Iktinos

Iktinos was a prominent ancient Greek architect of the Classical period, active in Athens during the mid-5th century BCE. His name, preserved by ancient sources, is associated with several major temple buildings, though biographical details about his life are scarce.

He is best known as the co-architect of the Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens, designed in collaboration with Kallikrates. Construction of the temple occurred during the height of Athenian power in the 5th century BCE, and the Parthenon is celebrated as a culminating achievement of classical architecture. It is noted for its refined proportions, the optical refinements such as entasis, and the combination of a Doric exterior with Ionic details in the frieze and interior elements.

Another temple traditionally attributed to Iktinos is the Temple of Apollo Epikourios at Bassae in Arcadia, built in the latter part of the 5th century BCE. The Bassae temple is renowned for its architectural innovation, including a blend of Doric, Ionic, and possibly Corinthian features and the interior arrangement that accommodated a unique set of column and cella details.

While concrete biographical information about Iktinos is limited, his work is frequently cited in ancient and modern scholarship as representative of major achievements in classical temple design. Ancient writers such as Vitruvius and Pausanias mention him, and his association with the Parthenon in particular has cemented his place in the history of architecture.