Facts about Goddess Athena and the Parthenon
- 06
During the Ottoman period, the Parthenon was converted into a mosque, centuries after it had served as a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
- 05
Constructed in the 5th century BCE, the Parthenon's name derives from a Greek word meaning 'virgin,' referencing Athena's identity as a virgin goddess.
- 04
Pheidias decorated the Parthenon's exterior with elaborate sculptural friezes depicting the Panathenaic festival, a procession held in Athena's honor.
- 03
Built on the Athenian Acropolis, the Parthenon served not only as a religious sanctuary but also as a treasury storing offerings to Athena.
- 02
A colossal gold-and-ivory statue of Athena, known as the Athena Parthenos, stood inside the Parthenon and was crafted by the sculptor Pheidias.
- 01
The Parthenon in Athens was built as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, patron deity of the city.