Designed by architects Callicrates and Iktinus, in 447 BC,under
the surveillance of Phidias, Parthenon is the best example of
the Doric style and "the most faultless in design and execution
of all buildings erected by man".
Eight Doric columns at either end and 17 on each side marked the
exterior. There were 44 statues, 92 metopes and a frieze which
went all the way around the temple.
The Parthenon entrance opened into the cella inner room, which
was divided into a nave and side aisles by two rows of columns
that supported the pitch of the roof. The cella was occupied by
the statue of Athena Polias, Athena of the City, 12 m hight, one
of the most renowed works of Phidias, completed in 432 BC.
The draped figure of the goddess was represented standing, armed
with helmet, spear and shield. In the right hand she held a Nike
statuette, the goddess of Victory, and in her left
a spear. The draperies and accessories were of gold plates, the
flesh parts ivory, with precious stones inserted in the eyes.
Behind the statue was the entrance to a small room, the Virgin's
Chamber, which have been used as a treasury. Its ceiling was supported
by four Ionic columns.