The Parthenon, a renowned architectural masterpiece, was built through a democratic process in ancient Athens. After the Persians burned Athens in 480 B.C., the city's rubble remained untouched for 30 years, serving as a reminder of the devastation.
However, the statesman Pericles eventually persuaded his fellow citizens to rebuild, and the Parthenon was constructed using funds from the Delian Treasury, which was approved by a vote from the assembly of citizens. The construction of the Parthenon was not without controversy, as building costs escalated and opponents accused Pericles of misusing public funds.
Pericles responded by offering to pay for the project himself, but the assembly ultimately decided that the city should bear the cost. This decision ensured that the temple belonged to the city of Athens, rather than to Pericles himself. The outcome was a testament to the democratic process, with all its associated messiness and contention.
The Parthenon's design and sculpture reflected the city's democratic values, with the west pediment depicting the city's founding myth and the frieze inside the temple showcasing ordinary Athenians in a dignified and idealized manner. The legendary sculptor Phidias gave these mortals a dignity once reserved for the divine, marking the birth of the classical style.
Pericles explicitly connected the Parthenon to the city's exceptionalism, highlighting its unique government and values in his funeral oration. The Parthenon has stood for nearly 25 centuries, serving as a reminder of the importance of democracy and the power of collective decision-making.