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Professor Says Parthenon Optical Corrections Are Myths

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 8:03 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Professor Alain Goriely (UK) concluded that the Parthenon’s alleged optical corrections are myths.
He traced the myth to Vitruvius, a 1st-century Roman architect who wrote about the Parthenon 400 years later.
Measurements show the Parthenon’s stylobate rises 6 cm at its centre.
Goriely found no evidence that the curved base corrects a visual sagging illusion.
He said the 18 mm column entasis is barely perceptible and likely serves rain-drainage or aesthetic purposes.

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Story summary

Professor Alain Goriely (UK) concluded that the Parthenon’s alleged optical corrections are myths.
He traced the myth to Vitruvius, a 1st-century Roman architect who wrote about the Parthenon 400 years later.
Measurements show the Parthenon’s stylobate rises 6 cm at its centre.
Goriely found no evidence that the curved base corrects a visual sagging illusion.
He said the 18 mm column entasis is barely perceptible and likely serves rain-drainage or aesthetic purposes.