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Parthenon myth debunked: Greeks didn't curve lines for illusion
Mathematician proves Ancient Greeks never used curves to trick eyes into seeing straight temple lines
In brief
Mathematician proves Ancient Greeks never used curves to trick eyes into seeing straight temple lines Parthenon's slight curves were architectural choices, not optical illusions Originally reported by Dailymail.
Parthenon myth debunked
A new study shows the Parthenon's curves were not designed to create optical illusions of straightness.
“The Parthenon has been cast as an ultimate trompe-l-oeil, supposedly designed to exploit visual illusions in its curves and refinements.”
Ancient Greek engineering
Professor Alain Goriely analyzed 12 proposed optical corrections using geometry and vision science.
“Current historical and scientific evidence does not support these claims.”
Stylobates curvature
The base rises 2.3 inches (6cm) in the center, but this is not an optical illusion correction.
“Measurements show the sides of the base are not horizontal but form a gentle arc that rises 2.3 inches in the center.”
Column bulges debunked
Columns bulge only 18mm, too small to create noticeable visual effects.
“The columns only bulge by 18mm, hardly perceptible to a typical viewer.”
Vitruvius myth
The 1st-century Roman engineer Vitruvius claimed the curves corrected visual illusions 400 years after construction.
“Vitruvius wrote about the Parthenon 400 years after its construction.”
No optical illusions
The study found no evidence that the alleged visual illusions actually existed.
“The myth of optical corrections has its origin in the writings of Vitruvius more than 2,000 years ago.”
Water drainage theory
The small curves may help water drain away from columns to prevent puddles.
“One possible reason for the curve is that the small gradients help water to drain away.”
12 corrections analyzed
The study examined 12 proposed optical corrections but found none were supported by evidence.
“At least 12 different optical corrections have been proposed, all following the same basic principle.”
Parthenon's attic
The temple's attic could have stored 260 tons of silver and gold at its peak.
“At its peak, it could have stored 260 tons of silver and gold.”
Attic dimensions
The attic floor spans 62 feet wide by 164 feet long, larger than a tennis court.
“The floor would have spanned an area more than three times that of a tennis court.”
Ancient coin storage
The attic's size allowed coins to be stored without excessive weight on any single point.
“The coins' weight could be spread over a wide area.”
Study conclusion
The Parthenon's curves were architectural choices, not optical illusions.
“The proposed illusions are either unsupported by evidence or too small to have a perceptible effect.”
Here's the gist
Parthenon's slight curves were architectural choices, not optical illusions
