Ancient and modern approaches to public works management

This article examines the management of public works in Ancient Greece in comparison with modern project management methodologies, with the aim of investigating whether basic principles of modern project management were present in ancient practices. Through qualitative and comparative analysis of emblematic public works, such as the Parthenon and the Tunnel of Eupalinos, organizational structures, governance mechanisms, cost control practices, quality requirements, and accountability systems are explored in their historical and institutional context. Modern international project management standards (PMBOK, PRINCE2 and ISO 21500) are leveraged as conceptual reference frameworks rather than normative models, allowing for the identification of analogies without out-dated interpretations. The findings show that public works in Ancient Greece were implemented within structured institutional systems, with distinct phases, public financial oversight, collective decision-making, and strong social and political accountability. The study highlights the timelessness of basic principles of project management and offers theoretical and critical reflections on the modern practice of public works.