This photo was taken on my recent trip to Greece.  It is from the Parthenon, the temple of the Acropolis. It was built between 447 and 432 BC in the Age of Pericles, and it was dedicated to the city’s patron deity Athena.

The Acroterion is a decorative piece found in Greek architecture.  From the front there are columns, supporting a horizontal beam. Atop of that is a triangle-shaped known as the pediment. The pediment was decorated with statues inside it, and an Acroterion perched above the  apex of the triangle (found that info here).

This Acroterion is in the shape of acanthus plant stalks and tendrils, and about three meters tall. Pictured above, are the remains of the Acroterion as it is  exhibited at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.  

So now I know what that decorative piece is. It is tall and imposing, and really cool to see in person.

Pat

9/11/24