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Title: Evidence of the so-called Golden Section in Archaic South Italy: the Hera Temple I ('Basilica') at Paestum
Subtitle: With an addendum on the Parthenon at Athens
Author(s): DE ZWARTE, R.
Journal: BABESCH
Volume: 77    Date: 2002   
Pages: 9-18
DOI: 10.2143/BAB.77.0.92

Abstract :
Did the Greeks knew the use of the Golden Section? The analysis of some Greek temple plan reveal a very accurate implementation of the number. But was this meant to be? Or was it a mere approximation of 5:8? This paper deals with the progression of Pythagoras laid down on the steps of the archaic temple, thus widening our knowledge of mathemathical history. Altough the use of 'number mysticism' was common, there is no evidence that the architect based his design on this ratio to deal with the aesthetic form of the temple. The paper is superficial on the mathematical implications and focuses on the archaeological meaning of the phenomenon.

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