Rising 500 feet above sea level, the Acropolis in Athens showcases some of the finest examples of Greek architecture.
Completed in the middle of the 5th century B.C., the Parthenon is the centerpiece of the Acropolis and is often regarded as the masterpiece of the Doric order of architecture. Its name refers to Athena Parthenos, or "Athena the Virgin."
Built between 421-406 BCE on the Acropolis at Athens, this temple to Athena features the Ionic order of architecture. It is best known for the carefully sculpted column figures ("caryatids") supporting its porch area.
Finished in 424 B.C., this Ionic temple towers above Athens on the Acropolis. Nike means "victory" in Greek.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens is an example of the Corinthian order of architecture. Begun in the 2nd century B.C., it took almost 700 years to finish.
Considered by ancient Greeks as the center of the world, Delphi was home to the prophetic oracle of Apollo. Seen here is the sanctuary of Athena.
The amphitheater at Epidaurus in Greece was built in the 4th century B.C. and is known for its amazing acoustics.
Located in one of the most important cities in the Ancient Greek empire, the amphitheater in Ephesus, Turkey, shows the widespread influence of Ancient Greek architecture.
The Italian city of Segesta was strongly allied with Athens during the 5th century B.C. Its amphitheater demonstrates a striking Greek influence.
The ancient city of Paestum was founded by Greek colonists around the 6th century B.C. A view of the Temple of Neptune can be seen in the distance.
The Temple of Neptune (c. 460 BCE) is the best preserved of the three Doric temples in Paestum, Italy.
Ancient Greek ruins that survive today are among the most iconic landmarks in the world. Grand structures like the Acropolis in Athens are a testament to a culture defined by advancement and innovation, especially in art and architecture.
In the middle of 5th century B.C., Athenian general Pericles paid workers to build temples and other public buildings in the city of Athens. He believed the projects would help him win the support of the people by providing more jobs. The structures' design and flawless finish ensured ancient Greece's glorified place in history.
The temples were distinguished by their iconic columns, which were sculpted so they were broader in the middle than at the ends to allow the human eye to take in their grandeur. Each triangular roof included detailed molding featuring sculptures of the gods. Unlike most of today's places of worship, the temples of ancient Greece were actually rarely entered. Worshippers would mostly gather outside and only enter upon bringing offerings.
While we have a sense of what these monuments once looked like when viewing their remains, in ancient times when they retained their original colors and polish, they were undoubtedly even more striking.
Get HISTORY’s most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week.
By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Networks. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.
