3D modelling and lighting analysis reveals that Parthenon was dimly lit

 

Rendering of Athena's temple, Parthenon

Parthenon was a temple located in Athens dedicated to Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom and patron goddess of Athens. Parthenon remains the classical representation of Greek architecture. Parthenon housed a 40 fee tall statue of the goddess overlaid with gold and ivory.

It is generally believed that Parthenon was a bright sunlit place carefully designed keeping the light in mind. The positioning of translucent marble ceilings and reflective pools of water strengthens this hypothesis. However, an analysis conducted by Juan de Lara of Oxford University has negated this claim.

De Lara utilized 3D modelling methods and lighting simulations to recreate architectural conditions inside Parthenon. The model included flow of light inside the structure and material properties of surfaces inside the temple which allowed close replication of the actual conditions. The analysis revealed that Parthenon was mostly dim and the structure was never fully sunbathed as previously believed.

The results of the analysis were published in The Annual ofthe British School at Athens.

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