The small marble Temple of Athena Nike stands just outside the Propylaea, on a projecting ridge to the south and west. This temple is the first building visitors see as they make their way up the Acropolis. It was designed by the architect Callicrates, who also worked on the Parthenon, and was built in the 420s BC in the Ionic style. Four Ionic columns stand in a row at the front and the back of this temple, which measures only 8.2 by 5.4 m (27 by 18 ft). A carved frieze (continuous horizontal band) runs around the temple just below the roof. On the east side it depicts a conference of the gods and on the other side’s battle scenes from Greek mythology. The goddess Athena was the patron and protector of the city of Athens; Nike (pronounced nee-kay) is Greek for “victory.” The Temple of Athena Nike is thus dedicated to Athena as the bringer of victory.
