How the Ancient Athenians Built the Parthenon with Ingenious Techniques

The Parthenon, one of ancient Greece's most iconic landmarks, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess and artistic genius of the Athenians. Built in the 5th century BCE during the height of the Athenian Golden Age, the Parthenon required a monumental effort, involving skilled labor, innovative engineering, and a robust financial support system. This article delves into the methods used by the ancient Athenians to construct this architectural marvel.

The Financial Support and Labor

The construction of the Parthenon and other structures in the Athenian Acropolis was a significant undertaking, requiring substantial financial resources. The Athenians managed to overcome their initial monetary challenges by discovering a silver mine in Lavrion, located about 24 miles southeast of Athens. Their efforts extended to the use of labor-saving devices such as cranes and block and tackle, which greatly enhanced productivity. Oxen were used for transportation, dragging large marble stones from quarries to the slopes of the Acropolis.

Crucially, the Athenian citizens, including metics (foreigners residing permanently in Athens) and slaves, were paid equally for the same tasks, ensuring a motivated and skilled workforce. This level of economic and social equality contributed significantly to the success of the project.

The Skilled Architects and Ergastidores

Pericles, one of the prominent politicians of the time, chose the most capable architects of his era, Iktinos and Kallikrates. Today, these architects are considered the leading figures in the history of architecture. Pheidias, a renowned sculptor, was Pericles' close collaborator, serving as the artistic advisor and supreme supervisor of the construction.

The construction of the Parthenon began in 447 BCE and was completed nine years later in 438 BCE. Meanwhile, the sculpture was finalized in 432 BCE, six years after the structure's completion. The foundation of the new temple, made from Pentelic marble, measured 80 meters in length and 12 meters in height. Thousands of tons of marble were mined and transported to the construction site, forming the base for the towering structure.

Innovative Construction Techniques and Tools

The ancient Athenians were not just skilled architects but also exquisitely knowledgeable in engineering. They discovered ways of lifting heavy stones using cranes that were reminiscent of modern methods. These cranes, often made from huge pulleys with tied carriages on both sides functioning as counterweights, allowed for the efficient lifting of heavy marble blocks. Additionally, wooden cranes were also employed. Archaeologists estimate that around the Parthenon, eight large cranes and other smaller ones worked to bring the massive stones to their respective places.

The ancient builders utilized principles and laws of physics, employing suitable levers and pulleys that multiplied the torque of force. With these tools, they could raise a ten-ton marble to a height of 15 meters in just twenty minutes, showcasing their exceptional expertise. Their metallurgy and tool-making skills, reflected in the quality of the traces left on the marble, suggest that they had developed metallurgical recipes that were superior to those of the modern era. These techniques, which were the result of extensive experimental research, played a vital role in the successful construction of the Parthenon.

Conclusion

The construction of the Parthenon was not only a monumental achievement in architecture but also a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the ancient Athenians. Thanks to the financial support from the Delian League, the use of labor-saving devices, and the innovative techniques and tools employed by the architects and ergastidores, this iconic structure was built with remarkable efficiency. The Parthenon stands as a timeless monument, forever immortalizing the enduring legacy of ancient Greek civilization.