Parthenos (virgin, unwed) In Greek cult, title frequently applied to Athena as virgin goddess but also used for other female deities. The Parthenon, on the highest part of the Acropolis in Athens, was dedicated to Athena Parthenos. Begun in 447 b.c.e., the temple was dedicated in 438; it was designed by Callicrates
and Ictinus and contained what are now called the Elgin Marbles as well as the statue of the goddess Athena by Phidias (c. 490–415 b.c.e.). The temple became a Christian church dedicated to the Virgin Mary; later it was converted into a mosque.
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow– Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
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