Research Uncovers Parthenon Spectacular Lighting Effects for Athena in Antiquity

A four-year multidisciplinary study led by Oxford University Archaeologist Professor Juan de Lara has shed new light on a millennia-old mystery: how the iconic Parthenon temple on the Acropolis was illuminated in ancient Greece. By ingeniously combining archaeological evidence with cutting-edge 3D technology and optical physics, Professor de Lara has meticulously recreated the temple’s lighting system, revealing how it was designed to create a sense of awe and reverence. The research, supported by UCL and The London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP), and published today in the prestigious journal The Annual of the British School at Athens, demonstrates that the Parthenon’s architects and the renowned sculptor Phidias strategically incorporated various elements to manipulate both natural and artificial light. These features included carefully positioned roof openings, interior water basins, strategically placed windows, and the reflective properties of the finely polished marble. ... Read full article.