Greek Architecture

Ancient Greek and Roman culture left numerous magnificent monuments that attest to the architectural skill of these two civilizations. These monuments remain standing until today which is a good evidence on their knowledge of how to choose building materials, make building formulas, how to design, and other secrets of how to build strong buildings that last for centuries.

Many Greek Temples shared very common floor plans, a central cella housing a shrine to the corresponding god the temple is for. As well as periptural columns, that wrapped around the exterior of the building. Greek floor plans were inspired by the megaron plan, which led to symmetry being a key element in the construction of temples as well. Greeks also were known for using limestone and marble for temples. But during the end of the Archaic period in Ancient Greece

Ancient Greek architecture dates from around 800 BCE when the site of Delphi first obtained a religious significance. The architecture of Ancient Greece has influenced the architecture of the past two millennia most significantly that of Ancient Rome (Hemingway, 2003). Greek architecture influenced Roman architecture in extensive ways, giving that the Romans adopted and incorporated many Greek methods and elements into their own practice. Although the Romans were inspired by the Greek there are still many differences in their architecture most noticeably through materiality. Although the Greeks constructed many types of buildings the most recognisable “Greek” structure is the temple. (Becker, 2015) As stated by Coleen Hemingway in an article for the Metropolitan Museum of Art “ the Greek temple best exemplifies the aims and methods of Greek Architecture”. Whilst exploring such architecture it is necessary to examine the mentality, religious beliefs and driving forces of each civilization. According to Stierlin “Unlike the Greek temple, essentially a structure for the play of light and shade, with little interior space accommodating a small sanctuary, Roman builders typically used arches, vaults, matching domes

Ancient Greek culture had major influences on today’s culture; some of these influences include mathematics, government, art and architecture; they even did research in the field of medicine. Many cultures and religions have adapted their ideas from the ancient Greeks. Without the influences of the ancient Greeks our society wouldn’t be the way it is today. The Greek culture lasted from around 776 BCE to 146 BCE (though it is argued to have begun around 1000 BCE), during this time they invented many technologies and refined old technologies. These things are what caused the ancient Greek culture to be such a powerful influence on western society today.

Greek creators used precise mathematical calculations to establish height, width, and length of their creations. The Greeks put their hard work and effort into creating majestic public buildings as a place for men to meet and discuss politics. Pictured in Document 1 is the Parthenon, “Architecture was very important to the ancient Greeks. One of the most famous examples of Greek architecture is the Parthenon...Modern architecture is often modeled after Greek architecture.” (Document 1) Greek Architecture has influenced modern day architecture in the use of columns, statues inside of buildings, detail to symmetry and geometric proportion. “If two straight lines cut one another the vertical, or opposite, angles shall be equal.” (Document 4) Today all over the United States, you see can find buildings that are modeled after the Ancient Greek architecture. Some examples are seen in capitals of states/countries, colleges/universities, government buildings, and even some houses namely The White

“Greek civilization is alive; it moves in every breath of mind that we breathe; so much of it remains that none of us in one lifetime could absorb it all.” Ancient Greeks are known to be one of the greatest and most advanced people and have left behind a legacy that helped define the Western civilization. Cultural diffusion helped spread Greek culture all over the world, and its effects can still be felt today in almost every aspect. Greek culture has greatly affected different parts of my daily life including architecture, food, government, inventions, music, religion, and education.

Most of the sculptures are made form materials such as limestone, marble and stone. The sculptures main focus is to portray stories of Gods, Heroes, Mythical Creatures and events special to the Greek culture itself. Many countries, like Rome, copied these statues out of respect for the Greeks. The Greeks are thankful for the copies, as they have contributed to maintaining the survival of the sculptures. The first era where Greek art began to flourish was the Mycenaean Art Era, 1550 BC until 1200 BC. The building of gates and tombs were learned during this time. There was an introduction of various metals that were used to create the artwork. The downfall of this era began with approach of The Dark Ages. During this time little artwork was being invented. Innovation was lacking during this period, which many saw a setback in the Greek culture. This setback Era was followed by what is know as the Proto-Geometric Era. It was a time of creativity and wonder as the use of more abstract art came into play. During this time, 900 to 700 BC, many drastic transformations were made. The Greek temples grew bigger, more routes were built to help spread the Greek culture and statues became more detailed. These growths lead to the Archaic Age, which lasted, from 700 BC until 450 BC. This stage is notable for its emergence of human stone statues. Many of these statues were of naked bodies with a smile on their

Even though it’s called Ancient Greece, doesn’t mean that all their ideas and lifestyles are ancient. Greeks have influenced lives today in many ways. They are the base of many different creations. Greeks have influenced the world today through education, architecture, government, and many more things. Many people's ideas are still used today and really affect society and how people live.

This architectural style that teaches the Greek Canon, is based on proportions, symmetries, and measurements that incorporate the temple’s construction measurements to make a more decorated life-style designs (84). However, from this richly decorated reconstruction, the architecture depicts stories of their mythology and their city’s history as a representation of the victory against the Persians in the Peloponnesian war. In addition, one of the most important thing that was structural developed, is implemented by the optical illusion that recreated the Greeks (Cartwright). For example, “The flat floor is not flat at all but convex, higher in the center than it is at the peripheral of the temple” (Cartwright), which resulted in an advance during this time of period to replicate a “perceptual distortions” and to make the lines different from the distance (84). These particularities in the temple incorporates to “the building an air of richness and Greece” to glorify Athens and its human achievements

They wanted the designs of the buildings to be symmetrical to show that the place they worshiped in was of high class. Basically, the columns for the temples are supporting the capital (main brick the sits on top of the column), the frieze which looks like a bandage that wraps around the entire temple. In addition to that the pediment is the triangular shape that gives it the main look. As the Greeks focused on their architectures, the Romans were interested in their work also. The Greeks influenced the Romans, but they didn’t want to have the same buildings as the Greeks.

The Romans used the Greek system of architecture design and modeled many buildings after Greek structures.

“Every piece of Greek building is integral to its overall structure” (Hemingway). The Greek temple generally has an oblong plan and one or more rows of columns surrounding the structure on all four sides. Also, this particular building, usually includes a front and back porch. The interior generally will consist of cult statue and one or more antechambers used to store treasures and other valuables. These structures normally included limestone and marble because at the time of construction for most structures the civilization was at a peak of power involving an increase in wealth. Thus, some of the key components in identifying a structure as a temple would be one or more rows of columns, front porch, back porch, one or more antechambers, and cult statues. These specific features can be used to identify the common name of the structure. All different Greek architecture can be classified as a certain type of structure when identifying key components that can help you to discover the typical name of the specific

Cultures have been able to be identified according to certain characteristics. Different cultures develop different types of architecture that helps to explain a bit about the culture. Ancient Greek architecture is one of the most unique of its kind. The Temple of Athena, also known as the “Old Temple”, was a Greek temple located in Athens, Greece. The temple was built because the goddess Athena was worshiped highly for her victory in war and wisdom. Those who worshiped her, did so in hope of success in the Peloponnesian War fought against the Spartans. The “Old Temple” got its name for having to have been rebuilt several times, after being destroyed. The temple served many purposes and is of great importance to Athens. The temple is of great

The Corinthian order columns are the most extravagant type of column. It was the last column to be developed by the ancient Greeks. The Greeks did not really use this type of column to its full potential, but the ancient Romans did (“Ancient Greece” 3). Some examples of monuments or building that used the Corinthian order consisted of the temple of Zeus at Athens. It was probably the most notable of the Corinthian temples (“Ancient Greece” 3).

There were a few people that could make sculpture. They were an inspiring piece that showed everyone how they represented each others during their time. Greek architecture were during the Archaic Period, roughly 600 to 480 BC. This is one of the periods where practice of fine art in ancient Greece. This was the first time that Greek architects learned to make massive temples out of stone, generally using soft white stones like marble or limestone. During the Archaic Period, two orders of Greek architects emerged. First was the Doric Order, with smooth capitals on the tops of each column and decorations in the superstructure that resembled the ends of wooden beams, a nod to earlier temples. After that came the Ionic Order, with capitals that looked like scrolls and thinner columns. During the sculture time there was architect's that learned how to make massive temples out of stone, generally using soft white stones like marble or limestone. These sculptures were impressive and carried an elegant look during their