The mathematical secrets of the Parthenon

The Acropolis of Athens

Chapter 1

The sacred rock and its early myths

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Chapter 2

The golden age of Pericles

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Chapter 3

Reinvented through the ages

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Chapter 4

Preserving the ancient stones

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YOUR GOAL

Master of The Acropolis of Athens

Ch 2 · The golden age of Pericles

diego The Athenian Acropolis

Not a straight line / columns curve in / to trick your eye!

diego The mathematical secrets of the Parthenon

The Erechtheion and its stone maidens

diego This highly unusual, multi-level temple is famous for columns carved as women.

Fun Fact

The Parthenon's golden ratio: Architects believe the Parthenon's proportions closely match the Golden Ratio, a mathematical ratio found in nature that humans find visually perfect.

The mathematical secrets of the Parthenon

diego Architects used optical illusions to make the giant temple look perfectly straight.

Glossary

acropolis (noun)
A citadel or fortified part of an ancient Greek city, typically built on a hill. Pericles reconstructed the Athenian site in the fifth century BCE, commissioning the iconic Parthenon.

Quiz

Which Athenian statesman championed the rebuilding of the Acropolis in the 5th century BCE?

Gossip

Should defense money fund public art?

My Mini Acropolis

BETA

diego Build the ancient temples to discover how the famous Acropolis was designed.

diego The Erechtheion and its stone maidens

Quiz

Who was the master sculptor who designed the colossal bronze Athena Promachos?

diego The lost giant of Athena Promachos

Quiz

How long did it take to construct the main structure of the Parthenon?

diego Pericles and the ultimate building budget

Quiz

What is the name of the monumental gateway that serves as the entrance to the Acropolis?

Quiz

What is the architectural term for the slight swelling of columns used on the Parthenon?

Quiz

Where did Pericles get the money to fund the massive Acropolis construction?

Quiz

What are the female-shaped columns on the Erechtheion temple called?

Quiz

Which temple on the Acropolis was dedicated to the goddess of victory?