How the The Parthenon Inspired Modern Architecture
The Parthenon is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. The temple, located in Athens, Greece, is a prime example of Classical architecture and has been cited as an influence by many of the world’s most famous architects.
The Parthenon was built between 447 and 438 BC and was dedicated to the goddess Athena. The temple was constructed using marble from the nearby mountain of Pentelicus and was adorned with sculptures by some of the most famous Greek artists of the time.
The Parthenon remained intact for centuries, until it was damaged by a fire in 1687. The temple was subsequently looted by the Venetians and the Turks, and the sculptures were removed. The Parthenon was restored in the early 19th century and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece.
The Parthenon’s impact on architecture has been profound. Its columns and pediments have been copied by architects around the world, and the temple has served as an inspiration for countless buildings, from banks to courthouses.
The Parthenon is a timeless masterpiece and its influence on architecture is still evident today.
Function of the Temple
The Parthenon was a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. It was built on the Acropolis of Athens in the 5th century BC. The Parthenon is one of the most iconic buildings of the ancient world and has been hugely influential in the development of Western architecture.
The Parthenon was used as a temple, a treasury, and a place of assembly. It was also used as a Christian church from the 12th century until the early 19th century. The Parthenon is now a museum and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Athens.
The Parthenon has been a source of inspiration for many modern architects. The most famous example is the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., which was modeled after the Parthenon.
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Destruction and Restoration
The Parthenon was damaged over the centuries by war and natural disasters. In 1687, it was partially destroyed by an explosion during a siege by the Venetians. In 1801, it was damaged by an earthquake. In 1812, it was set on fire by the Turks during the siege of Athens.
In 1816, Lord Elgin obtained a permit from the Ottoman authorities to remove the sculptures from the Parthenon. These sculptures, known as the Elgin Marbles, are now on display in the British Museum.
In 1821, the Greeks declared independence from the Ottoman Empire. In 1822, the Greeks started a war of independence, which lasted until 1832. During this war, the Parthenon was used as a powder magazine by the Ottomans, and was badly damaged.
In 1834, King Otto of Greece ordered the restoration of the Parthenon. The architect Leo von Klenze was put in charge of the project. He removed the remaining sculptures from the Parthenon and replaced them with plaster casts. He also removed the Ottoman additions to the temple.
The Parthenon was restored to its original appearance and reopened to the public in 1838. In 1975, the Greek government started a project to restore the Parthenon to its original condition. The project was completed in 2009.
Influence to Architecture
For starters, the temple is an excellent example of the Golden Ratio, a mathematical proportion that has been used in architecture since ancient times. The Parthenon's proportions are so perfect that the building has been studied by architects and mathematicians for centuries.
In addition, the Parthenon is a prime example of classical Greek architecture, which has served as a template for countless other buildings throughout the ages. The temple's simple, yet elegant design has been copied time and time again, making it one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.
Finally, the Parthenon is a testament to the power of symmetry. The temple is perfectly symmetrical, both inside and out, which gives it a sense of balance and harmony. This symmetry is something that has been emulated in countless other buildings, both ancient and modern.
So, there you have it: three reasons why the Parthenon is one of the most influential buildings in history. The next time you see a building with classical Greek columns or perfect proportions, you can bet that the Parthenon had a hand in its design.
Buildings Inspired by the Parthenon
The Parthenon’s influence can be seen in a wide variety of buildings. In the United States, for example, the Parthenon inspired the design of the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville. This grand building, which was completed in 1828, features a central rotunda that is nearly identical to the one in Athens.
The Parthenon also inspired the design of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. This grand monument, which was built to honor President Abraham Lincoln, includes a Greek temple front that is directly inspired by the Parthenon.
In Europe, the Parthenon’s influence can be seen in a number of government buildings, including the British Museum in London and the Palais du Luxembourg in Paris. The Parthenon’s influence has also been felt in more modest structures, such as the Villa Savoye in France and the Villa Malaparte in Italy.
The Parthenon’s influence has even reached the southern hemisphere. In Australia, for example, the Melbourne Parliament House features a number of design elements that are inspired by the Parthenon.