Exposed on the Acropolis, the Parthenon was a highly vulnerable target, and in September that year, a deadly blow fell: A Venetian mortar struck it, causing a colossal explosion that destroyed its ...

For 25 centuries the Parthenon has been shot at, set on fire, rocked by earthquakes, looted for its sculptures, almost destroyed by explosion, and disfigured by well-meaning renovations.

the 2,500-year-old sculptures adorned the Parthenon temple built at the pinnacle of ancient Athens's power in honour of the city's patron goddess, Athena. It was partially destroyed during a ...