acropolis

/əˈkrɑpələs/

/əˈkrɒpəlɪs/

An ancient Greek settlement built high up on a hill was an acropolis. These areas functioned as forts, religious centers, and ultimately as cultural centers of larger cities.

Acropolis is rooted in the Greek roots akros, "highest," and polis, "city." Ancient Greek and Roman cities commonly included an acropolis. In ancient times, the Athenian Acropolis was the city center — and it remains a landmark in modern Athens today, housing the Parthenon and looming over the city from a tall, rocky outcrop.

Definitions of acropolis

1. noun

   the citadel in ancient Greek towns
   type of:

   bastion, citadel

   a stronghold into which people could go for shelter during a battle