?The Acropolis in Greece is one of the architectural and cultural treasures of the world. Built centuries ago on a high point above the city of Athens, it still stands still as a testament to the skill of the ancient Greeks and their devotion to Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Anyone visiting Athens should make a point of seeing this spectacular site.
The tall columns making up the outer supports of the Acropolis had a significant impact on the history of architecture. The same trick used by the ancient Greeks to make these columns look even straighter by bowing them out can be seen on later Roman, French and Federalist buildings.
Unfortunately, the ravages of time and the depredations of later peoples have had their way with the structure. In the 17th century during a war between the Venetians and the Ottoman Turks, a shell hit containers of gunpowder being stored in the Acropolis, destroying much of the original building.
In the 19th century, Lord Elgin of England removed from the Acropolis one of its most prominent features, a group of marble sculptures. The Greek government has been trying for some time to recover these artifacts from the British museum.
And recent decades have also been unkind to the Acropolis. The pollution of modern city life is creating acid rain which is slowing but surely eroding away the stones of the building. Archeologists and other scientists are trying to stop this repair and protect the acropolis, but have been hampered by a recent budget cuts.
However, restoration efforts are continuing with grants from the EU and funds raised from other sources. The curators are even considering allowing the Acropolis to be used a location for shooting films and commercials to raise additional funds.
