The Parthenon, the masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture, was constructed on the Acropolis of Athens between 447 and 432 BC under the supervision of the architect Iktinos and the sculptor Phidias, who also oversaw the decoration. Dedicated to the patron goddess of Athens, Athena, the Parthenon symbolizes the culmination of democratic power and the cultural peak of the city-state of Athens during the Classical Era.
The Columns of the Parthenon The columns of the Parthenon belong to the Doric order, which is the simplest and most robust of the three classical orders of ancient Greek architecture (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian). The Parthenon has 46 external columns: 17 along each long side and 6 along each short side.
Height of the Columns The height of the Parthenon’s columns is an element that reflects the harmony and balance of the building. These columns reach approximately 10.43 meters in height, with a diameter of about 1.9 meters at the base. Their design follows the principle of “tension,” a technique aimed at creating a visual sense of balance and harmony by correcting optical distortions. This is achieved by the slight inward inclination of the columns towards the temple’s interior and the application of the “entasis” phenomenon, where the columns are not perfectly straight but have a slight inward curvature, giving the impression of optical perfection.
Significance of the Architecture The dimension and design of the Parthenon’s columns were not chosen randomly. They represent the ultimate expressiveness of classical Greek architecture, where each element has its own function and symbolism. The columns are simultaneously bearers of the roof and the aesthetics of the building, but also symbols of the power, stability, and harmony of Athenian democracy.
Combined with the metopes, triglyphs, and other decorative elements, the columns of the Parthenon contribute to a cohesive and harmonized visual experience, making the Parthenon one of the most admired architectural works of humanity. Their study remains a subject of research and education for architects, art historians, and archaeologists around the world.
