The distinctive point
A rounded model, with a declared allowance
The working factor comes from a reported Olympia course length and a proposed 600-foot count. Its uncertainty allowance is selected by this site; it is not a survey error quoted by Penrose.
Basis: stadium-survey. Check the record source.
- smallerAttic pous1.0839 × Attic pous
- largerPhiletaeric pous1/1.0296 of Philetaeric pous
The working model
This catalogue uses 0.3205 m per Olympic pous, a rounded working factor. Penrose reports a 192.27 m stadium and discusses a 600-foot count; division gives 0.32045 m per foot. The catalogue’s ±0.0015 m allowance and medium-confidence label are site choices, not a source survey error or a statistical confidence level.
Evidence of use and sources
Penrose, Principles of Athenian Architecture (1888), p. 123, reports the course and temple upper-step comparison. The proposed ancient counts remain reconstruction assumptions. Read the appendix page
Working definition
Olympic pous is modelled here as a Greek length standard associated with Olympia and Olympia as a working model; its period range is catalogue scope. The converter uses a representative value of 0.3205 m per unit.
How to use it
This value is a contextual research aid, not a universal ruler. Its catalogue basis is recorded as stadium survey with medium confidence; the numerical factor is a rounded reconstruction, and the broad period range is catalogue scope, not evidence of continuous use. Rounded working factor; see the source comparison and declared allowance.
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