An acropolis (Ancient Greek: ἀκρόπολις, tr. Akrópolis; from ákros (άκρος) or ákron (άκρον) "highest, topmost, outermost" and pólis "city"; plural in English: acropoles, acropoleis or acropolises) is a settlement, especially a citadel, built upon an area of elevated ground—frequently a hill with precipitous sides, chosen for purposes of defense. In many parts of the world, acropoleis became the nuclei of large cities of classical antiquity, such as ancient Rome, and for this reason they are sometimes prominent landmarks in modern cities with ancient pasts, such as modern Rome.
The
word acropolis literally means
in Greek "upper city," and though associated primarily with the Greek cities Athens, Argos ( with Larissa), Thebes (with Cadmea), and Corinth (with
its Acrocorinth),
may be applied generically to all such citadels, including Rome, Jerusalem, Celtic Bratislava, many in Asia Minor, or even Castle Rock in Edinburgh. An example in
Ireland is the Rock
of Cashel. Acropolis is also the term used by archaeologists and historians
for the urban Castro
culture settlements located in Northwestern Iberian hilltops.
The
most famous example is the Acropolis of Athens,[3] which, by reason of its
historical associations and the several famous buildings erected upon it (most
notably the Parthenon),
is known without qualification as the
Acropolis. Although originating in the mainland of Greece, use of the
acropolis model quickly spread to Greek colonies such as the Dorian Lato on Crete during the Archaic Period.
Metaphorical use in modern times
Because
of its classical Hellenistic style,
the ruins of Mission San
Juan Capistrano's Great Stone Church in California, United Stateshas
been called the "American Acropolis".
Other
parts of the world developed other names for the high citadel or alcázar, which often
reinforced a naturally strong site. In Central Italy, many small rural communes still cluster at
the base of a fortified habitation known as La
Rocca of the commune.
The
term acropolis is also used to
describe the central complex of overlapping structures, such as plazas and
pyramids, in many Maya
cities, including Tikal and Copán.