THE SYMMETRICPLACING AND THE DATING OF PARTHENON AND HEPHAISTEION IN ATHENS (GREECE)

Abstract

The planned astronomical orientation and positioning of all kinds of monuments was proved by numerous investigations all over the world since the 19th century. Some cult, social or utilitarian purposes dictate a concrete orientation for each one. In this paper are being determined the individual orientation and the dating of Parthenon and Hephaisteion as well as a strong relationship between these significant monuments of the classical era is emerged. The exceptional symmetric placing of these monuments, as proved by this research, in ancient Athens is truly remarkable. Thus the strong religious relationship between the temples is also geometrically documented. The modern instrumentation used today and the special developed astrogeodetic methodology permit the accurate (some arc seconds) determination of a monument’s orientation. Additionally this fact may be also a long discussion between archaeologists, archaeoastronomers and humanists.