Originally, the Parthenon was built as a shrine honoring the Greek goddess Athena, as the centerpiece of an impressive temple complex.

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The Parthenon

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Athens, Greece

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The Fascinating, Mysterious Histories of 6 World-Famous Ruins

Dating back more than 2,500 years, Athens' most prominent landmark has a long and fascinating history.

Originally, the Parthenon was built as a shrine honoring the Greek goddess Athena, as the centerpiece of an impressive temple complex. The Parthenon's hilltop location meant that it could be seen from all over Athens; as such, it became an emblem of the city. Over the course of its existence, the Parthenon has been repurposed as a Byzantine church and, under the Ottomans, a mosque. Earthquakes, fire, gunpowder and looters have all taken their toll. Yet it remains an architectural icon, copied and adapted all over the world — including a full-scale replica in Nashville, Tennessee.

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