Which ancient civilization identified a key ratio for aesthetic purposes, noted as 1:1.618?

The ancient civilization that identified the key ratio of 1:1.618 for aesthetic purposes is the Greeks. This ratio is known as the Golden Ratio, which has been explored and utilized extensively in various fields, particularly in art, architecture, and design. The Greeks believed that this ratio represented an ideal balance and proportion, which could be found throughout nature and was aesthetically pleasing to the human eye.

Notable examples of the application of the Golden Ratio in Greek architecture include the Parthenon in Athens, where the proportions and dimensions reflect this harmonious ratio. The Greeks’ fascination with mathematics and beauty laid the groundwork for principles that are still applied in modern design.

Other civilizations may have their own architectural and aesthetic philosophies, but it is the Greeks who are primarily credited with formalizing the concept of the Golden Ratio as a standard for beauty and proportion.