Reconstruction, Parthenon temple, Parthenon
The Parthenon is a temple that was constructed in honor of the goddess Athena in ancient Greece. It is situated on a rocky mount in Athens called the acropolis. The original temple was constructed about two thousand five hundred years ago. Its construction commenced in 447 BC when the Athenians were at the peak of their powers and was complete by 438 BC. However, the decorations continued until around 432 BC. The Parthenon is considered the most historically significant structures in the world. The artifacts that were used for its decorations are also considered the high significant civilizations in the development of humankind. Parthenon has been utilized point of Greek art. In addition, it is an enduring cultural symbol of the Athenian civilization, one of the most for a host of different functions.
For example, it was initially a temple in honor of Athena. Later, it was used as a military ammunition center, a church, a mosque during the Ottoman inhibition and a museum. During its use as an ammunition centre, it severely damaged by a stray cannon. This also resulted in the loss of the art used in its decoration as well as posing the greatest threat to the Parthenon. Though time and elements of nature have played a part in the declining condition of the Parthenon, humanity has played the greatest role. Due to this damage, the Greece ministry of culture commissioned reconstruction of the building to increase its longevity as well as safety of visitors. This paper will show that the reconstruction is counterproductive because it reduces the cultural and aesthetic significance of the structure.
[...] The builders set out to replicate the exact structure of the original structure in such a manner that even the fists president would recognize it. This is the same principle in the reconstruction of the Parthenon. The value is in the original construction and the advancements of the human race in the intervening years. For example, building the same building in a different location would be significantly insignificant because it is not the building it's self that is valuable, it is its significance to culture and history. [...]
[...] The result and the earlier removal of Christian antiques led to the belief that the Parthenon needed renovation. Nikolaos Balanos was given authority by the Greek government to spearhead the renovations. However, modern preservationists believe that the restoration effort did more harm than good. The marbles were mismatched and iron clamps were used to hold the original pieces in place. This was in an attempt to retain as much integrity of the older building as possible. However, these clamps were exposed to corrosion and with time, they strained the already strained building materials and thus resulted to more compromise. [...]
[...] The building is an icon of Athens and their gods. In addition, it is among the only remaining buildings constructed at the height of ancient civilization. The very purpose of the building is its representation of Greece civilization and their greatest construction. Compromising its integrity will therefore not be a solution to the problem because ultimately, though the shape, location and significance of the building will remain the same, its historical value will diminish. For example, will it be said it has stood for more than two thousand five hundred years, or will there be gaps to explain the renovations? [...]
[...] Reconstruction of the Parthenon temple The Parthenon is a temple that was constructed in honor of the goddess Athena in ancient Greece. It is situated on a rocky mount in Athens called the acropolis. The original temple was constructed about two thousand five hundred years ago. Its construction commenced in 447 BC when the Athenians were at the peak of their powers and was complete by 438 BC. However, the decorations continued until around 432 BC. The Parthenon is considered the most historically significant structures in the world. [...]
[...] It is also worth noting that the original construction of the building is not under scrutiny. Nobody is scrutinizing the original structure or architectural integrity of the work. After all, it has lasted over two millennia. The renovations are under scrutiny because they compromised the integrity of the building in all aspects. The irony is that the same efforts, though admittedly more advanced and better coordinated, are being made again. The above point illustrates the danger in reconstructing the building, though architecture may have improved with time. [...]
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