena caused an olive tree to sprout from the tip of her spear. The tree was the symbol of peace, and preferred by the Athenians over the salt water well. Thus, Athena became the protectorate goddess of the city, which was promptly named after her.

The holy tree survives to this day, even though the Persians burnt it to the ground.

The southern portico of the Erechtheum is one we have all seen. Instead of columns, six wonderful statues of virgins stand dressed in their Panathenaic costumes, supporting easily on their heads the massive roof of the portico. With their braided hair and flowing robes these maidens are the picture of elegance and serenity.

A word if caution: the climb to the Acropolis is a rather long one, and at the top the ground is extremely uneven and slippery. Wear good climbing shoes with non-skid soles. Handicapped access is available by utilizing an elevator, but only the handicapped are allowed to ride and they must provide proof of physical limitations.

Ancient Athens was the home of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Pericles, and Sophicles. It is known as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy.

There will be more next week on the Parthenon and the Areopagus, where St Paul preached beneath the Acropolis overlooking the Agora. Check out the photos of our trip at www. thejoyoftravel.us .

Joy Gawf-Crutchfield owns The Joy of Travel. Contact her at 918-339-4805.

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