Secrets of the Parthenon (2008)

For 25 centuries, the Parthenon has stood as an iconic symbol of Greece’s Golden Age. But this ancient temple has weathered a tumultuous history: it has been shot at, set on fire, rocked by earthquakes, looted, and even used as a munitions dump. How did the ancient Athenians build this near-flawless masterpiece? That’s the central question explored in the captivating documentary series.

Secrets of the Parthenon delves into the architectural and engineering mysteries of this celebrated structure. With unprecedented access, the series unravels the enigmas surrounding its incomparable beauty and astonishingly rapid construction. The Parthenon has transitioned from a temple to a church, a mosque, and more, each transformation leaving its mark.

Now, thanks to the Greek government’s $10 billion restoration program, scholars have the opportunity to probe the secrets of the Parthenon’s planning and construction. The series takes viewers behind the scenes of the official restoration, which goes far beyond the challenges and controversies of conserving one of the world’s most recognizable buildings.

A highly sophisticated restoration team painstakingly reassembles the Parthenon of Athens, a classic Greek building that has suffered from wars, earthquakes, and disastrous previous restoration attempts. The quest to save it from collapse involves uncovering the ancient Greeks’ ingenious methods—all accomplished in less than nine years, without anything resembling a modern architectural plan.

Secrets of the Parthenon offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of history, art, and science, revealing the enduring allure of this architectural marvel that continues to captivate the world.