What was exceptional in the depiction of the Greeks on the ionic frieze of the Parthenon was because of the expensive and massive statues of the Greek gods and goddesses. It was during the golden age of Pericles when Parthenon was built. Its construction was commissioned by the great orator and statesman. Although it was already an era after that of the mythological heroes, it was still the sculptures which decorated the building's exterior which celebrated their feats, together with those of the immortal gods. It was power and the religious devotion of Athens which was symbolized by this great architectural work. It became a Church as well as a mosque in the different ages it went through. It was intact until 1687 when a store of gunpowder exploded within the building.
