A temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and exemplifying Doric architecture, the Parthenon was built in the 5th century BC. It is approximately 69.5 metres long and just under 31 metres wide. Each column stands about 10.4 metres high and is nearly 2 metres thick at the base. Rather than lying flat, the base of the structure deliberately rises slightly towards the centre on all sides to counteract visual distortion and make the temple appear more balanced to the human eye.