Parthenon

Located atop the Acropolis in Greece, this temple was dedicated to Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom. Architects Iktinos and Kallikrates, along with sculptor Pheidias, directed the construction of this white marble structure, which was completed between 447-438 BC. The pediment, or triangular feature located above the porch supported by columns (portico), once contained sculptures in the round.

This particular building, like Stonehenge, was made using the post-and-lintel construction technique in which two vertical beams are supported by a horizontal beam. Throughout the ages, even after the collapse of Rome, people have been drawn to the Parthenon’s character and presence. In the past, it has been converted into a Christian church, and a mosque, and is now open for tourism.