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The Acropolis, Athens, Greece. Source: B.Stefanov / Adobe Stock.

Greece's Crown Jewel: A 360° Tour of the Acropolis (Video)

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Uncover the marvels of the ancient Acropolis in Athens through a captivating 360-degree tour by the BBC. The Parthenon, an iconic monument at the heart of this sacred hill, captures immediate attention. Yet, there's more to explore in the shadows, like the Eriktheion, a smaller temple with equal importance, dedicated to the mythical King Erechtheis. The Porch of the Caryatids, guarded by six striking maidens for millennia, marks the grave of King Kekrops, the legendary founder of Athens. From above, the Eriktheion's intentional asymmetry becomes evident, a deliberate design choice by ancient Greeks. A gap in the roof aligns directly above the spot where Zeus's thunderbolt purportedly struck and claimed the life of King Erechtheis.

Greek mythology further intertwines with the temple's history as it is believed to be the site of a contest between Poseidon and Athena, leading to the city's renaming as Athens. Celebrating these sacred and mythological events, the Eriktheion stands as a lasting tribute to the city's profound ancient legacy. While not all of us get to visit sites like this in person, amazing digital tours like this mean everyone gets a chance to visit.

Top image: The Acropolis, Athens, Greece. Source: B.Stefanov / Adobe Stock.

By Robbie Mitchell

 
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Robbie

I’m a graduate of History and Literature from The University of Manchester in England and a total history geek. Since a young age, I’ve been obsessed with history. The weirder the better. I spend my days working as a freelance... Read More

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