Temple of Athena Nike

The Temple of Athena Nike ("Victorious Athena") in Athens was the earliest Ionic building to be built on the Acropolis. The temple was begun around 427 BC and completed during the unrest of the Peloponnesian war. It was built over the remains of an earlier sixth century temple to Athena, demolished by the Persians in 480 BC. The decision to build Athena Nike was an expression of Athens' ambitions to be a world power as opposed to Sparta. Constructed from white marble, it was built in stages as wartime funding allowed. The temple's small size was compensated for in its position, resting on a rocky outcrop, positioned so the Athenian people could worship the goddess of victory in hope of prosperous outcomes in the war's endeavours. Once the temple was completed the Athenians added a protective parapet to express their determination and hope for final victory.