Final answer:
The Parthenon is the epitome of Greek classical style due to its symmetrical design, the use of the golden ratio, and optical refinements that created a harmonious and balanced architecture reflective of ancient Greek values of beauty and perfection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Parthenon is considered the epitome of Greek classical style for its harmonious and perfectly proportioned architecture, which embodies characteristics admired in ancient Greek culture. Its designers, Iktinos and Kallikrates, used optical refinements like the slight curving of the entire structure and the precise placement of decorative elements like metopes and triglyphs to achieve symmetria, a belief in harmony and balance. Moreover, figure 7.6.1 shows a contemporary view of the Parthenon, highlighting its classical elements.
The structure's peripteral design, a surrounding row of columns, and meticulously planned interior, including a small pronaos and a large opisthodomos for the treasury of the Delian League, showcase the excellence of ancient Greek engineering and aesthetic sense. The Acropolis, where the Parthenon stands, is home to other renowned buildings like the Erechtheion with its caryatids, which together with the Parthenon demonstrate the zenith of classical Greek architecture.
The principles of Greek art, which celebrate perfection and balance, are evident in the Parthenon's utilization of the golden ratio, contributing to the building's pleasing aesthetics. The Parthenon not only served as a religious temple to Athena but also as a statement of human potential and achievement, revered both in Antiquity and in the modern era as represented by human spirit generally. Overall, the Parthenon's design and construction reflect a dedication to artistic humanism, depicting the human form at its finest and radiating the splendor of Athens during its pinnacle.