Invited Lecture – Ancient Methods, Modern Science: Restoring the Parthenon’s West Pediment

In recent years, the West Pediment of the Parthenon has undergone a systematic scientific restoration to repair centuries of historical damage. These efforts culminated in March 2026 with the placement of the 7th orthostate as a closure block (katafragi), restoring the tympanum’s complete architectural form and structure for the first time since 1802.

The lecture “Ancient Methods, Modern Science: Restoring the Parthenon’s West Pediment” explores the complex, multidisciplinary restoration of one of classical antiquity’s most iconic structures.

It begins with an architectural analysis revealing new details about the pediment’s design and structural composition, followed by an assessment of its centuries-long pathology and decay. The presentation then highlights research conducted by the Service of Restoration of the Acropolis Monuments (YSMA) between 2008 and 2026.

This research employed precise geometric studies to reconstruct missing orthostates and structural analysis to replicate the authentic load-bearing behavior of the ancient clamping system.

Finally, the lecture details the physical execution of the project, emphasizing the extraordinary craftsmanship of master masons who combined manual stone-carving techniques with specialized transport and positioning equipment on site.