(Re)defining a nation
The example of the Acropolis of Athens at 1834 A.D.
E. Travlou (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
E.P.N. Schreurs – Mentor (TU Delft - Situated Architecture)
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Abstract
The Acropolis of Athens is the ultimate symbol of the Greek state and is synonymous with the history of the Greek nation. Despite the lack of information about its early history, it is clear that the transformation of the site and its buildings played a significant role in the socio-political actions that took place during each period. The aim of this research was to shed light on the changes that have occurred to the site and its buildings, and to assess their impact. Through an analysis of some of the extensive literature and archival research, it was possible to discover the changes that took place and their significance or reflection on society. What emerged was a cultural osmosis that happened to the site and a massive rehabilitation of the site. History is constantly being transformed along with the ambitions of the victors. This is reflected in the buildings that are chosen to represent the change, and this leads to many distortions that, after some time, seem almost natural. When these changes are taking place, a clear dichotomy emerges: that of cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation. In the chosen case study, we saw both present, in different percentages at different times. However, the most interesting part was understanding the reasons that shaped the percentages.