fl. fifth century B.C.

Greek Architect

Although virtually nothing is known about his personal life, Greek architect Callicrates is credited as one of the codesigners (with Ictinus) of the Parthenon in Athens, part of the larger Acropolis. Built for Pericles, a prominent political leader, the building is an example of the Greek attempt at perfect orderliness. The Parthenon was constructed from roughly 447-438 B.C.

During the long reign of Pericles in the fifth century B.C., Athens experienced a golden age. Pericles's most lasting contribution, however, was a beautifying campaign that displayed the power and authority of Athens to the rest of the world. He believed the glory of Athens should be visible to all.

Pericles placed Phidias (a famous sculptor) in charge of the building program for the Acropolis. Sitting high above the city on a rocky plateau, the Parthenon was its crowning jewel. For...