UK mathematician debunks myth around Parthenon’s optical illusions

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1. Wed, 16 September 2026

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   • The Guardian World04:01first to report
     UK mathematician debunks myth around Parthenon’s optical illusions

     Study challenges belief that temple’s curves were designed to correct optical illusions that would have ruined its clean lines A mathematician has uncovered what may be one of the longest-running myths in history after studying optical illusions and the Parthenon, the famed Greek temple that overlooks Athens. Scholars have marvelled at the building on the Acropolis hill for more than 2,000 years and heaped praise on its architects for their clever use of geometry. Its subtle curves are said to...