What does Acropolis mean?

Acropolis is a Greek term, and refers generally to an elevated area in the centre of a city, acting as its focal point for cultural, religious, and civil activities. In particular, the term refers to the rocky hill at the centre of Athens, Greece, on which are located several ancient monuments, including the famous Parthenon, the temple for the Goddess Athena, constructed around 5th century BC. In Greek, acro means high and polis means city. All ancient cities were supposed to have been first set up on elevated areas, primarily for defence. Even after a city grew around the initial elevated area, the elevated area continued to act as a nucleus for the city’s growth and culture. By generalization, the term acropolis is now used to refer to a central complex of structures in some cities.