The Parthenon stands as one of the most remarkable achievements of the ancient world. This quiz explores the history, architecture, and cultural legacy of the famous temple atop the Athenian Acropolis.
You will see questions about the masterbuilders who constructed the landmark, the unique optical adjustments built into the columns, and the dramatic events that led to its damage. Some questions focus on construction techniques, while others cover the famous relics associated with the site.
Once you finish, try our other quizzes to read about sacred architecture, discover classical sculpture, or visit our section on historic places.
Which ancient Greek sculptor created the famous statue of Athena inside the Parthenon?
Lysippos
Lysippos
Phidias
Phidias
Praxiteles
Praxiteles
Myron
Myron
Which prominent Athenian statesman led the major building program on the Acropolis in the 5th century BCE?
Pericles
Pericles
Cleisthenes
Cleisthenes
Socrates
Socrates
Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great
The Parthenon was primarily built as a temple dedicated to which Greek goddess?
Artemis
Artemis
Hera
Hera
Athena
Athena
Aphrodite
Aphrodite
The Parthenon was constructed primarily using Pentelic stone, which is a type of what?
Limestone
Limestone
White Marble
White Marble
Granite
Granite
Sandstone
Sandstone
Which architectural order is most prominently used in the exterior columns of the Parthenon?
Corinthian
Corinthian
Doric
Doric
Ionic
Ionic
Composite
Composite
What was the name of the main processional road that led up to the Acropolis?
The Appian Way
The Appian Way
The Panathenaic Way
The Panathenaic Way
The Royal Path
The Royal Path
The Golden Road
The Golden Road
Which master sculptor was responsible for the overall artistic oversight of the Parthenon’s decorations?
Phidias
Phidias
Praxiteles
Praxiteles
Lysippos
Lysippos
Myron
Myron
What is the name of the purposeful convex curve in the columns of the Parthenon, designed to counteract optical illusions?
Internal stained glass
Internal stained glass
Use of iron beams
Use of iron beams
Curvature/Entasis
Curvature/Entasis
Gold plating
Gold plating
In which institution are the controversial sculptures known as the ‘Elgin Marbles’ primarily housed today?
The Pergamon Museum
The Pergamon Museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Louvre
The Louvre
The British Museum
The British Museum
Which British diplomat oversaw the removal of many sculptures from the Parthenon in the early 19th century?
Lord Elgin
Lord Elgin
Lord Palmerston
Lord Palmerston
Lord Byron
Lord Byron
Lord Nelson
Lord Nelson
During which major Athenian festival were garments presented to the statue of Athena on the Acropolis?
Olympic Games
Olympic Games
Dionysia Festival
Dionysia Festival
Panathenaic Festival
Panathenaic Festival
The Eleusinian Mysteries
The Eleusinian Mysteries
What is the term for the monumental gateway that serves as the entrance to the Acropolis?
Temple of Athena Nike
Temple of Athena Nike
Propylaea
Propylaea
Erechtheion
Erechtheion
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
What are the draped female figures used as supporting columns in the Porch of the Maidens of the Erechtheion called?
Kouroi
Kouroi
Korai
Korai
Atlantes
Atlantes
Caryatids
Caryatids
In which year did a Venetian mortar strike cause the most significant damage to the Parthenon’s structure and roof?
1687
1687
1677
1677
1707
1707
1697
1697
What did the Ottoman military store inside the Parthenon, leading to its devastating explosion in 1687?
Gold
Gold
Water
Water
Grain
Grain
Gunpowder
Gunpowder
What term describes the construction technique of the massive statue of Athena inside the Parthenon, utilizing gold and ivory?
Terracotta
Terracotta
Bronze-cast
Bronze-cast
Marble-carved
Marble-carved
Chryselephantine
Chryselephantine
Which architectural order was used for the interior frieze depicting the Panathenaic procession?
Corinthian
Corinthian
Tuscan
Tuscan
Doric
Doric
Ionic
Ionic
What primary historical event necessitated the major rebuilding of the Acropolis under Pericles?
The Athenians demolished the old structures to modernize in 447 BCE
The Athenians demolished the old structures to modernize in 447 BCE
An earthquake destroyed the existing complex in 465 BCE
An earthquake destroyed the existing complex in 465 BCE
The Persians destroyed the original structures in 480 BCE
The Persians destroyed the original structures in 480 BCE
A major fire destroyed the old temples in 450 BCE
A major fire destroyed the old temples in 450 BCE
What financial source did Pericles use to fund the massive Acropolis building project?
Spoils from the Persian Wars
Spoils from the Persian Wars
Delian League funds
Delian League funds
Silver from the Laurium mines
Silver from the Laurium mines
Taxes levied on wealthy Athenian citizens
Taxes levied on wealthy Athenian citizens
Which section of the Parthenon was used to hold the treasury of the Athenian empire?
The Cella (Naos)
The Cella (Naos)
The Pronaos (Front porch)
The Pronaos (Front porch)
The Treasury (Opisthodomos)
The Treasury (Opisthodomos)
The Adyton (Inner shrine)
The Adyton (Inner shrine)
What are the rectangular architectural panels located between triglyphs on the Parthenon’s exterior frieze called?
Triglyphs
Triglyphs
Pediments
Pediments
Metopes
Metopes
Architraves
Architraves
Which mythological event was depicted on the western pediment of the Parthenon?
The contest between Athena and Poseidon
The contest between Athena and Poseidon
The birth of Athena
The birth of Athena
The wedding of Peleus and Thetis
The wedding of Peleus and Thetis
The defeat of the Titans
The defeat of the Titans
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