What is physically present?
Begin with survey points, construction phases, orientation, and uncertainty.
Curated research hub
Temples and sites
Article programme
9 site studies rebuilt; 20 to follow.
Each rebuilt study starts with the place and its landscape, then gives measured dimensions, the units that fit them and the ratios they support. 17 sites have pages now; 12 more will join the collection as new pages.
| Block | Pages | Published |
|---|---|---|
| T1Giza | 3 / 3 | Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, Pyramid of Menkaure |
| T2Egypt beyond Giza | 4 / 6 | Red Pyramid, Step Pyramid of Djoser, Pyramid of Meidum, Bent Pyramid |
| T3Greek orders | 1 / 4 | The Stadium at Olympia |
| T4Rome and Mesopotamia | 0 / 2 | None yet |
| T5Wider frame | 1 / 2 | Angkor Wat |
| T6New site pages | 0 / 12 | None yet |
- Published
- Next
- Queued
Temples and sites
9 OF 29 PAGES · 17 ON THE SITE · 12 PLANNED
T1 3 / 3T2 4 / 6T3 1 / 4
T4 0 / 2T5 1 / 2T6 0 / 12
Visual upgrades: 0 / 191 units. The full plan also covers evidence, converters, site quality, measurement and reader discovery across 9 phases. See the whole project →
How the collection is organised
Famous pyramids first; comparative sites widen the method.
Eight famous Egyptian pyramids now form a linked comparison set, including explicit stepped and bent-shape assumptions. Nine further sites widen the method across other cultures. Recognition opens the door; measured geometry, native units, negative results, and clearly labelled interpretation determine what each study can responsibly say.
EGMathematical RatiosGiza, EgyptGreat Pyramid of GizaPetrie's reconstructed casing base is separated from the 440-by-280-
cubit model, showing how one practical slope generates the
seked and two celebrated ratio comparisons.Working measureEgyptian royal cubitPattern440 by 280 cubits; 14:11 half-profile; 5½-palm
sekedEGNear 3:4:5 comparisonGiza, EgyptPyramid of KhafreThe published 215 m base and 143.5 m height give a face triangle close to the familiar 3:4:5 model.Model215 m base; 143.5 m heightPatternDerived face; close to 3:4:5, not exactEGPublished dimension modelGiza, EgyptPyramid of MenkaureThe smallest main pyramid at Giza combines a reported base range with a working average for geometric comparison.Model102.2–104.6 m base; 65 m heightPattern103.4 m working average; derived geometryEGPhase-specific envelopeSaqqara, EgyptStep Pyramid of DjoserAt Saqqara, successive enlargements changed a square mastaba into a rectangular six-step pyramid.Model121 × 109.2 m base; c. 60 m heightPatternFinal P2 envelope; two comparison axesEGTwo-slope reconstructionDahshur, EgyptBent PyramidSneferu’s two-slope pyramid: architecture, reported dimensions and separate seked calculations.ModelJones reconstruction: 188.60 m base; 105.07 m heightPatternLower and upper slopes calculated separatelyEGShallow true-pyramid profileDahshur, EgyptRed PyramidOn Dahshur's desert plateau, Sneferu's northern pyramid carries a continuous shallow face above a broad square base.Envelope220 m base; about 105 m original heightFace43.67° reconstructed; seked about 7.33 palmsEGReconstructed smooth formMeidum, EgyptPyramid of MeidumAt the desert edge, Meidum preserves the core of a pyramid enlarged from steps into a smooth envelope. Its cubit comparisons reveal why construction phase and reconstruction matter.ModelAbout 275 × 176 comparative cubitsPatternFinal envelope; separate ideal 275:175 modelEG5⁄3 exploratory matchSaqqara, EgyptPyramid of UnasA small Old Kingdom pyramid whose historical importance lies inside: the earliest surviving royal Pyramid Texts, not a close pi or phi result.Model57.75 m base; 43.00 m heightPatternSlant ratio near 5⁄3 within ±0.5GRContested Greek moduleAthens, GreeceThe Parthenon and AcropolisThe most famous test case for Greek architectural proportion
is also a warning against forcing a preferred foot or golden
ratio onto every dimension.Working measureAttic or other candidate Greek
footPatternA recurring 4:9 family appears in major
dimensions and column spacingITRoman spatial geometryRome, ItalyThe PantheonA spherical interior concept, a vast concrete dome, and Roman
modular practice meet in one of antiquity’s clearest geometric
experiences.Working measureRoman pes and subdivisionsPatternThe 43.30 m interior diameter equals the height
to the dome apexGBSolar geometry and unit debateWiltshire, EnglandStonehengeThe world’s best-known prehistoric stone circle combines
strong solar geometry with the enduring and disputed claim
that megalith builders shared a standard yard.Working measureMegalithic yard hypothesis, 0.829
mPatternConcentric settings and a midsummer-sunrise to
midwinter-sunset axisKHModules and numerical claimsSiem Reap, CambodiaAngkor WatA temple-mountain in a hydraulic landscape, with a published
2.75 metre planning model and a careful distinction between
numerical fit and a fixed Khmer standard.Working measure2.75 m planning modulePatternSeven enclosures, 60:72 model, and proposed
modular readingsEGPhased Egyptian architectureLuxor, EgyptKarnak Temple ComplexA long-lived sacred landscape makes continuity and change in
Egyptian building practice impossible to ignore.Working measureRoyal cubit, palms, and digitsPatternAxial planning and repeated modules vary across
building campaignsIQMesopotamian scaleUr, southern IraqZiggurat of UrMonumental mud-brick architecture connects scribal measures,
brick production, labour, and the managed geometry of
platforms.Working measureNippur-cubit family and nindanPatternTerraces, stairways, brick modules, and
sexagesimal scaleGREvidence gap statedOlympia, GreeceThe Stadium at OlympiaA 600-foot racecourse set within Olympia's sanctuary landscape and ritual route.Working measureOlympic pous and 600-foot stadionResult600 Olympic feet; 192.3 m ± 0.9 m working modelGRRegional Greek moduleAegina, GreeceTemple of AphaiaLess famous than the Parthenon, Aphaia earns its place
because it gives a focused test of a larger regional Greek
foot.Working measureAeginetan pousPatternA regional foot tested against one coherent
temple planTRHellenistic city and landscapeBergama, TürkiyePergamonRecognition yields here to metrological interest: a royal
hill city connects architectural modules, terrain, long sight
lines, and engineered water.Working measurePhiletaeric pousPatternTerraces, steep theatre, sight lines, and
pressure-fed water across a hill city
Beyond one building
When the measured object is the distance between sites.
Eratosthenes’ Alexandria-to-Syene baseline turns route knowledge and stadia into a planetary calculation. The surviving method is brilliant; the exact modern length of his stadion is not settled.
Reading discipline
Every site uses the same three-part test.
Which unit is historically plausible?
Use a sourced regional standard. When the unit is reconstructed, the label and uncertainty remain visible.
What does the pattern establish?
A numerical fit establishes a relationship. Cultural meaning and design intention need additional evidence.