This lecture, by Dr Hilary Hope Guise, explores 5th century BC in Athens in the time of  Perikles and during a lull in the Persian wars. 

It traces the history of the Temple of Athena Parthenos, from its historic beginnings in 447 BC through to its tragic demise under cannon fire from a Venetian galleon in 1687. 

The temple expresses the intellectual and religious beliefs of a people devoted to beauty, excellence, order, power and prestige.  Cantering horses ridden by brilliant youths, gods, goddesses, Centaurs and Amazons, all find their rightful place in the decorative schemes of the building.