The History of Greek Architecture Essays

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

In the tenth century B.C.E., Greek temple was made of ephemeral materials such as wood and mud brick. In the eighth century B.C.E., the Greek architecture begins to move from ephemeral materials to permanent material like stone. In the fifth century B.C.E., the Greek city-states were engaging in the show of resources. An example is the Athenians that invested substantial resources in the building of their temple to honor their gods. In addition, architecture was affected immensely in the process of uplifting the temple in the later century. Greeks re-used temples by remodeling it. Building a new structure on existing

Ancient Greek architecture advanced over hundreds years; starting in the new stone age, and ending in the archaic period. The Greeks are known for their large stone columns and huge stone buildings. Ancient architects are even credited for building one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the statue of Zeus at Olympia. The earliest buildings were

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

Both the Greeks and the Romans made a number of contributions to western culture in the field of architecture, many of which can still be seen to this very day. Architecture played a pivotal role in both the religion and daily life of ancient Greek society. The Greeks produced some of the world’s most enduring architectural monuments, many of which are still standing today. These include the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, and the Temple of Poseidon. Perhaps one of the largest contributions of the ancient Greeks to western civilization in regards to architecture was their development of the three fundamental architectural systems of design, the Doric, Iconic, and Corinthian orders. The following excerpt from an article

Around this time in age things were booming for Ancient Greece, but one thing they don 't go Into too much about is their architecture… which I am here to discuss. Ancient Greek Architecture was very beneficial because they built temples, theatres, and great cities.

As the saying goes, great art is mad with its own loveliness. Over the decades, Greek-inspired architecture has been seen all over the world. Ideas are often borrowed while constructing buildings, monuments, and even houses. Greeks mostly used wood, limestone, unbaked bricks, terracotta and metal for construction. Most architecture were inspired by religion, politics, and form of recreation. Of all designs from Greek architecture three of them have withstood the test of time and their application can be seen today. They include Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian order. However, each order is distinct from the other and one cannot differentiate unless trained. This paper will look at Doric and Corinthian orders while comparing and contrasting them. It will also trace their prevalence and popularity throughout history.

Architectural monuments can be interpreted in many unique ways; writings from historical voices allow visions into ancient architecture. The Temple of Zeus at Olympia was built in 470-457 B.C., and is a very classic example of a doric style temple. In a short description by ancient geographer Pausanias, The Temple of Zeus is described quite plainly and equitably. Described in strongest detail are the carved friezes and pediment statues with exact numbers and materials. Pausanias’s description of the temple is much more informational compared to some architectural interpretations written around the same time. Although not describing the temple in a poetic and artistic way, Pausanias illustrates a clear picture

Columns, as noted, were a prominent feature of Roman architecture, which was drawn from the Greeks. Although Rome did not copy Greek columns exactly, “Greek influence is evident in the use of columns,”18 nevertheless, which is to be expected since Romans greatly admired Greek columns.19 Rome also adopted the Greek's mortar and ashlars.20 Additionally, since Greeks believed “that beauty lies in mathematical harmony,” Greek influence is seen in Imperial temples which contained set, mathematical ratios of design. As noted, when Rome began producing sculpture, they began producing Hellenistic-influenced idealistic sculptures.21 The reversion to older Greek forms is not a surprise if one considers Rome's admiration for Greek sculpture. Such admiration of Greek sculpture is evidenced by Rome's copying of Greek sculptures, such as the Venus di Milo.22

The temples in ancient Greece were the biggest and most beautiful structures. At the temples they would give thanks to the Gods. Greek architecture represents order and harmony. The Greek Gods and Goddesses also represented order and harmony. For example, the Greek Goddess of wisdom, Athena, had a temple built in her honor. This temple is known as the Parthenon. The Greeks built the temple to replace the old one that was destroyed by the Persians. The new temple was built to thank Athena for the cities success. In these temples the Greeks would build huge sculptures of the God or Goddess in their human form. The sculptures would also depict important stories of the Gods or Goddess. The Greeks also started writing poems about the Gods and Goddesses. This is another way the Greeks shared the stories of the Gods. The Ancient Greeks also made pottery. On the pottery they painted murals of scenes. These scenes depict life in Greece; they also show scenes of the Gods and Goddesses. The pottery is the best way historians have to look into the Ancient Greece

The building of this temple demonstrated the development of the Doric style from its earliest stage through various refinements as the Greeks became more comfortable with building in stone. Built in c. 560 BC, its architecture influenced many other cities and boosted communal identity. It had nine columns at the ends and eighteen on the side. It was made of local limestone, which also influenced an outward image of an adequate Greek temple. The columns and capitals were characteristic of Archaic Greek architecture, whereas the columns were squatty with a strong entasis and the flaring echinus and square abacus were over-sized. The temple was wider than most Greek temples, probably because there were two doors and a row of seven columns running centrally inside the cella or inner sanctuary. This may have reflected a dual dedication of the temple. This style of Doric temple was early, for the central row of columns divided the naos in half, or in two aisles, eliminating a clear view of the cult statue in the center. In addition, the central columns necessitated an odd number of columns across the front and three columns, rather than two in antis, made a central doorway impossible. Inscriptions and terracotta statuettes revealed that the goddess worshiped there was Hera. Later, an altar was unearthed in front of the temple, in the open-air site usual for a Greek altar. This was most likely an area where the faithful could attend rites and sacrifices without entering the cella, creating an area of general community unification. Based on the history of social stratification during this time and estra-mural cemeteries showing evidence for varying level of wealth, it makes since that certain areas of the temple, such as the cella, were not reachable by the specific people or the general public. The city of Paestum’s identity was greatly

Most other civilizations used columns as a support but the ancient Greeks, followed by the ancient Romans used them on the outside for decoration. The ancient Greeks made three classical orders of columns followed by the romans which made two more. Architecture orders Ancient Greece Architecture is based around three orders.

In terms of architecture, the concept of balance is again seen to be very important. Greek temples were designed and constructed according to one of three orders: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Each order is characterized by the height of the columns and the complexity of the column capitals. This system of design made a permanent impact on the architecture of future civilizations. Classically-inspired buildings around the world continue to make use of these styles today.

The Doric architectural style, which originated around 400 BCE, was more austere and formal and consisted of a cylinder type shape. Doric columns usually consisted of vertical lines running through the column. As for the Ionic style, it was more elegant. The columns were taller, more delicate and more decorative and relaxed. The Ionic column also was engraved with vertical lines but unlike Doric column, it had a scroll-like capital. Each architectural style was used in constructing buildings, theatres and temples. The Doric style was predominantly applied in mainland Greece. The Ionic style was applied in Ionia and the Aegean islands. The styles are mostly reflected in the three orders of column capitals, bearing different decoration and design features. The examples of the Doric order are the Parthenon Athens and Temple of Hephaestus. In turn, the Iconic monuments include the temple of Athena Nike on the Acropolis and the Erechtheum. The Ionic order gained dominance during the Hellenistic period, however was prone to a great deal of resistance by many Greek

Ancient Greek architecture was very intricately made and well thought out. The Greeks used different methods and reasonings behind their architecture because they made sure that their pieces were exquisitely made to represent the things they thought were important. They valued their Gods and their worship of the Gods. It was important for them to always represent or have symbolic meaning behind all of their architectural designs. There are many hidden symbols that are involved in Greek architecture like trees, trophies, leaves, hair, and sacrifices to name a few. Greek architecture includes these hidden symbols to worship Gods, and to represent culture in their pieces.