3D physically based rendering applied to the problem of translucent marble tiles as means of illuminating classical Greek temples: The Parthenon as case study

Abstract

An old theory suggests that a few classical Greek temples were illuminated via the use of thin translucent marble tiles on the roof. However appealing this idea might be, a rigorous digital reconstruction of all the architectural elements of a temple evidences the engineering and aesthetic problems associated with this widespread view. In this paper I propose an accurate methodology that accounts for physically based light simulations and rigorous documentation of data to resolve that this illumination strategy was not used in the Parthenon, as has been often suggested, and did not serve the purpose of illuminating the statue of Athena in the interior.