This is Ictinus. His architectural genius would go on to change the world. Let’s explore the forgotten story of one of the greatest men of all time…
Ictinus flourished in the 5th century BC, during the Golden Age of Athens. He’s best known as the co-architect of the Parthenon. -arguably the most famous building of ancient Greece…
The Parthenon wasn’t just any temple. -it was a masterpiece of precision, grandeur and optical illusion. Ictinus incorporated subtle optical corrections to make the building appear perfectly straight and symmetrical to the human eye…
He often employed local marble and limestone. -which not only reduced costs but also harmonized his structures with their natural surroundings. This is something modern architects also employ…
Fun fact: Historical records show Ictinus actually co-wrote a book about the Parthenon with someone named Carpion. Sadly, this potentially invaluable source of architectural knowledge has been lost to time…
However, the Parthenon wasn’t Ictinus’ only claim to fame. He also designed the Temple of Apollo at Bassae. -which features the earliest known Corinthian column in architectural history…
The Temple of Apollo at Bassae was a architectural marvel. -blending Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian styles in novel ways It’s considered one of the most original and sophisticated monuments of classical antiquity…
Ictinus was also involved in designing the Telesterion at Eleusis. -a massive hall used for the secretive Eleusinian Mysteries.
Unfortunately for Ictinus, his reputation may have taken a hit due to his association with Pericles. -the powerful Athenian statesman who fell from grace…
Being associated with Pericles led to much mockery amongst the populace. Truly an instance of guilty by association…
In fact, the playwright Aristophanes seemed to take a shot at Ictinus in his play “The Birds.” He portrayed the royal kite (Ictinus in Greek) as a scavenger stealing from gods and men…
Despite any potential controversy, Ictinus’ legacy endured. The famous French painter Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres even created a painting featuring Ictinus alongside the poet Pindar…
Ictinus faced challenges in his lifetime. -but his contributions to architecture have stood the test of time.
From optical illusions to revolutionary designs- Ictinus left an indelible mark on architecture. His works continue to astound and inspire us today…
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