Greek architecture
Greek architecture refers to the ancient buildings designed and developed by the ancient Greek cities and civilizations that existed throughout the Greek mainland, Peloponnese, Aegean Islands, and Greek colonies in Anatolia and Italy. These buildings were constructed as early as 900 BCE until the first century CE, though most of the earliest remaining works from the period date to around 600 BCE.
Ancient Greek architecture encompasses everything from monumental stone temples to domestic houses.
The Greeks have had a profound legacy in philosophy, politics, art, science, and architecture. Their architectural advancements can be divided into multiple periods such as the Mycenaean Age, the Greek Dark Age, the Greek Archaic period, the Greek Classical Age, and the Hellenistic period. Each period brought significant changes to Greek architecture. The archaic period saw the development of columns, sloped roofs, and porticoes. The Classical Period saw the maturation of Greek design and the creation of famous structures such as the Parthenon.
The three styles
Greek architecture is part of classical architecture, which includes Roman architecture. The Greek style is known for its uniformity, simplicity, proportions, and harmony. They built various public buildings, including theaters, stadiums, and temples to honor the Olympic gods. However, Greek temples were often not necessary for worship; the altar was the most important element. Temples were only necessary if they housed a statue of a cult god.
In ancient Greek architecture, there are three distinct styles of column-based design known as the classical orders: the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Each order has unique characteristics such as differing proportions and decorative details. The entablature is the superstructure of moldings and bands that lies horizontally across the columns, and it is subdivided into three parts: the architrave, the frieze, and the cornice.
The three classical orders of ancient Greek architecture are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The Doric order has simple, unadorned columns without a base and it was used mainly in mainland Greece and areas to the west. The Ionic order has slender columns with spiral scroll-like ornaments and a continuous horizontal frieze. The Corinthian order is the most ornate and sleek, with decorative capitals that include acanthus leaves. It was favored during the Hellenistic period and is mostly visible in Italy now.
Greek architecture trademarks
Ancient Greek architecture is fascinating for its optical refinements, entasis, and curvature, which correct optical distortions. Entasis involves a slight swelling in the middle of the shaft, while curvature refers to having no straight lines in monumental stone Greek architecture. These refinements not only correct optical distortions but also give the architecture vitality.