The Parthenon is a temple that was built in the old Acropolis of Athens, in Greece, between the years 447 and 432 BC. At the time, the Parthenon became a temple dedicated to the gods in thanksgiving for the Greek victory over the invading Persian forces, and particularly Athena, the godess of wisdom and war. This temple was built at the pinnacle of the Athenian Empire and at some point it also became the city´s treasury. As said, in ancient times, the Parthenon became the symbol of Hellenic victory over the Persian Empire that was invading Greece, but nowaways it is known that this important structure became the epicenter of Athenian democracy and a birthplace for Western civilization. It is also recognized for its artistic beauty, especially because of its sculptures, which are seen as the best representation of the advancement in Greek, and particularly Athenian, culture and art. During the final stage of the sixth century A.D, this great temple became a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
