9The Acropolis Wasn’t Always a Place of Worship

Before it became the spiritual and cultural heart of Athens, the Acropolis served as a military stronghold. Its elevated position made it an ideal location for a fortified citadel. 

Archaeological evidence suggests that it was used for defensive purposes as far back as the Neolithic period. Over time, its significance shifted from military to religious, becoming a sanctuary for the worship of Athena, the city’s patron goddess.

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