Perhaps the most iconic landmark of Ancient Greece, the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is a giant citadel which is believed to have been inhabited since the fourth millennium BC (between 4000-3001 BC). Though the Acropolis is home to various treasuries, government buildings, temples, and theatres, the most famous of all these structures found at the Acropolis is undeniably the Parthenon — a giant marble temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron of Athens.

In keeping with the Ancient Greeks' unprecedented storytelling ability, weaving lore in order to explain away peculiar events, we find the origin story of Mount Lycabettus; an oddly shaped mountainous structure situated at the heart of Athens, prominently visible from atop the Acropolis. It is said that one day Athena was carrying a giant marble stone that she was going to use to help fortify the Acropolis, when suddenly she heard that Erechtheus (the baby that she was in charge of) was in trouble! Without hesitation, she quickly dropped the stone and flew off to go help him. Coincidentally, the stone that she dropped in her haste later became known as Mount Lycabettus.

Though this tale is an obvious string of fiction, those that actually believed it back in the day must have surely thought to themselves at some point: when Athena eventually found Erechtheus and brought him to safety, why didn't she just turn back around and continue where she left off? Curious, to say the least...

Regardless, the tale serves as a great reminder and teaching of the importance of duty, morality, and companionship, all in place of menial duties that one must carry out. Though, this might also be why the Persians were later able to take over Athens and destroy a large majority of the Acropolis. If only Athena had just issued that one last stone, maybe then Athens would have stood a chance! One can only speculate...

At present, the Greek government is undergoing a massive restoration effort in order to reverse some of the decay due to pollution, attrition and military use found at the site.