Definition: While there are numerous acropolises in the world, there is only one Acropolis. An acropolis (in Greek, acro=high, polis=city) is any Greek citadel in a high location. The Acropolis of Athens is located on the top of a steep rock outcrop in the middle of the ancient city, which covered with the ruins of Classical Period temples and structures and topped with the Parthenon.
Occupation on the site dates to the Neolithic period, and the ceremonial importance of the site to the cult of Greek Goddess Athena dates at least to the Archaic period (650-480 BC). The most important of the several standing temples on the hill are the Parthenon (built between 447 and 438 BC), the Erechtheion and the Temple of Nike (both built ca. 420 BC).
Occupation on the site dates to the Neolithic period, and the ceremonial importance of the site to the cult of Greek Goddess Athena dates at least to the Archaic period (650-480 BC). The most important of the several standing temples on the hill are the Parthenon (built between 447 and 438 BC), the Erechtheion and the Temple of Nike (both built ca. 420 BC).
Source
Ferrari, Gloria 2002 The ancient temple of the Acropolis at Athens. American Journal of Archaeology 106(1):11-36.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology.
