DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.796#0140
ii2 THE ACROPOLIS OF ATHENS
Argentinensis. From a study of this document Keil gained
the information that new plans for rebuilding the structure
on the Acropolis had been formed by Pericles as early as 457.
But a critical study (77) of the papyrus fragment has recently
shown that it is drawn from a commentary on one of the
speeches of Demosthenes, and that the results of Keil's study
so far as they pertain at least to the history of the Acropolis
are of too doubtful value to be accepted as historic evidence.
It is to be inferred, however, from Plutarch (Pericl. 17) that
Pericles had formulated some general plan to rebuild the
temples on the Acropolis, which he desired to lay before a
Congress of Greek states that was to consider affairs of general
interest. Just when this proposed Congress was to convene
is not known. The probability is that the proposal was made
soon after 457. As Plutarch tells us, it never did assemble.
While the date of this proposed Congress is not definitely
known, it does not seem probable that it could have been
proposed earlier than about 457, but it may have been several
years later.
An interesting confirmation of the opinion that a general
plan for rebuilding the structures on the Acropolis was in
existence before the Periclean Parthenon was begun, is found
in a recently discovered inscription (78) recording an official
decree to erect an altar and temple to Athena Nike, which
epigraphists say cannot be later than 450 and may be a few
years earlier (see p. 189 below).
That there was some opposition to the lavish expenditure
of funds by Pericles on the building of these structures is
clearly to be inferred from what Plutarch says in his life of
Pericles (Chap. 12 and 14), from which it appears that this
action of Pericles became a matter of political discussion, being
regarded by his opponents as an unwarranted diversion of
the funds of the Delian confederacy. But the prosperous
state of the finances gave to Pericles and Phidias the desired
means to consummate their design of transforming the whole
Acropolis into a sacred precinct of Athena (79). That the
projects of Pericles were sanctioned by the people may. well
be believed, and their enthusiasm may be the foundation of
the anecdote told by Plutarch that when some one demurred
to the large outlay for a particular piece of work, and
Argentinensis. From a study of this document Keil gained
the information that new plans for rebuilding the structure
on the Acropolis had been formed by Pericles as early as 457.
But a critical study (77) of the papyrus fragment has recently
shown that it is drawn from a commentary on one of the
speeches of Demosthenes, and that the results of Keil's study
so far as they pertain at least to the history of the Acropolis
are of too doubtful value to be accepted as historic evidence.
It is to be inferred, however, from Plutarch (Pericl. 17) that
Pericles had formulated some general plan to rebuild the
temples on the Acropolis, which he desired to lay before a
Congress of Greek states that was to consider affairs of general
interest. Just when this proposed Congress was to convene
is not known. The probability is that the proposal was made
soon after 457. As Plutarch tells us, it never did assemble.
While the date of this proposed Congress is not definitely
known, it does not seem probable that it could have been
proposed earlier than about 457, but it may have been several
years later.
An interesting confirmation of the opinion that a general
plan for rebuilding the structures on the Acropolis was in
existence before the Periclean Parthenon was begun, is found
in a recently discovered inscription (78) recording an official
decree to erect an altar and temple to Athena Nike, which
epigraphists say cannot be later than 450 and may be a few
years earlier (see p. 189 below).
That there was some opposition to the lavish expenditure
of funds by Pericles on the building of these structures is
clearly to be inferred from what Plutarch says in his life of
Pericles (Chap. 12 and 14), from which it appears that this
action of Pericles became a matter of political discussion, being
regarded by his opponents as an unwarranted diversion of
the funds of the Delian confederacy. But the prosperous
state of the finances gave to Pericles and Phidias the desired
means to consummate their design of transforming the whole
Acropolis into a sacred precinct of Athena (79). That the
projects of Pericles were sanctioned by the people may. well
be believed, and their enthusiasm may be the foundation of
the anecdote told by Plutarch that when some one demurred
to the large outlay for a particular piece of work, and