temple in athens crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "temple in athens crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find the most common solutions, complete with explanations to help you understand why they fit and deepen your crossword knowledge.
Solutions for "temple in athens crossword clue" by Letter Count
9 Letters
PARTHENON: The iconic ancient Greek temple on the Athenian Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena.
6 Letters
ATHENA: Often referring to a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, such as the Parthenon itself or the Temple of Athena Nike.
10 Letters
ERECHTHEUM: An ancient Greek temple located on the north side of the Acropolis, notable for its Caryatids.
More About "temple in athens crossword clue"
The clue "temple in athens crossword clue" almost invariably points to one of the magnificent structures on the Athenian Acropolis. The most famous, of course, is the Parthenon, a Doric temple completed in 438 BC, serving as a powerful symbol of ancient Greece and Athenian democracy. Its architectural precision and sculptural decoration are renowned worldwide.
However, Athens is home to several other significant temples. The Erechtheum, another complex on the Acropolis, is famous for its unique structure and the Porch of the Caryatids, featuring female figures as supporting columns. Beyond the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, though largely in ruins, was once one of the largest temples in the ancient world, dedicated to the king of the gods. The well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, located in the ancient Agora, is another beautiful example of classical Greek architecture often overlooked by those solely focused on the Acropolis.
Crossword setters love these historical and geographical clues because they test general knowledge. Understanding the common names and key features of these famous sites can give you a significant edge in solving similar puzzles. Remember, context from other intersecting words can often help narrow down which specific temple the setter has in mind.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Research Specifics: When a clue mentions a city or location, consider its most famous landmarks, historical figures, or cultural elements. For Athens, think Acropolis, Parthenon, Socrates, Plato, democracy.
- Consider Synonyms and Related Concepts: Sometimes the answer isn't the direct name but a related term. For "temple," think "shrine," "ruin," "sanctuary," or even the deity it was dedicated to.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer with the given letter count. This is a crucial first step in eliminating incorrect solutions and confirming correct ones.
- Look for Pluralization or Specificity: Pay attention to singular vs. plural, or if the clue asks for a specific type of temple (e.g., "Greek temple" vs. "Egyptian temple").
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Acropolis" mean in relation to a temple?
The "Acropolis" literally means "upper city" or "high city" in Greek. It refers to a fortified citadel or defensible high ground within a city, often containing the most important temples and public buildings, as is the case with the Acropolis of Athens, which houses the Parthenon and Erechtheum.
Is the Parthenon still a temple today?
No, the Parthenon is no longer an active temple. After serving as a temple to Athena, it was converted into a Christian church, then a mosque, and later used as an Ottoman gunpowder magazine. It suffered significant damage over centuries and is now a historical ruin and major archaeological site undergoing restoration.
How can I identify if a crossword clue refers to a specific deity or a temple?
Clues often provide context. If it mentions "home of Zeus," it might point to a temple of Zeus. If it's simply "temple in Athens," it's likely the most prominent one (Parthenon). If the letter count is short, it might be the deity (e.g., ATHENA). Look for accompanying words like "dedicated to," "built for," or "worshipped here."