Modern investigations Didyma

a frieze on base of column

german excavations made between 1905 , 1930 revealed of incomplete new temple , carved fragments belonged earlier temple , associated statues. in 1979 came biggest discovery german archaeological institute. on left wall of adyton, small thin scratched lines discovered. closer examination brought first ancient blueprint of temple life. starting after entrance on area of 200 square metres (2,200 sq ft) blueprints , calculated estimate. discovery , interpretation made lothar haselberger led important information planning , building phase of apollo temple, notably that, in addition meticulous use of geometry in scribing profiles of mouldings, architect permitted himself intuitive adjustments, guided, not bound, strict obligations imposed on him traditional geometry of design; transcended these self-imposed rules whenever aesthetics demanded. today known 3 different contractors worked until end. 3 had responsibility material on site, place stones, , first refinement. after that, small part left on every placed block, small cachet special sign of contractor indicated particular block not yet paid for. further on, inscriptions led information 1 column have taken 20,000 workdays complete 1 mason. there more masons working per column, sake of calculation: daily income of stonemason 2 drachmas, cost of approx. 8.6 grams of silver. information 1 can calculate bare craftsmanship cost of 1 column, 20,000 workdays × 8.6 grams of silver, equalling equivalent cost of 172 kilograms (379 lb) of silver.