As proper nouns the difference between acropolis and parthenon

is that acropolis is the Athenian Acropolis. Compare {{term, acropolis, lang=en.} while Parthenon is an ancient temple to Athena and monument in the city of Athens. It is a symbol of Greek achievement in the arts and of Athenian democracy.

As a noun acropolis

is a promontory (usually fortified with a citadel) forming the hub of many Grecian cities, and around which many were built for defensive purposes before and during the classical period; compare {{term|Acropolis|lang=en}}.