Parthenon
/ˈpɑːr.θə.nɑːn/noun
A famous ancient Greek temple on the Acropolis in Athens, dedicated to Athena.
Did you know?The name is traditionally linked to Athena Parthenos, “Athena the Maiden,” though ancient sources don’t fully agree on whether Parthenon originally meant a room for maidens or a shrine of the virgin goddess.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
παρθένος (parthenos)
“maiden, unmarried girl; virgin”
Classical Greek
Greek
Παρθενών (Parthenōn)
“the Parthenon; the temple associated with Athena Parthenos”
Late Classical / Hellenistic Greek
Greek
παρθενών
“a chamber or apartment for maidens; later, the famed temple name”
Latin
Latin
Parthenon
“the Parthenon, the temple in Athens”
Modern English
English
Parthenon
“the ancient temple on the Acropolis at Athens”
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