Centuries after its glory days, the Acropolis remains an important and extraordinary part of Athens, and the Parthenon is the most noteworthy aspect of the holy hill.  A temple dedicated the patron goddess of the city, Athena, it holds both religious and political significance.  Through its function, interior treasures, and outside artwork, politics, and spirituality fuse together to create this legendary structure.

            The Acropolis is the most sacred of places and was treated with highest respect.  Covered in temples and buildings of worship, the Athenians put their spiritual stock in that hill.  The Parthenon was no exception.  It is exactly what it looks like: a temple.; a home to the image of Athena, who protects the city below.  Piety was a priority to Ancient Athenians, and they knew to continue to uphold a prosperous city, they had to pay tribute to the goddess who made it all possible.  Although it is not the most sacred building on the Acropolis, the Parthenon was still a staple to the respect and dedication to Athena.  However, politics did not escape this hallowed structure.  The Parthenon, along with the other buildings on the Acropolis, were paid for with money left over from the Delian League treasury.  Most known as a symbol for Athena and her power, the Parthenon is also a symbol for empire.  It was “the monument which most vividly embodied the experience and aspirations of its age[1].”

On the inside, the two themes continue to intertwine.The east side, the front of building, opened to a room that housed the statue

[1]             Pollitt. Art and Experience. 71.