Athena directs the giant Gigas, who carries a large rock (or rocks), in the building of the "Pelasgic walls"
of the Acropolis. The ancient Greeks called the former inhabitants of Greece Pelasgians (Πελασγοί, Pelasgoí).
The remains of prehistoric walls on the Acropolis, built of large uncut stone, are also referred to as Mycenaean
and Cyclopean. Because of the large size of the rocks used to build in prehistoric times, legends grew that
the builders were giants, hence the name "Cyclopean walls", after the homeric giant Cyclops.
Image after an illustration from a 5th century BC red figure vase in The Acropolis of Athens
by Martin Luther D'Ooge (1839-1915). Macmillan, New York, 1909. (Originally from Strena Helbigiana, 1900.)
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The photos in this gallery were taken between 2007 and 2011 during extensive restoration works to the buildings of the Acropolis. Many of the ancient mouments were surrounded by cranes and scaffolding, and some parts of the Acropolis were inaccessible to the public. Gradually, the scaffoldig is coming down, revealing these architectural gems in a new light. We will be returning to the Acropolis in 2012 to add photos of the results of the restorations.
Photos and articles: © David John
Additional photos: © Konstanze Gundudis
All photos and articles are copyright protected.
Images and materials by other authors have been attributed where applicable.
If you are interested in using any of the photos for your website,
blog or publication, please get in contact.
Higher resolution versions are available on request. |
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