Where Is the Parthenon?

Where Is the Parthenon?

NONFICTION HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY • PENGUIN "WHERE IS...?" SERIES

Part of Penguin’s celebrated Where Is...? series, Where Is the Parthenon? transports young readers to the sunlit heights of the Athenian Acropolis to uncover the dramatic, multilayered history of one of the most iconic architectural ruins on Earth.

Completed in 438 BC to honor Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, the Parthenon is universally revered as a triumph of classical design and the birthplace of democratic ideals. Yet its story extends far beyond ancient Greece: over the centuries, this majestic white-marble temple transformed from a pagan sanctuary into a Christian church, an Ottoman mosque, and eventually a military powder keg. When a Venetian cannonball struck the munition storehouse inside the building during a 1687 siege, the resulting explosion shattered its classical sculptures and left the monument in the historic ruins visitors marvel at today.

"Today, visitors continue to flock to this world-famous landmark, which has become a symbol for Ancient Greece, democracy, and modern civilization."

Core Historical & Archaeological Highlights:

• The Golden Age of Athens: Explores the construction of the Parthenon under Pericles, celebrating its mathematical symmetry, Doric columns, and classical artistry.

• A Building of Many Faiths: Traces the temple's fascinating religious evolution through Christian, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras before its tragic destruction in the 17th century.

• Symbol of Democracy & Civilization: Examines how the ruins transitioned from a scarred battleground into a global emblem of art, architecture, and civic heritage.

Key Book Features at a Glance:

Perfect For:

• Young Historians & Travelers (Ages 8–12): Independent readers fascinated by ancient Greece, mythology, ruins, and grand historical mysteries.

• Classroom & Library Collections: An invaluable addition to world history, social studies, and classical mythology curricula.

• Fans of the Where Is / Who Was Series: Readers collecting educational adventures exploring global wonders and ancient landmarks.