Architecture

Even though most of the ancient temples of Greek classical architecture are now in ruins, much is known about their design. One of the most famous temples was the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens (left). In this section on Greek architecture, you will learn about the different styles of architecture and you will have a chance to use our graphics to create your own temple design. The ancient Greeks used three main styles of architecture called the doric, ionic, and corinthian styles. The most identifying characteristic of the different styles is the type of column used in each style. These three styles used different types of columns which are seen below.

A Doric capital.

An Ionic capital.

A Corinthian capital.

Columns- Ancient Greeks used three different types of columns in their architecture. The first columns ever made were constructed of carved wood. They were usually 4 times taller than the width of the column. They also consisted of a fluted shaft. Scientists believe that the Greeks might have been influenced by the Egyptian and near eastern tradition.

The doric column was used in the 7th century B.C. It is the oldest column out of all three types. It has no base and its capital consists mainly of a square slab resting on a rounded disk or cylinder. The doric is also the widest column.

In the sixth century the ionic column was introduced to Greece by the Asians. The ionic has a circular base and a spiral capital. Ionic columns were more elaborate and elegant than the doric. The ionic was later supported by a more elaborate profiled base.

In the Roman times of the 4th century the corinthian column was used. Corinthian columns are the most elaborate kind of column. Corinthian columns were made of many layers of carved acanthus leaves and volutes.

This floor plan shows three steps up from the ground (stereobate), round columns placed around the edges to hold up the roof, and inner walls that form the cella (where the statue of the god or goddess was placed), and the pronaos (a three walled room opening into the cella, and the antis (a three walled room behind the cella.)