New research by Utrecht University brings new findings to light about one of the world's most famous landmarks, the Parthenon.
According to the new study, the name Parthenon actually comes from another building. The new data comes from the findings of the archaeologist Janric van Rookhuijzen, after researching historical sources.
The temple of the Parthenon (ie the house of the virgins) seems to have been originally called Hekatompedon, i.e. "The temple with 100 feet". This name proves that the temple caused the same admiration that it causes today. This name appears in finds of 2500 years and it seems that it was the room where Athena's gold and her 11 meter golden statue were kept.
According to information from National Geographic, the Parthenon appears to have been a treasury of gifts dedicated to the goddess Athena, furniture, Persian swords and musical instruments. The initial studies wanted this room to be part of the church of the same name, but the Utrecht study refutes the above information.
The Parthenon room was part of another temple, the Erechtheum. Although its purpose has always been a mystery, today scholars understand that it was a place of worship for the goddess Athena. No one bothered with the little room, the real Parthenon.
As stated by Josine Blok, a professor at the University of Utrecht and a participant in the research:"What emerged from the study is of particular importance for science. Not only were the names used for so many years wrong and must be adapted to new data, but also the image of the whole Acropolis is changing. Apart from being a place of worship of the goddess Athena, it acquires an even greater political significance... The study shows how important it is not to trust the saying "What everyone knows is always the truth".