What do we consider a catastrophe?

According to the conceptual frame of the word, a catastrophe is the cause of great damages or alterations which usually happen in a dramatic way. It means disorganization, dissolution and failure of a structured and consistently efficient system and, generally, a phenomenon or event with significant negative results. Furthermore, the concept of destruction includes the actions of occupation, sovereignty and, ultimately, "demolition" As we go deeper into investigating and analyzing the concept of catastrophe, we reveal new aspects. According to the Mathematical Theory of Catastrophes, the concept is analyzed as a series of inconsistent changes that measure more qualitative and less quantitative characteristics. Despite the fact that the disaster theories are mainly based on mathematical relationships and described in mathematical terms and although they analyze natural phenomena; their chore concept can be used as a guideline for recording and analyzing catastrophes in the case of real examples -in this study of an architectural monument. Thus, in addition to the catastrophes and damages caused during wars, invasions, political and religious conflicts, we see great peaceful changes -disasters not caused by violent acts but by peaceful processes throughout the years aiming to set aside previous characteristics, reduce power and cause conversions leading to new situations. Catastrophe is also the natural damage gradually caused by the passing of time, the misuse and the poor maintenance. Desecration is also a case of catastrophe. Finally, the concept of catastrophe may even involve creating but in a bad aesthetic way and without a proper planning. Therefore, the catastrophes to be studied are not only evaluated under the spectrum of the strict content of the term but they also include any alteration, deterioration or change at a practical, tangible, social, political or cultural level.

This study is an attempt to systematically record the aspects of the catastrophes over the time in the case of the Athenian Acropolis monument.