During the Classical Greek architecture period, there were three main styles of architecture.  The three orders were the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders.  The orders are known for their column style.  The Doric and Ionic orders were used more often then the Corinthian.  The Corinthian order was not used as much because it had so much detail.  Thus there is very little information on this order.

            The most basic order was the Doric order.  The Spartans used Doric architecture.  It starts with wood shafts, which were later replaced by stone.  There were circular pads on top of the shafts, with square blocks over them.  The vertical columns supported beams called architraves.  To form the ceiling, other beams were laid across the building with their ends on the architraves.  The ends of theses beams would be channeled to make a triglyph.  On top of the triglyph, there would be another beam, which would be placed in the overhanging rafters.  These beams were referred to as mutules.  The finishing touches for the roof had flat gables called pediments.  A gutter ran along the top of these pediments and into the lion's mouth.  The lion acted like a drain.  The roofs were made of thatch, terra cotta, and marble.

            The final order is the Ionic order.  Their columns were more slender than those of the Doric order.  Their dimensions were eight to nine meters high instead of four of five.  These columns had a molded base that was placed under them and then sculpted figures were added to the bottom.  At the top of the shafts were rectangular blocks of stone that were carved in the shape of hair or other wave and line shapes. 

Information From:

http://library.thinkquest.org/10098/greek.htm