Synopsis

For twenty-five centuries, the Parthenon has endured assault: shot at, burned, shaken by earthquakes, stripped of its sculptures, nearly obliterated by an explosion, and marred by misguided attempts at restoration. It has served as a temple, then a church, then a mosque, then a storage depot for munitions. What fate awaits it now? In this program, NOVA undertakes a scientific investigation into the secrets of its unparalleled beauty and remarkably swift construction. With unprecedented access, w