Acropolis facts for kids

The famous Acropolis of Athens, with the Parthenon temple, in Greece.

An acropolis (say: ah-KROP-oh-liss) is like a high, strong fortress or city built on top of a hill. The word comes from Greek: acron means 'edge' or 'top,' and polis means 'city.' People built them on high ground, often with steep sides, to protect themselves.

Many ancient cities, like ancient Rome, grew around their acropolis. This is why you can still see these impressive high points in modern cities today. For example, the Acropolis of Athens in Greece has the famous Parthenon temple, which once held a huge statue of the goddess Athena.

Why Ancient Cities Built Acropolises

The word acropolis literally means "upper city" in Greek. Even though we often think of Greek cities like Athens, Argos, Thebes, and Corinth when we hear the word, many other ancient settlements also had similar high, fortified areas.

• Some examples include:
  • Rome
  • Jerusalem
  • Bratislava (a Celtic example)
  • Many places in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey)
  • Castle Rock in Edinburgh, Scotland
  • The Rock of Cashel in Ireland

A view of the Acropolis of Pergamon in the background.

Archaeologists and historians also use the term "acropolis" for ancient settlements built on hilltops in northwestern Iberia (modern-day Spain and Portugal). These were part of the Castro culture.

The most famous acropolis is the Acropolis of Athens. Because of its long history and the many famous buildings on it (especially the Parthenon), it is often simply called the Acropolis.

The idea of building an acropolis started in mainland Greece. But it quickly spread to Greek colonies, like the city of Lato on the island of Crete during the Archaic Period (around 800-480 BCE).

Acropolises in Modern Times

The ruins of the "Great Stone Church" at Mission San Juan Capistrano in California.

Sometimes, buildings from later times are called an "acropolis" if they look similar to the ancient Greek style. For example, the ruins of the "Great Stone Church" at Mission San Juan Capistrano in California, United States, have been called the "American Acropolis" because of its classical style.

In other parts of the world, different names were used for these high, strong places. In central Italy, many small towns still gather around a fortified area called La Rocca.

The term acropolis is also used to describe the main group of buildings, like plazas and pyramids, in many Maya cities. Famous examples include Tikal and Copán in Central America.

Images for kids

• 

  The Acropolis of Athens at night in Athens, Greece.

• 

  The Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis of Athens, built around 400 BCE.

• 

  Columbia University in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, sometimes called an "acropolis" because of its elevated location.

See also

In Spanish: Acrópolis para niños