The Golden Ratio: Nature's Hidden Perfect Number

3. Historical Significance: Ancient Civilizations and the Golden Ratio

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With proof of its awareness and use in the writings of ancient civilisations, the golden ratio's impact on human culture and philosophy extends thousands of years. This part looks at how various civilisations throughout history have found, used, and venerated this enigmatic proportion, therefore influencing philosophy, architecture, and art. One of the first civilisations to use the golden ratio in its works was ancient Egypt, noted for its magnificent building and sophisticated mathematical expertise. Although discussions about the deliberate application of the golden ratio in Egyptian construction persist, some scholars contend that the Great Pyramid of Giza's dimensions show golden ratio ties. The pyramid's slant height to half its base ratio is shockingly close to the golden ratio, implying that ancient Egyptian builders would have known of this particular proportion. The golden ratio entered both mathematics and philosophy in ancient Greece. Around 300 BCE, the mathematician Euclid produced the earliest known documented formulation of the golden ratio in his work "Elements." Emphasising its special mathematical features, he called it the "extreme and mean ratio." Considered to have deliberately applied the golden ratio in his works, notably the renowned Parthenon, Greek artist Phidias From its general measurements to the smallest elements of its facade, the proportions of this famous temple have been examined and revealed to show many examples of the golden ratio. In ancient Indian mathematics and architecture, the golden ratio also was rather important. Ancient Indian mathematical writings known as the Sulba Sutras, which span 800–200 BCE, feature structures that roughly follow the golden ratio. The golden ratio is common in Indian architecture in the dimensions of temples and in the construction of mandalas, holy geometric patterns applied in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Interest in the golden ratio revived during the Renaissance. Published in 1509, Italian mathematician Luca Pacioli "De Divina Proportione" (The Divine Proportion) investigated the mathematical and artistic qualities of the golden ratio. Leonardo da Vinci's illustrations served to spread the idea among thinkers and artists of the day. Many of Da Vinci's paintings, including the well-known "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper," supposedly employ the golden ratio. The golden ratio's appeal persisted into the contemporary age. German psychologist Adolf Zeising put forward in the 19th century that the golden ratio was a universal law able to explain harmony and beauty in nature and art. Many of the artists and architects of the day were inspired by his work, which sparked a fresh enthusiasm in using the golden ratio into design guidelines. The golden ratio has historical relevance beyond its uses in building and art. Many civilisations have given this percentage metaphysical or spiritual meaning. Golden ratios were connected in ancient Greece with divine harmony and beauty. According to certain studies, knowledge of the golden ratio might have been included into the hidden lessons of mystery schools in many ancient civilisations. The golden ratio's worldwide appeal is shown by the ongoing fascination in it over many civilisations and eras. Whether seen as a mathematical curiosity, a secret to aesthetic beauty, or a basic principle of nature, the golden ratio has regularly captivated human imagination. Its historical relevance goes beyond its pragmatic uses to include its capacity to offer a seductive view of the fundamental order in the universe by bridging the domains of science, art, and philosophy.