During the Morean War, which lasted from 1684 to 1699, the Venetians sought to capture territories held by the Ottoman Empire, including the strategically important city of Athens. On September 26, 1687, Venetian artillery opened fire on the Acropolis, specifically targeting the Parthenon, a temple originally dedicated to the goddess Athena. At the time, the Ottoman garrison had converted the Parthenon into a gunpowder depot, an ill-fated decision that would lead to catastrophic damage. The bombarding forces aimed to weaken Ottoman defensive positions, unaware of the explosive materials stored within the ancient structure. The bombardment eventually ignited the gunpowder, resulting in an explosion that severely damaged the Parthenon, causing the roof to collapse and leaving the iconic site in ruins.

The siege was part of a broader military strategy by the Venetians, which involved coordinated attacks on several fortified positions throughout the region. The destruction of the Parthenon not only impacted the physical landscape of Athens but also symbolized the intense conflict between the two empires. The event exemplified the destructive capabilities of 17th-century warfare and raised awareness of the fragility of historical monuments in wartime. The Parthenon had previously been celebrated as a masterpiece of classical architecture, and its transformation into a war target underscores the tragic intersection of culture and conflict.

In the aftermath, the damage to the Parthenon became emblematic of the broader decline of the Ottoman Empire's hold on Greece. This event intensified local and European interest in the arts and history of ancient Greece, contributing to the later movements of Neoclassicism and Romanticism in Europe. The traces of war on the Parthenon would influence the conversations around conservation and the protection of historical sites, which remain relevant today.