An acropolis is the part of a city built on a high place. It often has steep sides. That makes it easier to defend. The Acropolis of Athens in Greece is the best known example.

There have been buildings on the Acropolis of Athens for many thousands of years. A huge wall was built around it in the late Bronze Age. Temples to Athena and others were built around 2,500 years ago. Athena is the goddess of wisdom and war. Athens was named after her.

The Greeks were at war in 480 B.C. They won. But the Acropolis was destroyed. Rebuilding started in a big way. Statues were made. Many temples were built that are still famous today. The Parthenon was built. It is one of the most famous buildings in the world.

A lot can happen in 2,500 years. Erosion and pollution were hard on the buildings. There were wars. Other countries took over. One group turned the Parthenon into a church. Another built a mosque in it. Weapons were stored there. It was partly blown up in 1687. Treasures taken from the Acropolis were spread around the world.

The Greeks got back control of their country in the early 1800’s. The people cleared all the foreign buildings off the Acropolis. Lately, they have tested the most modern ways of restoring the buildings. They have made it a great place to visit.

The Greeks are still trying to get some of the Parthenon artwork back from the British Museum.