Historical monuments in Greece. Ancient Greece and its historical significance

The history of architecture and culture of ancient Greece is divided into three periods. 1. Ancient period - archaic. Having repelled the invasion of the Persians, having liberated their lands, the Persians got the opportunity to freely create. 600-480 AD BC. 2. The heyday is a classic. Alexander the Great conquered vast territories with different cultures, the eclecticism of these cultures was the cause of the decline of Greek classical art. The heyday came after his death. 480-323 BC. 3. Late period - Hellenism. This period ended in the thirtieth year BC with the conquest of Ancient Egypt by the Romans, which was under Greek influence. Greece is a country with a great architectural past, in which much attention was paid to the construction of temples. Greeks in construction ancient temples back in the archaic era, wood was replaced with white marble and yellowish limestone. Such material not only looked noble, but was also distinguished by its centuries-old durability. The image of the temple resembled the ancient dwelling of the Greeks, which in its shape resembled a rectangular structure. Further, the construction continued the well-known logical scheme - from simple to complex. Very soon the layout of each temple became individual. But some features still remained unchanged. For example, the stepped foundation of temples remained unchanged. The temple was a room without windows, which were surrounded by columns in several rows, and inside the building there was a statue of a deity. The columns supported the gable roof and floor beams. The people were not allowed to enter the temple, only the priests had the right to be present here, so everyone else admired its beauty from the outside. Greek temples are different in their compositions, stylistic elements in each are used in a special way. 1. Distil - “temple in ants”. The earliest type of temple. It consists of a sanctuary, the front facade is a loggia, bounded along the edges by side walls (antami). Two columns were installed along the front pediment between the ants. 2. Forgiveness. It is similar to Antov, only not two, but four columns are installed on the facade. 3. Amphiprostyle or double prostyle. On both facades of the building there are porticos with 4 columns. 4. Peripter. Occurs most frequently. Columns surround the temple around the perimeter. There are six columns on both facades.

5. Dipter. A type of temple, on the side facades of which there were two rows of columns. 6. Pseudo-dipter. The same as Dipter, only without the inner row of columns. 7. Round peripter or Tholos. The sanctuary of such a temple has a cylindrical shape. The temple is surrounded by columns around the perimeter. In Greek architecture, the types of columns and friezes were distinguished, which received the names of orders. The earliest, Doric, is associated with the culture of the Dorians who lived in mainland Greece. In the Doric order, powerful and short, tapering upwards, columns with flutes end in a capital with a square abacus and do not have a base. The Ionic order developed in insular and Asia Minor Greece. Ionic columns, thinner and more elongated, rest on a base and end with a capital carved from a rectangular block. The capital is formed by two curls (volutes). In most of the temples that have come down to us, Doric and Ionic orders are used. The Corinthian order appeared in Athens in the 5th century BC. e. The column is crowned with a magnificent capital, which is a curly shoots of acanthus. This order was widely used in the Hellenistic era. In construction, exceptional attention was paid to natural conditions, the greatest artistic inscription of the building in surrounding landscape. Noble forms of architecture Ancient Greece amaze even today. Although from a constructive point of view, everything was very simple. Only two elements were used: the bearing part (beams, lintels, slabs) and the bearing part (walls and columns).

Many different structures of a public nature were erected: palestras, stadiums, theaters, residential buildings. The theaters were built on the slopes of the hills, the stage was made across the slope, the stage was at the bottom. Residential buildings were built in such a way that a small rectangular courtyard was obtained in the center. Main monuments: The pearl of Greece, of course, Athens. In addition to the Acropolis with the Parthenon temples, the Erechtheion with a portico of caryatids, the temple of Nike Apteros, in the city and its environs there are many living witnesses of antiquity - propylaea, the temple of Hephaestus (Theseion), the monument of Lysicrates (334 BC). Tower of the Winds - built in 44 BC. weather station - bears the features not of Greek democracy, but of Roman imperial architecture. The Temple of Hera at Paestum (5th century) and the Temple of Hephaestus at Athens (Theseion) are the two best-preserved monuments. Much more survived other monuments of Ancient Greece - amphitheatres. Carved into the mountain slopes, they resisted destruction more strongly and amaze with their excellent acoustics. The amphitheaters in Epidaurus, Delphi, Athens, now empty, were once as crowded as cinemas and supermarkets are now. Theaters at that time were also religious, and not entertainment, structures.

23. Art of the Aegean World. Chronology. Geographic limits. General characteristics of the phenomenon. Bibliography of the issue. In the development of the culture of the peoples who lived near the Mediterranean Sea, big role played by the Aegean culture. It developed on the islands and shores of the Aegean Sea, in the eastern Mediterranean, for almost two thousand years, from 3000 to 1200 BC. simultaneously with the art of Egypt and Mesopotamia. The island of Crete was the center of the Aegean culture. She also captured the Cyclades, Peloponnese, where the cities of Mycenae, Pylos and Tiryns were located, and West Coast Asia Minor, in the northern part of which was Troy. The Aegean culture is also called Cretan-Mycenaean. Cretan architecture was dominated by vast palace complexes. Among them is the Palace of Knossos (about 16,000 sq.m.). Its throne room was decorated with an emblem in the form of a double-sided ax-labrys, sacred in Crete. With its majestic architecture, it resembled ancient Egyptian temples with halls and open courtyards. In the center is a vast rectangular courtyard of ceremonial significance. Rooms with verandas, galleries, pools, colonnades, and stairs adjoined the courtyard from all sides. A distinctive feature of Cretan architecture was the lack of symmetry in the buildings. Wooden columns played an important role in the construction of palace interiors. They narrowed to the bottom without capitals, the color of the columns is red. All of them are covered with zigzag patterns, reinforcing the impression of a picturesque and dynamic solution to the space. There is a bathroom, plumbing, underground rooms - a labyrinth. Fresco painting in the form of friezes or panels. The life of its inhabitants was depicted: solemn processions, ritual dances, people picking bright flowers, cats hunting pheasants, fish among the seaweed. The images are dynamic, colorful, the ornament is curled, spiral, splash of waves, wind. Dynamics is characteristic of Minoan art; frozen poses and self-absorption are alien to it. True transmission of human movement. The image of the figures of people is fragile, with slim waist, male figures are painted brown, female - white. The paintings were dominated by bright, major colors. For the Cretans, nature was sacred because of its divinity. Everything divine is perfect, but nature is full of special beauty. Therefore, the Cretans often depicted flowering meadows instead of gods. The role of trees, herbs, flowers in this world was great, without them no human act could be imagined. The small plastic art of Crete, like painting, is exquisitely decorative and dynamic. These are figurines of animals (goats and kids, a bull, figures of graceful women). Ceramic vases are distinguished by subtle artistic taste. Perfection was achieved by the master of metal processing.

24. Art of the Minoan era. Chronology. Geographic limits. General characteristics of the phenomenon. Bibliography of the question Minoan era 2600-1100. BC. The English archaeologist Arthur Evans, who excavated the palace of the legendary king Minos in Knossos, named the entire era and the unique civilization that developed during it after the latter. Three phases: 1) Early Minoan (2600-2000 BC), 2) Middle Minoan (2000-1600 BC) and 3) Late Minoan (1600-1100 BC) . Around 1900 BC the island is experiencing significant prosperity. At this time, the first palaces appeared in Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Archana, Zakros and Kydonia. The Minoans paid special honors to the dead. The tombs discovered during the excavations were domed or carved into the rock - chamber, however big number burials were also found in crevices, in small caves and on the coast. The dead were placed on wooden stretchers or in sarcophagi made of wood, clay or stone, and next to them were placed funeral gifts - objects used or generally loved by the deceased during their lifetime. Initially, the Minoans used a type of writing reminiscent of Egyptian hieroglyphics (each sign is indicated by an image of an animal or object). Then the Minoans began to use "Linear A", consisting of simplified images, and, finally, after 1450 BC. and the establishment of the dominance of the Achaeans, "linear writing B" became widespread. The highest creations of the Minoans were created in the field of fine art, which is distinguished by originality, grace and liveliness. Architecture flourished, the most significant examples of which are the palaces at Knossos, Phaistos, Zakros and Malia. The palatial building at Arhani, the palace at Agia Triada, the luxurious villas of nobles and landowners, and the simple dwellings of peasants and artisans should not be overlooked either. The frescoes that adorned the walls of palaces and villas deserve special mention. When after 1700 B.C. palaces were rebuilt, their walls were painted with magnificent scenes representing human images, landscapes, animals, ritual or funeral processions, competitions, etc. The architecture of the tombs and the picturesque decor of the sarcophagi are also remarkable. Characteristic works of Minoan art are ceramics and vase painting. Famous vases style "Kamares", characterized by rich colors and characteristic motifs. Finally, small Minoan plastic art, metalwork and jewelry art are known for many masterpieces of small forms.

25. Art of Mycenae. Painting. Architecture, arts and crafts. Peculiarities. monuments The Mycenaean culture was formed under the strong influence of the Cretan, acquiring, however, features that distinguish its monuments from the monuments of Crete itself. The murals in Tiryns, adjacent to Mycenae, are more schematic, less picturesque than in Knossos. The Cretan magical lightness has disappeared along with the incomparable Cretan elegance and pictorial craftsmanship. The new features of the Mycenaean artistic genius are especially evident in architecture and monumental sculpture. Unlike the Cretan ones, the Mycenaean palace buildings are surrounded by fortified walls. Cyclopean masonry, so named for the huge size of the stones, which only fairy-tale giants can lift, gives the buildings a somewhat primitive, but impressive look. It is characteristic of both Mycenae and Tiryns. Powerful stone walls do not allow the individual cells of the building to spread, as happens in the Knossos Palace, they collect the building together, turning it into a military fortress dominated by a central room - a megaron - with four internal columns supporting the roof and framing the hearth. Megarons of the kings in Mycenae and Tiryns, rectilinear in plan palace isolated buildings, consisting of an open vestibule with two pillars, a front room and a hall with a hearth in the middle, are considered the prototypes of the first Greek temples. The gate leading to the Achaean citadels had an impressive appearance. The entrance to the acropolis of Mycenae - the famous Lion Gate - was decorated with a slab of golden yellow stone depicting two lionesses leaning with their front paws on a pedestal with a column resembling a Cretan one. The lionesses breathe with a confident power that Cretan art did not know. Mycenaean ceramics are technically better than Cretan ones: the walls of vessels are thinner, stronger than paint, the manner of depicting the subject drawing seems careless, but the drawing itself, which served in the ceramics of Crete only decorative pattern, has now become the spokesman for a complex artistic idea. As on Cretan vases, images of marine motifs are especially frequent here, but octopuses, cuttlefish freeze and are schematized, gradually turning into a geometric ornament. Mycenaean and Tirynthian masters loved strict symmetry, schematic forms. The features of clarity and completeness of form, tectonics and isolation, outlined in this ancient Greek art, will be further developed in young Greek art. They will manifest themselves in the plans of temples, similar to the megaron, in the early appearance of monumental painting, in some subjects, compositional techniques, and ceramic technology. Despite the differences in arrangement, the interior of the Mycenaean palaces was typically Cretan. Here, too, the walls were covered with frescoes, although the artists showed much less ingenuity and imagination than before. Mycenae was dominated by battle and hunting scenes. The frescoes told about the life of kings and the aristocracy and almost nothing about the life of ordinary people. Craftsmen of this period made linen, potters, along with amphoras and hydrias, made terracotta baths and many other vessels. The same was the case with furniture. Stone tables of various types are mentioned: inlaid with ebony, gold and silver, and ivory. Round, with a spiral ornament, with a different number of legs and so on. At the beginning of the XII century BC. e. the states of the Aegean world are in decline. A new wave of Greek tribes, the Dorians, begins to move from the north. This wave destroys the centers of the Aegean culture for several centuries, suspending the development of realistic art.

In addition to the palace at Knossos (Knossos) on the northern shore of about. Crete, on south coast the islands opened a palace in Phaistos, next to it - a country villa, or "small palace", in Agia Triada with the remains of murals of the 16th century. BC e.

The ancient and majestic architectural monuments of Hellas can tell a lot about the events, the history of these lands and the glorious deeds of its heroes. Now Greece is one of the favorite holiday destinations not only among our compatriots, but also among tourists from all over the world. We will tell you about the eight most important and impressive sights of Ancient Greece, and why they should be included in the list of places to see when traveling around the country.

athenian acropolis

One of the main attractions, the visiting card of the country and the material embodiment of the achievements of Greek civilization, is the Acropolis, which is a rocky hill of 156 meters in height with a gentle top. It was the residence of the king and the clergy; many temples were once erected on the territory, in which sacrifices were made to the gods and prayers were offered to them. The first buildings appeared here in the archaic times.

Now the Acropolis is the Mecca of tourists, time here seems to be frozen in impeccable beauty and grace. architectural forms. Many sights of Ancient Greece are concentrated in this place: the Parthenon, the statue of Athena Promachos, Arrephorion, Chalkotheka, Hekatompedon, Propylaea, etc.

In their reviews, travelers describe the Acropolis literally in a nutshell: magnificent and delightful. They recommend devoting the entire day to exploring the hill and waiting for sunset - the most picturesque and fascinating time of the day.

Delphi

In the past, a city and a pan-Greek religious center with an oracle and a temple of Apollo, and now an extensive archaeological reserve. Ruin ancient city located 9.5 km from the Gulf of Corinth on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. This place is another complex that combines several outstanding sights of Ancient Greece at once: the temple of Apollo, the temple of Athena Pronaia, the amphitheater and stadium, the ancient gymnasium.

Once the Greeks hurried to Delphi to find out what awaits them in the future, and follow unquestioningly the will of the gods. Now thousands of tourists flock here every year to enjoy the picturesque views and majestic architecture.

Knossos palace

It is impossible not to include in the list of the main attractions of Ancient Greece a masterpiece of Cretan architecture - the Palace of Knossos. The first mention of it dates back to the second millennium BC, it is the same age as Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. It is located near Heraklion, just 4 km from the coast of the Cretan Sea.

The palace of Knossos is complex system from the premises with total area 20 thousand m 2. It was built from several types of stone. In ancient times, it consisted of several floors and was a complex labyrinth consisting of living quarters, warehouses, kitchens, workshops, bathrooms, etc.

More than one legend is associated with the palace. According to legend, it was owned by the son of Zeus and Europe - Minos. It was here that the Athenian hero Theseus killed the Minotaur with the help of Ariadne's thread.

Burial in Vergina

Of all the attractions of ancient Greece, this one is perhaps the most unusual. Central Macedonia is located not Big city ok Vergina with a population of about two thousand people. His modern history began in 1922. Perhaps it would have remained an unknown settlement if in 1977 a rich burial place of the Macedonian king Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, had not been discovered here. In addition to his grave, two more were discovered. One of them - with unidentified remains, and the second, according to scientists, belongs to the son of A. Macedonian.

Magnificent frescoes, rich funeral gifts - all this, according to tourists, is in excellent condition and does not leave any of the visitors indifferent.

Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

Since ancient times, Sounion has been the focus of two cults - Poseidon and Athena, who have always fought for the right to possess Attica. The Olympian gods were worshiped, and temples in their honor are not uncommon, so sometimes there is confusion with their location and names. The sights of Ancient Greece are varied and amazing, but the sanctuary of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, built in 490 BC. e., impresses with its scale. Only Doric marble columns have survived to this day, but even they give an idea of ​​the size of the temple.

Apart from exclusively historical value places, tourists celebrate unusually beautiful sunsets on the cape.

Theater in Epidaurus

The ancient Greek city of Epidaurus in the northeast of the Peloponnese is primarily famous for its theater, which stands out from the rest for its exceptional beauty and acoustics. It was erected in 340-330. BC e. for the entertainment of the noble inhabitants of the asklepion and accommodated more than 15 thousand people. It is believed that of all ancient Greek theaters This one has been preserved almost in its original form. To this day, festivals and concerts are held on its stage.

Travelers call it grandiose even by modern standards. In their reviews, they recommend planning a visit to the theater for July-August. During this period, performances are held there as part of the Greek festival.

Olympia

Do you dream of seeing the place where the Olympic Games originated? Then go to ancient Greek Olympia - one of the largest sanctuaries in the Peloponnese. The city was built in honor of Zeus himself. Today it is an archaeological reserve with the ruins of the temples of Hera and Zeus, the ruins of early Christian basilicas, ancient hippodrome and the stadium. In total, the sanctuary includes 33 objects. It is here that the Olympic flame is lit, which is then delivered to the opening of the next Olympic Games.

In the reviews, tourists compare Olympia with the Acropolis of Athens in terms of scale and splendor and recommend scheduling a visit not for a couple of hours, but for the whole day.

Temple of Hephaestus in Athens

Hephaestus is the ancient Greek blacksmith god, the patron of crafts. It is quite logical that his sanctuary should have a special beauty and power. Located on the northwestern side of the Athenian Agora, the Doric temple dedicated to Hephaestus is the best preserved of all other ancient buildings. It was built in 449-415. BC e.

Travelers emphasize that Greece and its main attractions are, first of all, ancient temples. When visiting the capital of the country, one cannot pass by this strict and majestic building. The Temple of Hephaestus seems to be carved from a single block of stone.

Ancient Greek temples, acropolises, ruins and burial places - all this mysteriously attracts people after millennia. Some of them flaunt on postcards and guidebook covers, others are unfairly deprived of attention. Majestic, beautiful, unique. Many of them are sometimes beyond description. The sights of Greece are not only monuments national history, but also sources of information about what he lived ancient world and how it developed.

Greece is known for its natural beauty and fascinating history. Greek sights and ancient archaeological sites, countless islands, sandy beaches and mild Mediterranean climate make it one of the main tourist destinations in Europe.

What to see in Greece

Tours to Greece

Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow

You can get to the main iconic places on your own, but it's still better to go on an excursion in Greece - the prices are very reasonable, usually around 20-25 euros per person. Photos of sights of Greece - main topic photo reports of tourists.

Acropolis, Athens

The Acropolis is a symbol of Athens and Greece, and indeed of the entire Western civilization. It rises in the heart of the modern capital, it is crowned with three magnificent temple dating back to the 5th century BC. The most famous and most characteristic is the Parthenon, originally made up of 58 columns supporting the roof and decorated with ornate pediments and a frieze. Here passes the so-called archaeological Promenade - a 2.5 km long path that goes around the foot of the Acropolis and connects it with the city, as well as other main ancient attractions of Athens - the Ancient Agora, the Roman Forum, Kerameikos, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

How to get there. The most convenient way to get to the Acropolis is by metro. Nearest stations: Acropoli, Syntagma Square or Thissio. There are signs in the subway that will take you to the archaeological area. Be careful: Monday is a day off. Opening hours - from 8:00 to 20:00. In winter, there is a 50% discount on the ticket (10 euros instead of 20). Don't forget sunscreen and comfortable shoes - after all, this is a fairly large and high-lying place, bathed in sun.

Monasteries of Meteora, Thessaly

The monasteries of Meteora are one of the most unusual attractions that you simply must see in Greece - this mountain range Pindus on the plain of Thessaly, where the centuries-old monasteries of Meteora (“Soaring in the air”) were located on smooth stone rocks in the form of huge bizarre pillars. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, six of them are currently open to the public. One has to climb several flights of stone steps carved into the rock to reach each monastery. Inside you will find flickering candles, antique icons and Byzantine frescoes. The opening hours of the monasteries may vary: to visit all six monasteries, you need to spend at least a couple of days. The closest city to Meteora is Kalambaka.

How to get there. The most convenient way to go on an excursion to the monasteries of Meteora is by car. If you do not plan to rent a car, then Kalambaka can be reached by train or bus. Further from Kalambaka, you can take a taxi to any of the monasteries or take a local bus to Kastraki, and from there you can go on foot.

Delphi, Phocis

Delphi is on the list world heritage UNESCO. Built on the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, this place was sacred to the ancients, who came here to worship Apollo (the patron of light, prophecy, music, and healing) and seek advice from the Oracle. Delphi is made up of the crumbling ruins of numerous temples, a theater and a stadium dating from between the 8th century BC. BC e. and II century. n. e. Nearby is the Archaeological Museum, which holds an impressive collection of unique finds.

How to get there. Delphi is located 180 kilometers northwest of Athens. The most convenient way is to take a bus from the bus station. A ticket costs about 14-16 euros, buses run on schedule. Tickets to the museum and excavations cost 12 euros, in winter there is a 50% discount. Opening hours: from 8:30 to 15:00.

Mykonos Island

Mykonos has become famous as the most glamorous among the Greek islands and one of the best tourist attractions in Greece. Mykonos City (Chora) is a stunningly picturesque Cycladic town with a labyrinth of small streets and whitewashed houses. It is also known for its sandy beaches and diverse active nightlife, as evidenced by great amount bars and nightclubs. The island is especially popular among world celebrities.

How to get there. Mykonos is connected to the land by ferries and catamarans to Athens (ports of Piraeus and Rafina). average price ferry from Athens to Mykonos - 160 euros one way. In summer, the price can rise to 220 euros. Travel time - 4.5 hours.

Santorini island

How to get there. Santorini has an airport, which is 6 km from the city of Fira. You can also visit the archipelago by boat - a ferry from Athens will cost about 60 euros, travel time is 4 hours. Sometimes the road by plane is even cheaper than the ferry - 40 euros for half an hour.

Knossos Palace, Crete

How to get there. There are two airports in Crete - Chania International Airport named after Ioannis Daskalogiannis and Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis". Flights from Russia most often arrive in Heraklion.

Navajo beach, Zakynthos

The most famous landmark business card- Navajo beach, "Shipwreck". It is located in the northwest of the island, in the Smuggler's Bay. In 1980, the smugglers, pursued by the police, ran aground their ship, the Panagiotis, and escaped. The ship was washed ashore by a storm, where it is still rusting. You can get to the beach only by boat - it brings and takes away tourists according to the schedule. The beach is surrounded by sheer white cliffs. A long and steep staircase leads to the top, but the climb is worth it - the view is simply amazing. From here, base jumpers like to jump with parachutes.

How to get there. There is an airport on the island of Zakynthos (Zakynthos). Flights from Athens arrive here twice a day. Travel time - about 45 minutes, price - about 65 euros. By water, the island can be reached by ferry from the port of Kyllini (it can be reached from Athens by bus or taxi). Ticket price - 9 euros, travel time - about 1.5 hours.

Acropolis, Lindos

In Lindos there is a magnificent acropolis, with observation deck which offers a wonderful view of St. Peter's Bay. The Acropolis stands on a hill, which can be reached on a donkey. The town of Lindos itself consists of snow-white buildings, the streets are paved with pebbles, decorated with fountains.

How to get there. There is an international airport on the island of Rhodes. From the airport you need to take a taxi to the bus station (it is located in the city center, near the port) and there take a bus to Lindos. Travel time is about an hour, ticket price is about 5 euros.

Fortress, Rhodes

In ancient Rhodes, which is also called the "city of knights", you must definitely see the beautiful Rhodes fortress. The main building is the Palace of the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John. Severe walls with towers, moats, spacious halls for feasts - all this is worth your attention.

How to get there. There is an international airport on the island of Rhodes. The historic center of the city, where the port is located, is located within walking distance from the bus station, which can be reached from the airport in a few minutes.

Palace of the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John. Rhodes, Greece.

How do children's impressions differ from the impressions of an adult. When I first time in school age I was in Athens, it seemed to me that the Acropolis is huge and endless, that you can walk around it forever, and that you will not see such a number of ruins of ancient buildings concentrated in one place anywhere else. But when I arrived there as an adult, I realized that either I already travel so often that it’s harder and harder for me to be impressed, or the Acropolis is really not that big, and one should be surprised that such a huge place happened in such a small area. the number of important historical events that influenced the course of the history of the world.

In general, even cities as huge by ancient standards as Athens or Rome now seem almost tiny. I mean the historical part of modern cities, of course. Almost all the most important things are within easy walking distance from each other, very convenient for tourists. On the other hand, if you think about the fact that the ancient Greeks once walked on these very stones, that Socrates, Plato, Plutarch were here ... - it becomes somehow a little uncomfortable.
From the modern bustling area of ​​Monastiraki, the road to the Acropolis takes only 15-20 minutes, and even then at a leisurely pace. True, you have to go uphill all the time, because the Acropolis is located on a hill. The higher you climb, the better you can see the ancient buildings that have survived in the area:


The first stop on the way is the hill of Ares, or Areopagus. Among the ancient Greeks, this place was known as the meeting place of the council of elders who ruled the city in ancient times. From here one of the most beautiful views of Athens opens. View from the Areopagus towards the Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus:




Towards Pnyx Hill:


Modern Athens is a fairly large city. Sometimes it's hard to believe that once life here was concentrated in a much smaller space. In the distance, you can see Lycabettus Hill - this is another fairly popular place for tourists with cameras. Below are paths among numerous ancient stones: it’s even a shame that so many buildings have not survived from those times:


traditional look from the Areopagus to the Acropolis, more precisely, to the Propylaea - the main gate of the Acropolis:


And this is the view from the Acropolis to the Areopagus. This very small and uneven stone hill is the Areopagus, the place where important political and political events were once taken. judgments. By the way, it is about the same size as famous stones lying in Central Park in New York. But the historical significance cannot be compared.


The Parthenon is under chronic restoration. The ancient stones scattered across the territory of the Acropolis are trying to gather together and restore the building from them to the maximum. It is still difficult to say what will come of this venture, especially considering how much was taken from the Acropolis from Greece back in the Middle Ages. Elements of the Parthenon are now kept in Paris, the Vatican, Munich, Vienna, Copenhagen... And, of course, no one is going to return them to the Greeks.


But the Erechtheion for some reason is not being restored. Although, maybe they will reach it in time:


The famous portico of the Caryatids:





The Acropolis is always quite crowded. It is understandable, because this is the most famous place in Athens. In scale modern world The Acropolis seems rather small. From this angle, almost the entire hill is visible:


Meanwhile, even now a building of this magnitude seems grandiose:




The flourishing and decline of civilizations is generally an interesting thing: once one of the greatest nations in Europe, it suddenly disappears. On rare paintings Greek artists of the Middle Ages can see images of shepherds grazing goats on the top of the Acropolis: several centuries have passed since the collapse of Athens - and there seems to be no trace of the ancient Greeks. The medieval inhabitants of Greece, probably, did not even know what kind of buildings they were standing on the hill.


Traditional view of the city from the Acropolis:




Below you can see the temple of Zeus:


Herod's Odeon is a huge beautiful amphitheater built in the 2nd century AD, already under the Romans. An absolutely colossal project by those standards: this musical theater can accommodate up to six thousand people at the same time. The Greeks have recently refurbished the Herodeon, and now concerts are held there from time to time:




Nearby is the theater of Dionysus, it is 5-6 centuries older than the odeon of Herod, and was built in a typical Greek style: The Greeks always chose a natural hill for the construction of amphitheatres.


Behind the Theater of Dionysus, an ultra-modern building can be seen - this modern museum Acropolis, which opened a couple of years ago:


Let's go down to the theater of Dionysus:


View from the theater to the Acropolis:

Already somewhere at the exit from the territory of the Acropolis:




The new modern Acropolis Museum is really good. True, at the time when I was there, it was not yet fully open. But even the part that was in the public domain was impressive:


According to the plan, sculptures from the temples of the Acropolis, everything found on the hill, surviving fragments of the Parthenon, as well as copies of ancient works of art related to the Acropolis exported from Greece should be stored here.

The opening of the museum was planned to coincide with Olympic Games 2004, but the Greeks, in their traditional manner, extended all the deadlines, did not deliver the project on time, and the construction of the museum building was completed only by the end of 2007, and the final transfer of all the exhibits was completed only in the summer of 2009, i.e. . 5 years later than planned.


The museum, however, turned out to be very good, and now, perhaps, it can quite compete even with the national archaeological museum, which until now was considered the main museum of the city.




Well, to top it off - a short run towards the Temple of Zeus, which was visible from the Acropolis in the photographs above.
View from it towards the Acropolis:


The temple of Zeus itself was once the largest temple in all of Greece. It was built during four centuries and completed construction only in the 2nd century. BC. Now only a single corner and a couple of columns at the other end of the temple remain from the temple.


The most beautiful elements of the temple were taken from Athens to Rome by the ancient Romans.



But even from these few columns, one can quite imagine the scale of the building:

One of the most ancient world civilizations - the Holy Roman Empire - gave mankind greatest culture, which included not only the richest literary heritage but also the stone chronicle. For a long time there has been no people who inhabited this power, but thanks to the preserved architectural monuments, it is possible to recreate the lifestyle of the pagan Romans. April 21, the day of the founding of the city on seven hills, I propose to look at 10 sights ancient rome.

Roman forum

The area, located in the valley between the Palatine and Velia on the south side, the Capitol on the west, the Esquiline and the slopes of the Quirinal and Viminal, was a wetland in the pre-Roman period. Until the middle of the 8th century BC. e. this area was used for burials, and the settlements were located on the nearby hills. The place was drained during the reign of Tsar Tarquikios the Ancient, who turned it into the center of political, religious and cultural life townspeople. It was here that the famous truce between the Romans and the Sabines took place, elections to the Senate were held, judges sat and divine services were held.

From west to east, the sacred road of the empire, Via Appia, or the Appian Way, runs through the entire Roman Forum, along which there are many monuments of both ancient and medieval times. The Roman Forum houses the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Vespasian and the Temple of Vesta.

The temple in honor of the god Saturn was erected around 489 BC, symbolizing the victory over the Etruscan kings from the Tarquinian family. Several times he died during fires, but was reborn. The inscription on the frieze confirms that "The Senate and the people of Rome restored what was destroyed by fire." It was a majestic building, which was decorated with a statue of Saturn, it included the premises of the state treasury, an aerary, where documents on state revenues and debts were kept. However, only a few columns of the Ionic order have survived to this day.

The construction of the Temple of Vespasian began by decision of the Senate in 79 AD. e. after the death of the emperor. This holy building was dedicated to the Flavius: Vespasian and his son Titus. It was 33 meters long and 22 meters wide. Three 15-meter columns of the Corinthian order have survived to this day.

The temple of Vesta is dedicated to the goddess hearth and in ancient times connected with the House of Vestals. The sacred fire was constantly maintained in the inner room. Initially, it was guarded by the daughters of the king, then they were replaced by Vestal priestesses, who also held worship in honor of Vesta. In this temple there was a cache with symbols of the empire. The building was round in shape, the territory of which was bordered by 20 Corinthian columns. Despite the fact that there was an outlet for smoke in the roof, fires often broke out in the temple. It was saved several times, reconstructed, but in 394 Emperor Theodosius ordered it to be closed. Gradually, the building dilapidated and fell into disrepair.

Trajan's Column

A monument of ancient Roman architecture, erected in 113 AD. architect Apollodorus of Damascus in honor of the victories of Emperor Trajan over the Dacians. The marble column, hollow inside, rises 38 m above the ground. In the “body” of the structure there is a spiral staircase with 185 steps leading to observation platform on capitals.

The trunk of the column spirals 23 times around a 190 m long ribbon with reliefs depicting episodes of the war between Rome and Dacia. Initially, the monument was crowned by an eagle, later by a statue of Trajan. And in the Middle Ages, the statue of the Apostle Peter began to decorate the column. At the base of the column there is a door leading to the hall where the golden urns with the ashes of Trajan and his wife Pompeii Plotina were placed. The relief tells of two wars between Trajan and the Dacians, and the period 101-102. AD separated from the battles of 105-106 by the figure of winged Victoria, writing on a shield surrounded by trophies, the name of the winner. It also depicts the movement of the Romans, the construction of fortifications, river crossings, battles, the details of weapons and armor of both troops are drawn in great detail. In total, on a 40-ton column, about 2,500 human figures. Trajan appears on it 59 times. In addition to Victory, there are other allegorical figures in the relief: the Danube in the form of a majestic old man, Night - a woman with a veiled face, etc.

Pantheon

The Temple of All Gods was built in 126 AD. e. under the emperor Hadrian on the site of the previous Pantheon, erected two centuries before by Mark Vipsanius Agrippa. latin inscription on the pediment reads: "M. AGRIPPA L F COS TERTIUM FECIT" - "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, elected consul for the third time, erected this." Located in Piazza della Rotonda. The Pantheon is distinguished by classical clarity and integrity of the composition of the interior space, majesty artistic image. Deprived of external decorations, the cylindrical building is crowned with a dome covered with inconspicuous carvings. The height from the floor to the opening in the vault corresponds exactly to the diameter of the base of the dome, presenting an amazing proportionality to the eye. The weight of the dome is distributed over eight sections that make up the monolith of the wall, between which there are niches that give massive building a feeling of airiness. Through illusion open space it seems that the walls are not so thick, and the dome is much lighter than in reality. A round hole in the vault of the temple lets in light, illuminating the rich decoration of the interior space. Everything has come down to our days almost unchanged.

Coliseum

One of the most significant buildings of Ancient Rome. The huge amphitheater was built over eight years. It was an oval building with 80 large arches along the perimeter of the arena, with smaller arches on them. The arena is surrounded by a wall of 3 tiers, and the total number of large and small arches was 240. Each tier was decorated with columns made in different styles. The first is Doric, the second is Ionic, and the third is Corinthian. In addition, sculptures made by the best Roman craftsmen were installed on the first two tiers.

The building of the amphitheater included galleries intended for the relaxation of spectators, where noisy merchants sold various goods. Outside, the Colosseum was finished with marble, beautiful statues were located around its perimeter. 64 entrances led to the room, which were located with different sides amphitheater.

Below were privileged places for the noble nobles of Rome and the throne of the emperor. The floor of the arena, where not only gladiator fights took place, but also real sea battles, was wooden.

Today, the Colosseum has lost two-thirds of its original mass, but even today it is a majestic building, being a symbol of Rome. No wonder the saying goes: "While the Colosseum stands, Rome will stand, disappear the Colosseum - Rome will disappear and the whole world with it."

Triumphal Arch tita

The single-span marble arch, located on the Via Sacra road, was built after the death of Emperor Titus in honor of the capture of Jerusalem in 81 AD. Its height is 15.4 m, width - 13.5 m, span depth - 4.75 m, span width - 5.33 m. procession with trophies, among which the main shrine of the Jewish temple is the menorah.

Baths of Caracalla

The baths were built at the beginning of the 3rd century AD. under Marcus Aurelius, nicknamed Caracalla. The luxurious building was intended not only for the washing process, but also for a variety of leisure activities, including both sports and intellectual. There were four entrances to the "bath building"; through two central ones they entered the covered halls. On both sides of it were rooms for meetings, recitations, etc. Among the many all kinds of rooms, located on the right and left intended for washing rooms, two large open symmetrical courtyards surrounded on three sides by a colonnade, the floor of which was decorated with the famous mosaic with the figures of athletes, should be noted. The emperors not only lined the walls with marble, covered the floors with mosaics and put up magnificent columns: they systematically collected works of art here. In the baths of Caracalla once stood the Farnese bull, the statues of Flora and Hercules, the torso of Apollo Belvedere.

The visitor found here a club, a stadium, a recreation garden, and a house of culture. Everyone could choose for himself what he liked: some, after washing up, sat down to chat with friends, went to look at wrestling and gymnastic exercises, could stretch themselves; others wandered around the park, admired the statues, sat in the library. People left with a reserve of new strength, rested and renewed not only physically, but also morally. Despite such a gift of fate, the terms were destined to collapse.

Temples of Portun and Hercules

These temples are located on the left bank of the Tiber in another ancient forum of the city - Bull. In early Republican times, ships moored here and there was a brisk trade in livestock, hence the name.

Temple Portun built in honor of the god of ports. The building has a rectangular shape, decorated with Ionic columns. The temple is well preserved, since around 872 AD. was turned into christian church Santa Maria in Gradelis, consecrated in the 5th century as the church of Santa Maria Aegiziana.

The Temple of Hercules has a monoptera design - a round building without internal partitions. The construction dates back to the 2nd century BC. The temple has a diameter of 14.8 m, decorated with twelve Corinthian columns 10.6 m high. The structure rests on a tuff foundation. Previously, the temple had an architrave and a roof, which have not survived to our times. In 1132 AD The temple became a place of Christian worship. The original name of the church was Santo Stefano al Carose. In the 17th century, the newly consecrated temple began to be called Santa Maria del Sol.

Field of Mars

"Field of Mars" - this was the name of the part of Rome, located on the left bank of the Tiber, originally intended for the military and gymnastic exercises. In the center of the field was an altar in honor of the god of war. This part of the field remained and subsequently free, while the remaining parts were built up.

Mausoleum of Hadrian

The architectural monument was conceived as the tomb of the emperor and his family. The mausoleum was a square base (side length - 84 m), in which a cylinder was installed (diameter - 64 m, height about 20 m), crowned with an artificial hill, the top of which was decorated with sculptural composition: emperor in the form of the god of the Sun, controlling the quadriga. Subsequently, this gigantic structure began to be used for military and strategic purposes. The centuries have changed its original appearance. The construction acquired the Angel's Courtyard, medieval halls, including the Hall of Justice, the apartments of the Pope, a prison, a library, a Treasure Hall and Secret archive. From the terrace of the castle, above which the figure of an Angel rises, a magnificent view of the city opens up.

Catacombs

The catacombs of Rome are a network of ancient buildings used as burial places, for the most part during the period of early Christianity. In total, there are more than 60 different catacombs in Rome (150-170 km long, about 750,000 burials), most of which are located underground along the Appian Way. Labyrinths of underground passages, according to one version, arose on the site of ancient quarries, according to another, they were formed in private land plots. In the Middle Ages, the custom of burying in the catacombs disappeared, and they remained as evidence of the culture of Ancient Rome.