Ep 5. Saving the Parthenon
- August 22, 2009
Saving the Parthenon is the fifth episode of the National Geographic Documentaries season 2009. This episode uncovers an amazing story of how the iconic temple, the Parthenon, was painstakingly restored over the course of 30 years after being damaged in an explosion.
Viewers are taken on a journey to Athens, the capital city of Greece, where the Parthenon, which is a symbol of the city, stands tall atop the Acropolis Hill. The temple has been standing since the 5th century BC, and it has been a significant historical site since then. In 1687, the Parthenon was damaged by a Venetian bombing and has been steadily deteriorating over the years. Then in the late 20th century, an unfortunate event occurred that had the potential to cause even more damage to this already damaged temple.
On September 26th, 1983, a strong explosion rocked the city of Athens, and the Parthenon was one of the buildings directly affected. The explosion had been caused by a terrorist attack on the building, and the Parthenon was left in a state of chaos. The explosion caused the roof of the temple to collapse, and 400 tons of marble was shattered. The monumental statue of Athena that had been housed inside was destroyed beyond repair.
The task of recovering the ruins of the temple seemed like an impossible one, but a team of dedicated experts from around the world came together to try and save what was left of this Greek icon. The restoration process took an astounding 30 years, and this episode gives viewers a glimpse into the lengths that the restoration team went to in order to bring the Parthenon back to its former glory.
The documentary emphasizes the dedication and commitment that was required to bring this project to fruition. It also highlights the impact that the restoration process had on the city and the people of Athens. While some residents were hesitant to pour funds into restoring the temple, it's ultimately clear that the restoration was worth it. The restoration process resulted in the creation of new jobs and the revitalization of Athens' economy, and the temple has now been brought back to life for generations to come.
The episode weaves in the history of the Parthenon, from its inception to the events leading up to the restoration process. Viewers are given a glimpse into the construction of the temple, and the significance that it held for ancient Greeks. The temple was originally built to honor Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war.
Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to the various experts that worked on the restoration process. These individuals came from different backgrounds and disciplines, and they brought their unique skills to the table to make the restoration process a success. The restoration team utilized modern technology to help rebuild the temple, which included computer modeling of the temple's structure, and 3D printing of lost sections.
Overall, Saving the Parthenon is a fascinating episode that gives viewers an inside look into the restoration of an iconic temple, and the people who made it possible. It's an inspiring story of how teamwork, determination, and dedication can lead to something truly remarkable. The restoration of the Parthenon is a testament to the resilience of human beings and their ability to overcome even the most daunting of obstacles.
