Does anyone know of a book showing pictures of the Parthenon in its early completed form,before any destructions, similar to the presentation of the Coliseum in Rome with all its colorings and completions and overlapping pages? I read that the parthenon was once quite colorful.

The Parthenon was destroyed in 1687 when a canon ball set off an explosion of ammunition that was being stored there by Turks who had it in their possession at the time. There was no photography in the 17th Century, therefore nothing exists showing it's grandeur except for perhaps some artist's conceptual renderings.

Thank you. It is the artist's conception that I had hoped existed. The book, The Partenson by Beard does give a fascinating history of the bldg from the beginning in year BC.

Here are some links to websites that might help:

http://personal.ecu.edu/stevensj/clas2000/Acropolis.htm

http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin...p=1993.01.0584

http://architecture.about.com/gi/dyn...g%2Fexhib.html

Do you mean the Partheon in Greece or the Pantheon in rRome?

YES,the parthenon was colourfull.
There are some books(approved by the Ministry of Culture) wich are currently sold by some tourist shops and bookstores (Eleftheroudakis is the leading one).
There are as well some mega-posters with detailled representation of the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

If you plan to visit Athens do not miss to visit the Foundation called ' Idrima Mizonos Ellinismou' wher you can experience a 3-D virtual reality of evedry day's life in ancient greece and of course visit temples,agoras etc...its unique!

The website of the foundation is :

www.fhw.gr

Efkadisto, Mzani.

Efkadisto brotherleelove2003.

Tipota, Parakalo