SPECIAL EDITION: The Mythical side of the Parthenon's Architecture by The Black Wolf

Happy Tuesday folks,

Welcome to a SPECIAL edition of The House of Wisdom.

As always in these Tuesday editions, we will be hearing from some of the best writers on all things Culture, History and Tradition.

Sit Back. Relax. And grab your cup of tea. Let’s dive in:

Have you ever heard of the mystical side of the Parthenon’s Architecture?

Did you know it is actually an “unfinished” Pyramid?

Can you imagine hearing its music? Can you think of it as mathematics? Can you envision it as a light prism?

It is impossible not to be awed when one stands in the shadow of the great Parthenon and looks up at its elegantly carved Doric columns towering overhead. The quality of the craftsmanship, the stunning white Pentelic marble, the sheer size of this 2,500-year-old temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos – the virgin goddess and patron deity of ancient Athens – are all features of a unique, world-class monument that strike us immediately.

However, there is much more to the Parthenon than first meets the eye...

As viewers, we welcome and accept the temple’s outward beauty and seeming perfection, but we don’t often stop to ask ourselves why the building so affects us.

The answer is that the Parthenon’s architects, Ictinus and Callicrates, and its chief sculptural artist, Phidias, have incorporated numerous “hidden” devices within its marble construction and carved decorations that were designed to trick the viewers’ eye, to make us believe we are witnessing something perfectly regular, sensible and balanced in all its aspects.

Entasis: The columns of the Parthenon are not perfectly straight; they bulge slightly in the middle.

This subtle curvature, known as entasis, counteracts the optical illusion that perfectly straight columns appear concave from a distance. Because the Parthenon had few straight lines and right angles, its designers and builders had to hand-craft each individual piece, among a total of over 70,000 architectural members, so as to fit them into their own specific place within the temple’s structure.

Differences amounting to as little as a few millimeters often distinguish these members.

Column Inclination: The columns lean inward slightly. If extended upwards, they would theoretically meet above the structure. This inclination creates a sense of stability and counteracts the appearance of the columns falling outward.

Curvature of the Stylobate: The platform on which the Parthenon stands, known as the stylobate, is not flat. It has a gentle upward curve towards the center, both lengthwise and widthwise. This curvature corrects the optical illusion of sagging that a flat surface can produce.

The Parthenon's subtle curves and absence of straight lines create a sense of movement and depth. The absence of straight lines creates instability in the building's construction.

However, this paradox also contributes to the Parthenon's unique quality. On sunny days, the interior of the Parthenon remains dark despite the surrounding light. This enigmatic phenomenon may be attributed to the intentional architectural design, or the placement of sculptures on the pediments.

Golden Ratio: The Parthenon’s dimensions exhibit proportions close to the Golden Ratio (approximately 1.618:1), which is believed to be aesthetically pleasing to the human eye. This ratio is evident in the relationship between the width of the building and the height to the roof.

Symmetry and Harmony: The Parthenon’s design is a paradigm of symmetry and harmony.

The Fibonacci Sequence is a mathematical pattern found in nature, art, and architecture. In the Parthenon, the dimensions of the columns and the number of steps on its base follow the Fibonacci Sequence.

This sequence enhances the aesthetics of the Parthenon and creates a sense of harmony and balance in its design. The ratio of column height to diameter and the spacing between columns follow precise mathematical relationships that create a balanced and harmonious appearance.

Use of Pentelic Marble: The Parthenon was constructed using high-quality Pentelic marble, known for its pure white appearance and fine grain. This choice of material not only added to the structure's beauty but also its durability.

Interlocking Marble Blocks: The blocks used in the construction were precisely cut and interlocked without the use of mortar. This precision ensured the stability and longevity of the structure.

Anti-seismic Design: Its fluted columns, friezes, and pediments all exhibit exquisite craftsmanship. The structure's solidity is further enhanced by its pyramidal design and the use of marble blocks that are firmly attached to the rock base beneath.

Acoustical Design: The internal layout of the Parthenon, including the placement of columns and the design of the cella (the inner chamber), contributes to its remarkable acoustics. The design allows sound to carry well within the space, enhancing the experience of ceremonies and gatherings.

Light Management: The Parthenon’s architects managed natural light ingeniously. The spacing of columns and the orientation of the building ensured that light would enter and illuminate the interior, highlighting the statue of Athena and the intricate decorations

The Parthenon is a marvel of architecture and a symbol of human creativity. Its unique qualities, such as the Golden Section, Fibonacci Sequence, and mathematical symbolism, reveal the underlying artistry and ingenuity of its design. Its resilience to earthquakes, and its paradoxical yet harmonious design, continues to inspire awe and admiration in visitors from all over the world.

The Parthenon represents not only the wisdom of Ancient Greece, but also the prowess and adaptability of mankind.

I really do hope you enjoyed this Special Edition of the House of Wisdom and I want to thank The Black Wolf for coming onto the stage.

Don’t forget to subscribe to his newsletter here if you haven’t done so already!

Until Next Time,

World Scholar