It is the second largest ancient Greek temple built on the Acropolis in Athens between 421 and 406 BC in the city's golden age, in order to house the ancient wooden cult statue of Athena, and glorify the great city in general at the height of its power and influence. The temple is distinguished by its distinctive and complex structure at the same time. The temple also contains statues of six graceful maidens on the south side and a terrace with six Ionic columns on the north side. The temple is still one of the most distinctive buildings from antiquity.