As a student of architecture exploring the ancient city of Rome, I was profoundly intrigued by one of its architectural marvels: the arch. This elegant structure, which my professors asserted was a distinct Roman invention, seemed to stand apart from anything seen in the ancient Greek world. Despite the passage of 30 years since my initial studies, this perspective remains firmly entrenched today. On a recent journey to southern Italy, I encountered a tour guide in Taormina (known in ancient times as Tavroménio), who reiterated this very claim that the arch originated from Roman ingenuity. This inspired me to delve deeper into the subject, driven by a strong intuition that there lies a richer narrative behind this ancient world's achievements—one that might not align with our contemporary logic but reflects a unique mentality that deserves exploration.
Embarking on this intellectual inquiry through the eyes of the Ancients, I stumbled upon hidden places and obscure cults that played pivotal roles in shaping architectural practices. These elements contributed to a cosmic order characterized by axes and geometrical shapes, satisfying their spiritual and religious requirements. They endeavored to transform abstract theory into tangible action, strategically positioning sacred temples along designated axes, and establishing significant relationships between them.
In this newfound realm, I discovered a worldview where art was not merely decoration but an integral component of a larger, cohesive logic.
- Colosseum of Rome, completed in the 1st century CE
It became evident to me that beneath the surface of wars and conflicts lay a structured authority, adept at imposing its will, often leveraging religion as a powerful instrument of influence. To grasp the intricacies of the Ancients’ logic, however, requires far more than relying solely on archaeological findings or applying a one-dimensional lens; it demands a leap of imagination, and a willingness to step into their shoes. Without such an approach, utilizing a modern computer merely as a calculator is a trivial analogy for the diminished understanding of their complex realities. This scenario often leads to amateurs achieving success over seasoned professionals, reminiscent of the history of Heinrich Schliemann.
Reflecting on the substantial effort behind the comprehensive work titled "History of the Greek Nation," I once felt a profound confidence in its narratives. Yet, after dedicating extensive time and research to this endeavor, I found substantial discrepancies in the analysis and conclusions presented, prompting me to question what might be amiss in our understanding. This realization struck me particularly hard when I noted that among the sixteen volumes comprising approximately 10,000 pages produced by 159 scholars—including archaeologists, historians, and philologists—only a solitary reference was made to an architect and a mathematician, with no representation from other critical fields over a vast timeframe of 101,941 years.
In contrast, we recognize at least 754 Ancient Scientists as documented by G. Georgakopoulos in “Ancient Greek Scientists,” among whom 117 engaged in the practice of architecture over a period of 1,200 years, faithfully translating ancient theories into structural realities. It is crucial to remember that architects of that era were multifaceted individuals—painters, sculptors, engineers—who embodied a holistic approach to their craft. In today’s context, a modern architect possesses a broad educational background and profound historical insight, weaving together knowledge of art history, contemporary building practices, and future design potentials. This expansive knowledge encompasses Building Design, Structural Integrity, Functional Design Needs, Interior Design, a deep understanding of materials, Topography, Mathematics, Prospective Studies, Construction Details, and Social Structures, culminating in a Global Understanding that is essential for architectural success. When this comprehensive professional expertise is absent, even the most meticulous analysis of archaeological findings, historical data, and philosophical tenets may be inadequate, as these elements fail to coalesce into a meaningful, spherical understanding—particularly when critical fields are overlooked in the examination process.
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens
The repercussions of this oversight manifest in the prevailing global perception of Greek architecture, which is often distilled to mere linear aesthetics defined by rhythmic orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, alongside structural frameworks like Prostyle, Amphiprostyle, Pavilion, and Dipteral designs. This realization fostered within me a strong professional curiosity, spurring my quest to investigate the ancient Greeks' construction knowledge. I aimed to bridge the gaps in our understanding and build upon the insights offered by colleagues and experts across scientific disciplines.
As I delved deeper into the intricacies of ancient construction methods, I found myself confronting a series of puzzles and enigmas that opened doors to previously unexplored realms of knowledge. This journey felt akin to navigating a labyrinth, where the path was ever-evolving and unexpectedly accessible. By approaching these issues through an ancient lens and embracing their mentality, I began to uncover solutions.
It was as though divine inspiration guided me—possibly the muses Apollo or Dionysus—opening the way with the wisdom of Pythagoras as a key to unlock the secrets of the sacred temples.
