Parthenon, Akropolis, Athens, ca. 447-432 B.C.E. Parthenon, Akropolis, Athens, ca. 447-432 B.C.E.

Cella with modern crane (Copyright A. Nicgorski, 1993)

This image shows the massive crane that was brought into the Parthenon in order to assist with the current restoration project. Restorers are completely dismantling the building in order to removed iron clamps that were inserted by earlier restorers in the 1920s. Over time, these clamps have rusted and expanded, discoloring and breaking up the marble. Today, these old clamps are being replaced with titanium ones. Marble blocks that are too damaged are also being replaced with new blocks from the re-opened Pentelic marble quarry.