acropolis

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The Acropolis, Athens.—© Neil Setchfield—Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images

(Greek: “city at the top”) Central, defensively oriented district in ancient Greek cities, located on the highest ground and containing the chief municipal and religious buildings. The renowned Athens Acropolis (5th century BC), atop a craggy walled hill, is home to four main edifices—the Propylaea (see propylaeum), Parthenon, Erechtheum (Ionic temple noted for its caryatid porch), and Temple of Athena Nike—all built from white marble plentiful in the region.

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