Often some of the most beautiful works of art contain a tragic past that is unknown to many admirers of such art. The Athenian Acropolis is seen as a breathtaking example of the skill, craftsmanship, and talent of 5th century Athenians at the height of their golden age of intellectualism. Unknown to many, however, the stunning art and architecture was funded by extortion money fueling a corrupt empire. Beneath the Acropolis is intended to be a representation of the secret past within the acropolis. While beautiful on the surface, a deeper look at things is often needed in order to truly understand their place and value. Beneath the Acropolis begins with a rising fifth motive, that is expanded and elaborated as the piece progresses. The perfect fifths that begin the piece represent the observer of the acropolis at its surface; beautiful, harmonious, and perfect. However, the intervallic relationships quickly become more complex, and new intervals and melodic elements are exposed. At its deepest, the piece even strays from the pandiatonic language suggested at the beginning to a more chromatic language. The result is dark and far from perfect, yet the suggestions of beauty and perfection in the beginning of the piece are still present, and the richer language actually makes them more beautiful to listen to. In effect, this piece depicts the importance of looking beyond the surface. The Acropolis is a beautiful work of art with a controversial foundation. Understanding its past and the injustice that went into its creation does not remove its beauty and artistic significance; it instead allows for a deeper understanding of such an important historical monument.