June 3rd: The Acropolis

Knowing the content behind the towering structures inside the Acropolis enriches the experience significantly. So as I post my pictures from today's guided tour, I want to share a couple stories that may make them more interesting:

-The term "marathon" comes from the legend of Pheidippides. In 490 BC, Pheidippides, a Greek messenger, ran from the battlefield in the town marathon to the center of Athens to announce their victory over the Persians. The distance between these points was 26.2 miles, and after Pheidippides alerted the city of their triumph, he collapsed dead of exhaustion.

-The ancient Greeks weren't sure who to devote the city to, so they asked which god or goddess would like to claim it. Both Athena and Poseidon stepped forward. Unable to pick between the two, the Greeks asked them each to provide a gift, and whoever gave the best one would be awarded the city. Poseidon gave them a beautiful fountain full of salt water. While it was a work of art, it wasn't useful. On the other hand, Athena gifted them an Olive tree that could be used as a source of food and oil. So the Greeks chose Athena, and that's why the city is known as Athens today!

The Olive Tree
Statue of Athena's head: Her eyelashes were made of bronze; as a result of their oxidation, it now looks like she's crying. 
Temple of Athena Nike. Nike means "victory."

The Parthenon

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